xxxxx X2

Remember those unexpected adventures I mentioned in my last post? ...Well last Wed. Ian and I were making plans for the evening, Kali ran in from the backyard and yells Pax just fell off his bike.  Yes, he is only 15+ months, but he thinks he can do whatever his brother and sister are doing, including riding bikes that is.  Needless to say he fell off his little tike bike onto McKay's bike putting a nice laceration in his head.  I was glad Ian was home... things like this are much better when he is home, I didn't go into medicine for a reason. Ian would have liked to stitch him up right there on the kitchen counter, but with no lidocaine we figured the ER would be a little better.

But hey it wasn't so bad, especially with your best friends by your side... (and they got to watch  Despicable Me while waiting)  :)

Plus, he got Popsicle when it was done.

So McKay stayed with Pax and his dad and watched them stitch up his little brother's head (he likes to be Ian's helper when Ian practices his suturing, in fact he is usually the one who asks to get the suturing board out).  I on the other hand would rather not be in the room.  I took Kali with me and went for a little walk.  While we were waiting I did a little math, and figured there was only a 5 day difference between Pax's age and McKay's age when they each got their first stitches.  ....a little ironic.  I don't have any pics of McKay's first battle wound, I think I was a little too traumatized by the severity of his wound (his lip was completely severed) or maybe it was because I didn't have a camera on me 24/7 like I do now. ...but here's the little man a month or so afterwards (if you zoom in you can see the scar above his lip.

So as much as I would like this post to end right here, well it doesn't.  Here's the X2 .... We took Paxton's stitches out on Sunday before we headed to go see one of Ian's "boys" who is leaving on a mission this week.  We were visiting with friends and Pax was by our side, suddenly smack! ..He slipped, landing right on his newly unstitched wound... and his head was split open again. ... well, a lot more blood later, with a mom who gets crazy weird headaches at the sight (has to do with seeing a fatal accident or something), and a dad who just wishes he had more of the right suture and lidocaine to just fix it himself, Pax ends up back at the ER getting it stitched up again.  This time he fell asleep while they were stitching him up... He really is quite the tough guy.

The good news is, at least he'll have a totally cool scar to brag about when he is older. :)

Back track...

Some pretty great events have happened over the past few months that I have failed to put in this little book of rememberance.  And although these things have long since happened, they should not be forgotten :).

Our little Pax man is walking like a crazy man now.  He took his first steps right to his dad!  I thought it was pretty awesome, because it happened when we went to see Ian while he was away on his externships.  ...and the great part is, he didn't walk again until Ian returned home in Dec.  He started walking pretty regularly about Christmas time, and now he is trying to run... besides running, he always is carrying a ball around.

McKay is shining in Kindergarten and often brings home awards that he has received.  My favorite was the recognition he received for being the most responsible kinder.  I felt it described McKay perfectly by saying *he uses self-control, *thinks before he acts, *considers the consequences, *does what he is suppose to, and *is accountable for his choices.  He was pretty excited about the prizes he got to go with it, as well as another assembly.  He is such a good kid! I'm glad it isn't just me that thinks so :).

And our princess Kali... well she had a very big day as well, having her first dance performance in a "big girl" dance class (meaning mom doesn't do it or even get to be in the class with her).  Every time I would peek in on her though, I saw a huge smile on her face.  That was enough for me to know that it was worth it.  She took tap and ballet and I got more video of her performances then pictures, but here are a few sweet ones.

my personal fave is the underware line :) 

and I caught this little smile while she was dancing in the mirror... How I love little girls and mirrors and dancing....

Some how she just knows how to dance her way into our hearts. 

 Even with all of the craziness, messes, disasters, crying, and unexpected adventures... we love having these great kids around our house.  Their smiles, their laughter, their excitement, their achievements, their big hugs, kisses, and pinky promises, just make everything worth it!

Hopeful...

Kali is hoping that it's not true!

...at our house, you never know. :)

Champion!

Ian’s favorite book is a book he read as a teenager titled “Think Like a Champion.”  I myself have not read the entire book, but I have read a few chapters and segments.  Chapter 2, focuses on acknowledging fans, or those special people who are there to see you perform.  It reminds us that “every tiny positive action you take will be magnified a hundred fold by your fans.”  So today as one of Ian’s greatest fans, I’m going to take a minute and do just that. It is his birthday anyway, so it is totally legal to do so :).

Ian is one of the hardest workers I have ever known.  He doesn’t claim to be smart (although I know he is) he says he just works hard.  Yes, he does.  He has sacrificed hundreds of hours of sleep to study.  He doesn’t quit when some may say it is quitting time.  He gives more.  I don’t know how he does it, but he just keeps working at it, with no shortcuts, till he gets it!  His hard work led him to be a great basketball player in high school, scoring 40 some points in his last season game as a senior… including 11 three pointers.  His hard work led him to be a leader as a missionary.  His hard work got him through his undergrad in three years instead of four.  And his hard work has led him to scholarships and a top academic rank in medical school.  If he wants to accomplish something, watch out he is going to work his tail end off until he achieves it!

Ian is a family man!  I love that so much, more than anything really!  He would rather spend time with me and his kids then “hang out with the guys.”  He never skipped out on family time because of a big test.  Everyday our kids run out the door squealing cheers of joy because their dad is home.  He makes life fun for our family, he puts his family first, he is consistent.  He tickles his kids, makes them respect their mom, and never forgets to have family prayer. He dances with his princess.  I love watching him be a dad, our children are very blessed to have him, and I feel even more so.

Ian is honest.  That means a lot to me.

Ian is confident, but doesn’t brag.  I do it for him :)

Ian knows how to help people laugh, especially if a situation becomes uncomfortable.    He can be as serious as a heart attack (insider) and we all die laughing.  And he can calm my spit fire when I need it.  He is a great impersonator, and has some amazing facial expressions.  He also knows how to use humor to deflect criticism.  All of this plus much more, leads to a fun person to be around. 

Ian honors womanhood.  He has never criticized me or made me feel insecure or inferior.  He respects and honors virtue.  He despises the scum and base things of the world.  Not too many men can say that these days.

Ian is fun loving.  He loves to surprise people, especially me.  Usually it is with a gift or fun activity, but sometimes it is with cold water in the shower or down my back.  He loves seeing a surprised face. :)

I love that Ian is his true self.  If you don’t like him, oh well.  He is who he is, and stands up for what he believes. 

I love that when Ian was called to work with the young men in church, the ym that were seated up front started giving props all around.  (yes, they were at the sacrament table too… oops :)) but it just made my heart happy to see others’ love and appreciation for him too (especially from 16 and 17 year old boys).  He is a fantastic teacher.

Ian CAN'T hold a grudge.  He just can't do it, even if I want him to.  :).  It doesn't mean everyone is his best friend, but if you are a jerk to him, he won't hold it against you.  ...He will just laugh it off and choose to not give you a chance to let it get to him.

One of my favorite memories this past year was going to go see him in Seattle.  As I was coming down the elevator with Pax on my back, I saw him… waiting anxiously to see me.  Our reunion was sweet.  I had missed him so much.  That weekend was so fun.  I love being around him, and I miss him so much when he is gone. 

    

Ian is my best friend.  He forgives my weaknesses, and makes me want to be better.  He always makes sure I know he loves me.  He holds my hand. He makes me happy. I love being married to someone who not only knows how to think like a champion, but he acts like one too.  

Our whole family agrees that you are the #1 dad, and that is the #1 that matters most to us. We love you Ian!  Happy Birthday!  I'm so glad you have finally caught up to me.  I have been 29 for several years now :) We can finally grow old together :)

Shades!

Ian just finished his last interview (minus his call back rounds tomorrow, hooray!) We are so proud of him! And  some people think Friday the 13th is unlucky, well not at our house!  Props for all of his hard work!
All I can say is....

"THE FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT, WE GOTTA WEAR SHADES!"

Great Job Ian! Go kick some more trash tomorrow! :)

Cool Whip

Pax was quite pleased with himself when he found the cool whip container...

Pax ~ 15 months

Kind of like another little boy I know who felt the same way...

McKay ~ 18 + months

They must be brothers or something! 

Serenity

Like Father, Like Son....

Or is it that he is more of a Mama's Boy?

Either way we all love it, and it seems that we have found a little peace of home here outside the city limits.  McKay has already strengthened his arms in the last week that we have been shooting.  He is awesome. For me, I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy archery, it is fun to have my bow out again.  Of course anything associated with hunting is Ian's favorite remedy when he needs a break, so it works out perfect! It seems we have found our serenity in the desert this past week.

After Christmas Fun

As fun as Christmas was, the day after was just as, if not a little more enjoyable for Ian and I... only because we had a decent night's sleep and WE got to PLAY with the new toys. :)  We went for a picnic and started teaching McKay how to shoot his bow... definitely a great day for our little family!

Mustering all his strength... using a compound bow isn't as easy as you might think.

Pax is practicing up with McKay's "inside" bow. :)

 And little Kali (our little fashion queen) loved it as well.

We even dusted off my bow, and I think Ian was a little surprised that I even knew how to hit the target. :)  ...my hidden talents, lol!

And thanks be to this great guy, for helping everyone have such a fun day!

Since then, we have been shooting several times, and even busted out the paintball guns.  Which I think has become Kali's favorite. :) And the good news is, we have plans to go several more times as long as the weather permits us. 

2012

Do you see that title?

2012! 

 It is here!  We have talked about "2012" for I don't know how many years, and here it is!  I have a feeling it is going to be a very exciting year! :)

Happy New Year!

We hope you are as excited for this coming year as we are.

Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve Train 2011

 This year the kids had a great time making their own train cars.  They didn't need any help from us (McKay helped Pax) and it was fun to see their little works of art.  McKay's included a set of pics that he titled Signs of Jesus' Birth.  :)

Basically if you want the short version, the next two pictures say it all:

Christmas Morning before the kids woke up 

(note the time on the clock, Santa worked into the early morning this year).

 Christmas morning after the kids woke up:

But for those of you interested in a few more details (like I know the grandmas are) here are a few more of my fave pics :)

Paxton.... Pax wasn't so happy that we woke him up I guess, or else he just wasn't into Christmas this year. A little stinker, but hopefully next year he will catch on with more enthusiasm :)

 So he spent most of the morning content with his blanket watching.

 Kali... Kali was tickled pink with everything, especially her pink motorcycle.

and perhaps my most favorite was this... McKay so excited for Kali to open the present he gave her, and Kali pleased as can be with the present he chose for her (Strawberry Shortcake RC none-the-less).  Isn't that what Christmas is all about?!

McKay... I don't think McKay could have smiled any bigger!  But that is what happens when your'e such a good kid that Santa brings you just want you want :) ...A REAL bow and arrows!

 The bigger, the heavier, the better :)

 Seriously, his expressions with every present are awesome!

Ian reading to the kids about a special gift... they didn't catch on at first, but were very excited when they realized that we get to go to Disney 2Xs this next year!

And finally we let them tear into the "giant" gift

...which was empty, but lead them to the garage

Where they found this :)

 and I think the little motor has been running since!

Alas after all the craziness, we made it just in time for our 9:00 sacrament service with three happy and handsome/cute kiddos in tow

It was a beautiful Christmas morning indeed! (Paxton finally decided to give us a smile... under the pacifier of course :))

Holiday Happenings

Oh how we love the holiday season!  It is full of magic, excitement, generosity, fun, parties, lights, yummy treats..... etc.  I honestly could post something everyday that makes me giggle, kind of like this:

(at least she has her apron on :))

or that warms my heart like these:

(random gifts the kids wrapped and put under the tree ALL BY THEMSELVES)

or brings a smile to my face like this:

an indoor snowball fight...in the kitchen none-the-less 

(that's what you do when you live in the desert):

  

(snow angel included :)

Yes, this, plus hearing my kids break out into Christmas songs in the middle of the store or on a train ride, along with our kitchen turned bakery with gallions of holiday syrup, pumpkin bread, homemade doughnuts, and a zillion dipped pretzels and sprinkled cookies, to our nightly Christ story and Christmas song, as well as letting our kids run the neighbor presents in while we die laughing in the car watching them stand there in an awkward silence after they have already said "Merry Christmas" but don't know what to say after that (yay that we no longer have to do it, its awesome having kids old enough to do the running)... all combine to make the season!  How we LOVE it! ...We LOVE it! Christmas is the best! ...now if only it would get here!

Christmas Cuties

Kali was so excited to be invited to the "big girl" Christmas Cookie Party!!  I can't tell you how fun it was for her to get to go.  The morning of I stitched up a little apron for her and she was off for a fabulous time, surrounded by a super great group of girls, and talented women.

Indeed, I believe it was a morning of giggles...

 Sweetness....

 and SPRINKLES!!!!

Yes, Kali left an impressive trademark on all her work, more SPRINKLES then cookie or frosting.  

It really was impressive sprinkle work if I do say so myself.  According to Kali, you can NEVER have too many sprinkles. :)  I aspire to some day acquire the talents of "Sister Berfensen" to be able to host a party as awesome as this.  It looked like so much fun and according to Kali that is exactly what it was!