True to Tristie

1/1/08

sealing the boys

Last Saturday, I went to Manti to see my sister's twins be sealed to her and her husband. It was so neat and the Spirit was there strong. The rest of her kids got to be there in the temple, too. I think that was a cool thing for them and an experience they will all remember. I am so glad I was able to go (and that all the babysitting arrangements fell into place). We are so happy to have the boys apart of our forever family!

our Christmas story

'Twas the 23rd of December, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The children were nestled all snug by the tree
In Grandpa & Grandma's new addition they just finished, YIPPEE!

And then on Christmas Eve we began the celebration,
With the birthday girl getting presents from every relation.

Grandpa's efforts were futile in teaching Mack to crawl--
But Mack could puke on his Dad in no time at all.

The babies were dressed up from their heads to their feet,
And all the games being played made this Christmas Eve complete.

The next morning we woke up to a beautiful sight
Out the window, the world was covered in white.
As the children posed for a picture by the tree,
The anticipation of their presents filled them with glee.

The stockings were hung by the railing so neat
Filled with peppermints, oranges, and chocolatey treats.
With not a moment to lose, the kids dug right in--
A CARS truck for Hunter; for Preslie, some twins.

Even Baby Mack was having quite a ball
He got 2 packs of diapers, the best gift of all!

Later on in the evening came big Sis with her crew,
And those of us with one baby wonder how she does it with two!

Everyone loved baby Zya's big smiles,
And all her cute outfits; her mama dresses her in style.

And what family gathering would be as complete
If it didn't include some death defying feat?
While the babies were warm inside all dressed in their sleepers,
Little Bro was outside making his snow jump a little steeper...

This Christmas was grand, and the company was great,
Here's wishing all our loved ones the best in 2008!

12/22/07

So Berry FUN

Dax and I hosted the Berry funnest birthday party today for Little Babe. Three days before Christmas (and the final Saturday before, too) and every person she invited came. I guess it is 2 free hours for a parent to do stuff with one less kid in tow.

Dax made, frosted, and decorated the cake-- a very cute job, I might add. He totally saved the day-- the party could not have happened without him. We played games and did presents. Holy cow, it must be the giving season--Preslie made out like a bandit.

I had to post 2 group shots, just cause I think they are cute. We decorated these Strawberry Shortcake hats and wore the glasses. And I have no idea what my son is doing in the second pic. As this was my second kid birthday party, I've learned a couple things:

1. It is slightly more tricky to throw a party if there are boys and girls. For instance, girls like to decorate hats, boys do not, hence the photo. And if you are going to have prizes, get a few more than you need and some generic ones. I made the mistake of getting 2 "boy" prizes and I knew I was in trouble when one darling little girl saw the prize bucket and said, "Oh! I love Hot Wheels!"
2. Keep it simple. Last year, we had a Royal Ball for Preslie's party and went all out. It was tons of work and a complete blast. This year, we spent a fourth as much money and even less time and still had a complete blast.
3. Let them play. The activities and games are great, but playing is where they have the most fun and get to know each other better. And the birthday kid just got a bunch of new toys so ta-da!, you're set.

12/19/07

daddy's boy

This is probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. This baby is in love with his dad. It is SO adorable to watch Mack smile so big and talk and gurgle and almost start to laugh when Dax talks to him. I can hardly get a smile out of Mack anymore! He only has eyes for his dad right now, and I think it is so darn cute!

12/18/07

Gingerbread House

My kids have been asking every day (it seems like) when are we going to make a gingerbread house. I just couldn't bring myself to make one this year. Well, thank goodness for blogging because I saw that my friend just buys the kit that comes with everything. So I picked up the kit at Wal-Mart for $7.97. This is just my way of trying to simplify my life, one gingerbread house at a time. What a fast, easy, and comparatively inexpensive way to do a gingerbread house! WHEW! Thanks Wal-Mart! And thank you fellow Blogger!