So I'm entering Gabe in Regis and Kelly's Beautiful Baby contest....since I DO have the worlds most beautiful baby! What do you think? Does he have your vote?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Another layout
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Yup - I did another one. While I was getting ready to go upstairs after working on the last one I thought - ok - I'll try just one more. And it came together pretty quickly. The journaling on this one reads:
This afternoon you had so much fun running around outside on the grass, playing with rocks on the ground and just being a big boy. I was sad that the weather is getting colder because I know you love being outside. Hopefully this Spring you’ll get to play outside a lot!
2006 Year in Review - layout
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YIKES! I don't know how long it's been since I've put together a digital (or paper) scrapbook layout....way too long! So I put together a quick layout of pictures of Gabe. They are mostly pictures from the 7th of each month - so it chronicles the changes each month. And though he's grown up a lot in the last year, he's still a pretty darn cute little kid, and I can't believe it's been a year! The journaling reads:
What a year 2006 was for you! You learned how to sit up, roll over, eat solid foods, scoot, crawl, pull yourself up on things, climb the stairs, walk, play with toys, laugh, give wonderful kisses, take good naps - but most of all, you’ve mastered the art of melting my heart!
Cravings (aka - things that don't make me sick)
So I was thinking about it the other day, and it's funny - I go through these phases where certain foods are the ONLY thing that appeal to me. Anything else turns my stomach, and ends in nasty results. And I'll find one thing and go with it - until it makes me sick, and then it gets bumped to the yucky list. There have been 2 things that I have LOVED through this pregnancy so far (and it doesn't seem to be changing any time soon) - popscicles (particularly banana), and Icee drinks (preferably Coke flavor). These 2 have been tried and true.
Another one that has been recent is (now brace yourself - the thought of it might make you squeamish) - Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese. For some reason I have wanted it for the last 3 days straight. SO tasty! Now before being pregnant I would cringe at the very thought of Mac and Cheese out of a box - much less the "Easy Mac" variety - but it really fits the bill right now.
Something I found yesterday that really calmed my stomach was Dry Roasted Peanuts. Pretty tasty with something to drink. I think it might be the salt.
Now one thing I can't even THINK about since I found out I was expecting is Dr. Pepper. I can't drink the Diet variety, any of the "Berrys and Cream", or even the plain old original Dr. Pepper. This is pretty rare for me because I think that previously my blood was actually 50% Diet Dr. Pepper (and in less healthy times - the full of sugar variety). I haven't wanted to sip it, haven't wanted to guzzle it, and can't even think about it most of the time. I'm wondering if my "need" for the stuff will ever return....I guess it would be pretty healthy if I kicked the stuff all together huh?
Oh - and another previous favorite I can't seem to even think about - Pork Salads from Costa Vida. In the past I've been known by many friends for my comment, "We could pick something up from Costa Vida for dinner" - but now it's on the "no-no" list. I'm really hoping this one comes back - those salads are tasty!
Anyway - I know that you all don't necessarily care what the craving of the day is for me, but since this is a form of a journal...I guess it's a good thing to document.
Another one that has been recent is (now brace yourself - the thought of it might make you squeamish) - Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese. For some reason I have wanted it for the last 3 days straight. SO tasty! Now before being pregnant I would cringe at the very thought of Mac and Cheese out of a box - much less the "Easy Mac" variety - but it really fits the bill right now.
Something I found yesterday that really calmed my stomach was Dry Roasted Peanuts. Pretty tasty with something to drink. I think it might be the salt.
Now one thing I can't even THINK about since I found out I was expecting is Dr. Pepper. I can't drink the Diet variety, any of the "Berrys and Cream", or even the plain old original Dr. Pepper. This is pretty rare for me because I think that previously my blood was actually 50% Diet Dr. Pepper (and in less healthy times - the full of sugar variety). I haven't wanted to sip it, haven't wanted to guzzle it, and can't even think about it most of the time. I'm wondering if my "need" for the stuff will ever return....I guess it would be pretty healthy if I kicked the stuff all together huh?
Oh - and another previous favorite I can't seem to even think about - Pork Salads from Costa Vida. In the past I've been known by many friends for my comment, "We could pick something up from Costa Vida for dinner" - but now it's on the "no-no" list. I'm really hoping this one comes back - those salads are tasty!
Anyway - I know that you all don't necessarily care what the craving of the day is for me, but since this is a form of a journal...I guess it's a good thing to document.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Gabe's BIG News
Well Gabe has a big announcement to make - he's going to be a BIG brother!
I actually took this picture about a week after we had found out. I was snapping some pictures of Gabe and not getting any response from him. Then I shouted, "Gabe - you're going to be a big brother!!!" and this was the face he made. Kind of looks excited doesn't he?
So, we are expecting baby #2 this summer (possibly another August baby!). I'm 12 weeks and actually feeling better than I did at this point with Gabe. (But I've also had days I've felt much worse than with Gabe...so it's been interesting!) We heard the baby's heart beat at our dr visit yesterday, and are really excited about this new adventure we're embarking on. I'm excited that this baby will be close enough in age (exactly 2 years) that it will be able to hopefully be close to Gabe, and I'm also excited that my sister-in-law is due a few weeks before me, and the cousins will be close in age!
So if I'm not around on the blog as much as in the past - this is why. Just trying to keep up with Gabe, and being worn out by "baby #2".
I actually took this picture about a week after we had found out. I was snapping some pictures of Gabe and not getting any response from him. Then I shouted, "Gabe - you're going to be a big brother!!!" and this was the face he made. Kind of looks excited doesn't he?
So, we are expecting baby #2 this summer (possibly another August baby!). I'm 12 weeks and actually feeling better than I did at this point with Gabe. (But I've also had days I've felt much worse than with Gabe...so it's been interesting!) We heard the baby's heart beat at our dr visit yesterday, and are really excited about this new adventure we're embarking on. I'm excited that this baby will be close enough in age (exactly 2 years) that it will be able to hopefully be close to Gabe, and I'm also excited that my sister-in-law is due a few weeks before me, and the cousins will be close in age!
So if I'm not around on the blog as much as in the past - this is why. Just trying to keep up with Gabe, and being worn out by "baby #2".
Our Family
We had a family portrait taken for the Rhien family when we were in Farmington. The photographer also took pictures of the individual families. I'm planning on getting this one blown up to hang on our wall. I love the smile on Gabe's face - so sweet! That is kind of funny because he was a total stinker when we were taking the big family pictures - didn't smile in any of them. But at least we have this to prove that he is our smiley guy!
Christmas morning
We hardly took any pictures on Christmas morning...oops...
Gabe loved opening presents. But he was SO spoiled that after a while he just wanted to sit down and play with his new toys! We took a break and opened some presents later that night - which was also fun to spread it out for a while.
Thank you to everyone who sent the sweetest gifts! We were spoiled this year (all of us - not just Gabe!) Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
The day after Christmas we packed up to head to Farmington to see my family. I'll work on getting some of those pictures posted later on. Loved getting to see both families (everyone in both families too!) during this holiday season. It might have been short visits - but we love all of you, and enjoyed getting to spend time with you!
Gabe loved opening presents. But he was SO spoiled that after a while he just wanted to sit down and play with his new toys! We took a break and opened some presents later that night - which was also fun to spread it out for a while.
Thank you to everyone who sent the sweetest gifts! We were spoiled this year (all of us - not just Gabe!) Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
The day after Christmas we packed up to head to Farmington to see my family. I'll work on getting some of those pictures posted later on. Loved getting to see both families (everyone in both families too!) during this holiday season. It might have been short visits - but we love all of you, and enjoyed getting to spend time with you!
Christmas Eve
We were spending actual Christmas in Cedar City with just our little family, so we got together Christmas Eve with our good friends the Springer family. We had Mexican food (a Rhien family tradition) and even decided to take over a pinata to round out the celebrations. (which Cory STUFFED with tasty candy! He went completly overboard...) Our friends have a 5 year old and a 3 year old and we all had fun with the pinata - with all the boys getting a turn. It was fun to still spend the night in our own beds, but get to spend time with other special people Christmas Eve.
We came home and opened our traditional PJs. Gabe's were my favorite we've ever bought - he looked SO cute in them! Then we read our Christmas stories, tucked Gabe in bed and set out our Christmas goodies for the morning. One of my favorite parts of Christmas this year was that we got up late! I think it was after 8:00 when we got up and it was marvelous!
Our Christmas Decor
This year our Christmas decor was pretty low-key. In fact, when we got all the decorations out we realized that a bunch of the bigger decorations that had been stored in the basement was so dusty and needed a good cleaning. Cory said he was going to take care of it, but by the time we realized that it hadn't been done it was so close to Christmas that we decided not to worry about it. One less thing to worry about Gabe messing with.
But I did add to our Christmas decor this year with new gorgeous stockings and a matching tree skirt. (I even bought a few extra for future kids). We've never had an official tree skirt, so I splurged and got these from Pottery Barn and I LOVE it! We also got a new Christmas tree this year - pre-light! I LOVE it! The lights are all perfect and in place, and there are so many of them - it was gorgeous. Since we had a bigger tree we added some bigger decorations too. We got some big bells and wicker balls to stick in the tree. And I got a punched rusty tin lit star for the top of the tree. We didn't end up putting all of the decorations up on the tree either (the fabric ribbons I tie-on, or the wooden beaded garland)...but I was really happy with how it looked, so it was ok. Next year we might be a bit more into the decorating. This was just a tough year to get excited about extra work when I was feeling crummy...
Gabe did pretty good with the decorations - for the most part. We did have one break.....but that isn't bad for a 16 month old! By far my favorite addition to our Christmas decor was Gabe's smile when he put on his (way too big) Santa hat. He loved saying hat and wearing it around the house. He also loved spotting Santa Claus in other decorations (around the stores, in the newspaper, driving down the street in people's yards) - and always shouted out a hearty, "Ho-Ho-Ho". He did however think that Snowmen are the same as Santa - and also said "Ho-Ho-Ho" for them. I figure we can correct that next year :)
But I did add to our Christmas decor this year with new gorgeous stockings and a matching tree skirt. (I even bought a few extra for future kids). We've never had an official tree skirt, so I splurged and got these from Pottery Barn and I LOVE it! We also got a new Christmas tree this year - pre-light! I LOVE it! The lights are all perfect and in place, and there are so many of them - it was gorgeous. Since we had a bigger tree we added some bigger decorations too. We got some big bells and wicker balls to stick in the tree. And I got a punched rusty tin lit star for the top of the tree. We didn't end up putting all of the decorations up on the tree either (the fabric ribbons I tie-on, or the wooden beaded garland)...but I was really happy with how it looked, so it was ok. Next year we might be a bit more into the decorating. This was just a tough year to get excited about extra work when I was feeling crummy...
Gabe did pretty good with the decorations - for the most part. We did have one break.....but that isn't bad for a 16 month old! By far my favorite addition to our Christmas decor was Gabe's smile when he put on his (way too big) Santa hat. He loved saying hat and wearing it around the house. He also loved spotting Santa Claus in other decorations (around the stores, in the newspaper, driving down the street in people's yards) - and always shouted out a hearty, "Ho-Ho-Ho". He did however think that Snowmen are the same as Santa - and also said "Ho-Ho-Ho" for them. I figure we can correct that next year :)
Visiting Santa
YAY! We finally got a picture with Santa (although, not the best pictures....) When we went to dinner in Salt Lake at Trolley Square we got to stop and visit Santa on the way out. Here Gabe is with his cousins: Linzy (back), Logan, Lexie and Lincoln.
At first Gabe wasn't too thrilled with sitting on Santa's lap by himself, but he warmed up to the idea.
At first Gabe wasn't too thrilled with sitting on Santa's lap by himself, but he warmed up to the idea.
"So big guy - I was thinking you could bring me....."
Ellis Family Christmas Celebrations
As a lot of you know Cory's family celebrates Christmas by all going to Salt Lake and going skiing. We went a couple of weeks before Christmas, and it was a great way to celebrate the season! This was the first time we've been in several years, and it was lots of fun. Gabe LOVED going skiing and spending time with his Mullen cousins. He even got to go skiing with Grandpa Kim! He loved it and can't wait to hopefully go skiing with them again at the end of the month. He even says ski - it's cute! We enjoyed spending time at the hotel, listening to the Tabernacle Choir perform (BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!), eating tasty food - but most of all, being together and making memories!
Gabe and Grandpa Ellis. He rode on Grandpa's back to ski. Even though it was pretty chilly he loved every minute of it. When Ashley and I took the little kids (Gabe and his cousin Linzy who's a year younger than him) back to the hotel Gabe jabbered to Linzy for a bit in his car seat. I could almost picture him saying, "And they took me up on the mountain on this ski lift, and then I got to fly down the mountain with Grandpa - it was so much fun! Just wait until next year when you get to go!" It was adoreable!
Ok - this picture was one that I had to take....and Gabe will hate me for it someday. We didn't have a swimming suit, and since it wasn't exactly swimming season - we didn't bother looking for one at the store. But we did have some "Little Swimmer" diapers, and I figured it was better than nothing. When we put it on Gabe he started strutting around - it was so funny. It reminded Cory's family of when my family came up to Island Park one summer and my dad had his Speedo swimming suit on. So they wanted me to take this picture to show Grandpa Rhien that Gabe's following in his footsteps. 
Splashing up a storm with Daddy in the pool. 
And this is what our little guy's toes looked like after spending a long time in the pool. I love the look of wrinkly little toes!
We celebrated Christmas early and Gabe LOVED the sweet gifts everyone showered him with. His favorite is the tractor from Uncle Coby. THANKS Coby! (and everyone else too!) My favorite gift was the amazing Family History Book that Tammy (Cory's mom) put together for all of us! What a keepsake and special gift - we truly treasure it. 
The whole gang. We were even lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa Ellis come to visit!
Gabe and Grandpa Ellis. He rode on Grandpa's back to ski. Even though it was pretty chilly he loved every minute of it. When Ashley and I took the little kids (Gabe and his cousin Linzy who's a year younger than him) back to the hotel Gabe jabbered to Linzy for a bit in his car seat. I could almost picture him saying, "And they took me up on the mountain on this ski lift, and then I got to fly down the mountain with Grandpa - it was so much fun! Just wait until next year when you get to go!" It was adoreable!
Ok - this picture was one that I had to take....and Gabe will hate me for it someday. We didn't have a swimming suit, and since it wasn't exactly swimming season - we didn't bother looking for one at the store. But we did have some "Little Swimmer" diapers, and I figured it was better than nothing. When we put it on Gabe he started strutting around - it was so funny. It reminded Cory's family of when my family came up to Island Park one summer and my dad had his Speedo swimming suit on. So they wanted me to take this picture to show Grandpa Rhien that Gabe's following in his footsteps.Splashing up a storm with Daddy in the pool.And this is what our little guy's toes looked like after spending a long time in the pool. I love the look of wrinkly little toes!
We celebrated Christmas early and Gabe LOVED the sweet gifts everyone showered him with. His favorite is the tractor from Uncle Coby. THANKS Coby! (and everyone else too!) My favorite gift was the amazing Family History Book that Tammy (Cory's mom) put together for all of us! What a keepsake and special gift - we truly treasure it.
The whole gang. We were even lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa Ellis come to visit! We really have to cherish the times we get to spend together like this! Family is so important, and we're grateful that we got to spend some of the holiday season with this part of our family! We love you all so much!
Catching Up!
YAY! I'm finally catching up on some pictures from Christmas time. I'm sorry that I haven't been too great at keeping the blog updated. Been kind of busy, and just not really had time (energy) to sit at the computer for a long time to upload and go through pictures. But here we are!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
just to tide you over....
Just a simple picture to tide you over until I can get enough time together to sit down and post a bunch. Here's a picture of Gabe enjoying his Christmas chair that Santa brought. He's wearing his Christmas PJ's, slippers from his stocking, and one of the MANY books he got.
We had a WONDERFUL Christmas day! Gabe was totally overwhelmed by all the gifts he had to open, but loves everything he was given. He loves climbing up in his chair with a sippy cup, a book and a smile.
Hope everyone's day was wonderful, and I promise, at some later date I WILL post more pictures from this month.
Monday, December 18, 2006
weekend in review
We all had a great time up North this weekend. Gabe LOVED skiing! He took 3 runs up on Grandpa Ellis's backpack and was so sad when we brought him in. When we drove back down the canyon we had his cousin Linsey's carseat next to his and he just jabbered to her forever - and kept pointing to the mountain with excitement. It was almost as if he was saying, "And look up there! I went up there with Grandpa - and next year you can too!" I was glad he enjoyed it.
Then on Saturday Cory and I drove up with Kim, Tammy, and Coby to Logan for my sister-in-law Kori's graduation from USU. Long drive for a long ceremony, but we were glad to support her. Then we turned around and came back to Salt Lake. My other sister-in-law Ashley and Spencer watched all the kids and had a great time with Gabe - those twins sure smother poor Gabe with attention.
Then Saturday night we went to Rodizio Grill (HARDLY WW friendly!) A buffet and all you can eat meat brought around to your table by the minute. It was amazing and hard not to eat yourself into a coma. But I was really careful.
Unfortunately part-way through the meal we realized that Gabe had SOAKED his diaper clear through, and his clothes were drenched. We didn't have a change of clothes so we had to run and get him some new clothes at Trolley Square (where we were eating). The sales lady was trying to show us cute different tops and finally I just said, "Actually we just need something quick and not too expensive - we're recovering from an accident - I don't care what it looks like". Kind of funny.
Then the kids all got their pictures taken with Santa - EVEN Gabe! That was exciting for me! (And of course we also got the picture of Gabe screaming on Santa's lap for posterity).
Sunday morning we got up and went over to the Conference Center for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast. Unlike all the other Sunday broadcasts this one required tickets - which we didn't have. But while I settled down the kids in the children's theater Tammy and Ashley secured us all some tickets. Tammy and Kim stayed in the children's area with the kids and the rest of us were spread out through the conference center. WOW! It was the most amazing performance of the choir I have ever seen and heard. There were dancers in the aisles, bells, the orchestra, the choir - and my favorite part - Sissel (a Norwegian singer my brother Paul introduced us to after his mission to Norway). I am so blown away by her music - it is truly heavenly. Through the concert I would close my eyes and literally feel like I was in heaven and was being serenaded by angels. Since this was a culmination of the concerts they'd been performing through the week they not only performed the 1/2 hour choir broadcast, but then continued afterwards with 1/2 hour of additional music (from the concerts). At the end President Hinckely came out to greet Sissel and it was very sweet. She says she's already been invited back and will be coming again. I only hope I can attend that concert too!
Then we drove to see Grandparents. I wished we had more time! I always wish we had more time. We went to see Grandma Marilyn first, and our visit was so short. I felt bad. But she took Gabe on a wheel-chair ride and he enjoyed that. Then we buzzed over to see Grandma and Grandpa Whisler for a few minutes. Gabe was taken by the chocolate that Grandma put in his pockets, and he was really disappointed that Yogi didn't want to play with him. But he did have fun seeing both sets of his great grandparents. (and actually he saw his Great Grandma and Grandpa Ellis this weekend too!) I hope all of the grandparents understand that we needed to get on the road because of the weather (snow the whole way home). We sure do love them and wish that time wasn't as it is, and that we'd get to spend more time with them. So much to do, so little time.
Well it's getting late for this old lady - but I'll try to post pictures in the next few days. I didn't take tonz, but enough cute ones that you'll want to see.
Have a great week - and good luck with all of your holiday plans and preparations!
Then on Saturday Cory and I drove up with Kim, Tammy, and Coby to Logan for my sister-in-law Kori's graduation from USU. Long drive for a long ceremony, but we were glad to support her. Then we turned around and came back to Salt Lake. My other sister-in-law Ashley and Spencer watched all the kids and had a great time with Gabe - those twins sure smother poor Gabe with attention.
Then Saturday night we went to Rodizio Grill (HARDLY WW friendly!) A buffet and all you can eat meat brought around to your table by the minute. It was amazing and hard not to eat yourself into a coma. But I was really careful.
Unfortunately part-way through the meal we realized that Gabe had SOAKED his diaper clear through, and his clothes were drenched. We didn't have a change of clothes so we had to run and get him some new clothes at Trolley Square (where we were eating). The sales lady was trying to show us cute different tops and finally I just said, "Actually we just need something quick and not too expensive - we're recovering from an accident - I don't care what it looks like". Kind of funny.
Then the kids all got their pictures taken with Santa - EVEN Gabe! That was exciting for me! (And of course we also got the picture of Gabe screaming on Santa's lap for posterity).
Sunday morning we got up and went over to the Conference Center for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast. Unlike all the other Sunday broadcasts this one required tickets - which we didn't have. But while I settled down the kids in the children's theater Tammy and Ashley secured us all some tickets. Tammy and Kim stayed in the children's area with the kids and the rest of us were spread out through the conference center. WOW! It was the most amazing performance of the choir I have ever seen and heard. There were dancers in the aisles, bells, the orchestra, the choir - and my favorite part - Sissel (a Norwegian singer my brother Paul introduced us to after his mission to Norway). I am so blown away by her music - it is truly heavenly. Through the concert I would close my eyes and literally feel like I was in heaven and was being serenaded by angels. Since this was a culmination of the concerts they'd been performing through the week they not only performed the 1/2 hour choir broadcast, but then continued afterwards with 1/2 hour of additional music (from the concerts). At the end President Hinckely came out to greet Sissel and it was very sweet. She says she's already been invited back and will be coming again. I only hope I can attend that concert too!
Then we drove to see Grandparents. I wished we had more time! I always wish we had more time. We went to see Grandma Marilyn first, and our visit was so short. I felt bad. But she took Gabe on a wheel-chair ride and he enjoyed that. Then we buzzed over to see Grandma and Grandpa Whisler for a few minutes. Gabe was taken by the chocolate that Grandma put in his pockets, and he was really disappointed that Yogi didn't want to play with him. But he did have fun seeing both sets of his great grandparents. (and actually he saw his Great Grandma and Grandpa Ellis this weekend too!) I hope all of the grandparents understand that we needed to get on the road because of the weather (snow the whole way home). We sure do love them and wish that time wasn't as it is, and that we'd get to spend more time with them. So much to do, so little time.
Well it's getting late for this old lady - but I'll try to post pictures in the next few days. I didn't take tonz, but enough cute ones that you'll want to see.
Have a great week - and good luck with all of your holiday plans and preparations!
Monday, December 11, 2006
GREAT Christmas cd
I had heard from several people how fantastic the Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong cd was. I had put off getting it - thinking that we had enough Christmas music (can you REALLY ever have enough though....?) But today while I was working on some Christmas projects on the computer I thought I'd give the disk a try (I LOVE the instant gratification of iTunes!)
I LOVE IT! I encourage anyone who likes her music, or who just likes a soft relaxing Christmas cd to give it a try! (and you can even listen to some of it at the Amazon website)
Ranger Ride
On Saturday we packed a lunch, bundled up and headed out on the ranger with some friends for a fun ride. We drove up towards Brianhead ski-resort from our house and were gone for about 3 hours. It was chilly, but lots of fun! We're excited that our friends Andy and Kelly got a Ranger too and now we can take the boys out on rides - should be lots of fun.
We did see some snow, but not too much. And we even got to see some deer. We're sure blessed to have such a wonderful and beautiful state to explore!
Kelly, Cole, Hayden and Andy
Scott
Joanna, Gabe and Cory
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Betty's Memory Book
I have been working on this album for a few weeks for my Aunt Sandra. She will be giving it to her mother-in-law for her birthday at the end of the month. It's been a fun project to work on, and I hope she'll enjoy it. I'm posting it so they can get a peek of it before they get it in the mail.
Friday, December 08, 2006
No Santa Pictures
So Gabe and I spent today in St. George for our big Christmas shopping day. I promised him if he was a big helper we could go see Santa Claus and say "ho-ho-ho". I took my camera with me, and I was even planning on purchasing the overpriced picture that they take and sell to you at the mall.
Well we made it down to where Santa was stationed and I was SO excited - there was NO line! I have never walked past a bored Santa in the mall, and in fact I had been dreading the line all day....but for no reason - Santa was twiddling his thumbs and excited for a new visitor.
SO we walk up and "Santa's Helper" says to me, "You can just leave your little guy in his stroller and push it up by Santa, in case he doesn't want to get out and sit on Santa's lap."
I laughed at her (kindly) and said, "Oh I have a pretty social little guy, and he's been really excited to see Santa - I don't think we'll have a problem!" As I said this I was taking Gabe out of his stroller. Instantly he grabs onto the necklace I'm wearing with one hand, and claws into my arm with his other hand. The poor guy was TERRIFIED!
So I set him on the ground to walk up to Santa and he looks up at me with his hands in the air and say, "Up, Up". So I carry him over to Santa. He kept holding onto my arms and reaching towards where we parked our stroller. The closer we got to Santa, the more interested Gabe was in the decorations outside of Santa's little village.
He showed NO interest in Santa. He wouldn't shake his hand, say hi, or even share his, "ho-ho-ho" that we'd been practicing (which he's fabulous at by the way....even if he does think that Santa AND snowmen both say "ho-ho-ho").
So after several atempts we got back into the stroller and left the mall. So no overpriced Santa picture, and nothing to post on the blog....Sorry. Luckily it's only the 8th of December and we have a few more opportunities to try again.
Well we made it down to where Santa was stationed and I was SO excited - there was NO line! I have never walked past a bored Santa in the mall, and in fact I had been dreading the line all day....but for no reason - Santa was twiddling his thumbs and excited for a new visitor.
SO we walk up and "Santa's Helper" says to me, "You can just leave your little guy in his stroller and push it up by Santa, in case he doesn't want to get out and sit on Santa's lap."
I laughed at her (kindly) and said, "Oh I have a pretty social little guy, and he's been really excited to see Santa - I don't think we'll have a problem!" As I said this I was taking Gabe out of his stroller. Instantly he grabs onto the necklace I'm wearing with one hand, and claws into my arm with his other hand. The poor guy was TERRIFIED!
So I set him on the ground to walk up to Santa and he looks up at me with his hands in the air and say, "Up, Up". So I carry him over to Santa. He kept holding onto my arms and reaching towards where we parked our stroller. The closer we got to Santa, the more interested Gabe was in the decorations outside of Santa's little village.
He showed NO interest in Santa. He wouldn't shake his hand, say hi, or even share his, "ho-ho-ho" that we'd been practicing (which he's fabulous at by the way....even if he does think that Santa AND snowmen both say "ho-ho-ho").
So after several atempts we got back into the stroller and left the mall. So no overpriced Santa picture, and nothing to post on the blog....Sorry. Luckily it's only the 8th of December and we have a few more opportunities to try again.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
We're alive
Just wanted to post quickly to say that we are alive. We went to Farmington for Christmas with the Rhien side of the family. There weren't tons of people at dinner - but it was nice and relaxed. I am proud to say I didn't even eat myself into a turky and pie coma :) (however, in the days to follow I wasn't so diligent.....)
It was great to spend some time with my cousin Rachel too. We were so close growing up, and I'm so excited that she's back living in Farmington so I can get together with her when we go visit. And she is expecting baby #2 in several weeks, and I'm so excited to meet this new little one!
Last night was our Young Women's Evening in Excellence program. After a few snags (like 1/2 of our YW presidency being sick and not being able to make it) we pulled it off. And it felt like it was a success. Even though I was so stressed before it all happened, I couldn't help but feel so much love for each of the Young Women as they stood up to talk about their YW projects. I have a special place in my heart for our girls, and I LOVE my calling!
Now that we're home (and Evening in Excellence is done) I'm trying to focus on Christmas stuff, as well as a few other projects I have up my sleeve. I always wish at this time of year that I had planned things a bit better so I could spend more time making fun crafts and stuff.....maybe next year huh?
Here is the only picture I took on Thanksgiving. I have found that I have been taking fewer and fewer pictures....hopefully that's just a phase and not something new....
Hope everyone is surviving the holidays so far and enjoying time with family and loved ones!
(Edited to add....I said we'd gone to Farmington for Christmas.....see I'm crazy. It was for Thanksgiving!!!)
It was great to spend some time with my cousin Rachel too. We were so close growing up, and I'm so excited that she's back living in Farmington so I can get together with her when we go visit. And she is expecting baby #2 in several weeks, and I'm so excited to meet this new little one!
Last night was our Young Women's Evening in Excellence program. After a few snags (like 1/2 of our YW presidency being sick and not being able to make it) we pulled it off. And it felt like it was a success. Even though I was so stressed before it all happened, I couldn't help but feel so much love for each of the Young Women as they stood up to talk about their YW projects. I have a special place in my heart for our girls, and I LOVE my calling!
Now that we're home (and Evening in Excellence is done) I'm trying to focus on Christmas stuff, as well as a few other projects I have up my sleeve. I always wish at this time of year that I had planned things a bit better so I could spend more time making fun crafts and stuff.....maybe next year huh?
Here is the only picture I took on Thanksgiving. I have found that I have been taking fewer and fewer pictures....hopefully that's just a phase and not something new....
Hope everyone is surviving the holidays so far and enjoying time with family and loved ones!
(Edited to add....I said we'd gone to Farmington for Christmas.....see I'm crazy. It was for Thanksgiving!!!)
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