Stockton Starts Nursery!



Stockton's 1st day of nursery!!

18 months old! What a big boy! It seems so weird to have my baby already in nursery, yet it seemed to take so long to get here  :)  Stocky is a little fire ball of energy, loves to be on-the-go, moving all the time. When it comes to church, he has been pretty tough, and Sundays have been exhausting! Oftentimes I see parents with their children (0-18 months) in Sunday School or Relief Society, and the child is sitting on a lap, napping, sitting on a blanket playing with toys, crawling around in the back of the room, being held by the parent in the back, etc. That was never us  :)  We were the parents in the hall with the child delightfully squealing and talking up a storm while walking, running, or quickly crawling anywhere he could. If we tried to hold him he'd nosedive out of our arms or hit his head into our chests (he doesn't have much regard for injuring his head yet)  :)  Needless to say, holding him throughout a meeting wasn't going to happen. He didn't have much interest in toys, when there was so much to see and explore within his sight. And even during his happy, great times, he would just get so excited that his volume level would go off the charts  :) Again...we'd have to leave the class. As much as I absolutely ADORE and LOVE all of these qualities, characteristics, and Stocky-isms, they are a challenge in certain environments, (e.g. church). As a result of this, I had been looking forward to nursery, much more than I ever did with Annabelle. I knew that once he was old enough to go into nursery, not only would I get to go to class again, but I could also start working with him at home on sitting still for periods of time, sitting on my lap, learning more control, etc. It is the age you can start to expect a little more out of them in regards to their understanding etc. I was excited to re-gain some of what had to be "let go" when he was so "little."

Well...the day finally arrived! I was so excited for him, so excited to see how much he was going to LOVE it! He went in just fine, sat down in his little pint-sized chair, towered over his little peers, talked excitedly with everyone, and started playing with his play-doh like he was a 2-yr old toddler! And guess what?! I HATED it!  :)  I cried and cried and cried in the hallway, peeking in on him every 30 seconds or so, wondering how he grew up so fast, feeling that first sense of "loss" or detachment from him, wanting to go in and grab him so I could follow him around for an hour during Sunday School and listen to him "Stocky-Talk" down the hallway. He looked so grown up, so happy. Then I made myself walk away so I could go check on Annabelle in her brand-new CTR 4 class! As soon as I saw her sitting by her new teachers, doing just fine, singing a song, no longer sitting with the little Sunbeams, without me in there with her, I felt the waterworks start again! Goodness gracious! This day that I had been waiting for; this day that I had been excited about was actually turning into the worst, and by far the most challenging Sunday so far.  I LOVE my kids! It is hard to watch them move forward, even though it is exciting for them and good for them at the same time. My emotions were such a surprise to me that day; I would have never guessed that him starting nursery would have such a large impact on my heart--my little Stocky Bocky growing up.

I LOVE him! I LOVE Annabelle! They are my greatest gifts and blessings. I am so proud of them and the direction they are moving. I hope I can continue to help them move forward and be prepared for the coming phases of their lives.   I just need to be better prepared with the tissues and extra mascara on hand!

As I was doing the dishes one day, the house was quiet. Annabelle had run errands with Josh and Stocky was asleep. I decided to turn on a session of General Conference from my DVR. As I listened to the talk while I cleaned, I knew the Lord was speaking to me and I felt the spirit so strongly. I had been thinking of Stockton, how much I love him, how tough it is sometimes just to keep up with him, even though I love who he is!
The speaker (Lynn G. Robbins) said:
"A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more Godlike yourself. With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you?"

I believe in this with my whole heart. I know I have been given Stockton and Annabelle for a reason, and that they have been given to me and Josh for a reason as well. I pray that we will help each other reach our full potential here on earth, and become what God intended us to be, as a family, as parents, and as individuals.



Temple Square Lights

This was the first year we have gone to the Temple Square lights after Christmas! You would think it would be less crowded, but nope!  :)  It was still packed, but LOTS of fun! Annabelle, Paige and Daisy had such a good time running around together holding hands. Stockton was a good sport in the stroller, and a fast little running machine when out of the stroller! As soon as he's free, he's a talking, squealing, screaming sight of delight, but don't blink or you'll miss him--he's fast, especially when trying to escape capture and confinement  :)  I wish I would've counted the number of laps he did around the fountain while we were waiting for the girls to use the restroom! Haha. 

I think everyone had a good time. It was fun to see Annabelle get excited about the nativity, and know who everyone was! Stocky had a great time too--he's usually a happy little trooper when he's outside and with family. We met up with Grandma and Papa, and the Simpson family afterwards for some delicious hot chocolate and ice cream cones  :)  

Annabelle kept trying to give Josh kisses on the cheek, and he was teasing her by backing away each time she tried  :)  She was laughing so hard!

  

Dear Santa; Love Annabelle

Dear Santa:

This year I have been "Very good!"

What I would MOST like for Christmas this year is an "Ariel Wedding Dress-up with a Veil because I would really like it!"

If your elves are not too busy I would also like "A sister for Susan, the Barbie 'Princess Charm School' dress-up with a crown and necklace, a doll house for my princesses, the Ariel mirror and stool to get ready in."

I promise to leave you some "Cookies and milk" on Christmas Eve.

Love, Annabelle



Christmas with the Nielsen Family 2011

Christmas Day was so FUN! Following church, we went straight to Grandma and Papa's house! We met everyone there for breakfast and presents: The Simpson family, the Nielsen family, Grandma and Papa. Annabelle dressed up in her Ariel wedding dress as soon as she got there, and couldn't wait to convince Paige or Daisy to wear her new Barbie "Princess Charm School" dress-up. Thankfully Paige played along and looked great in the dress and shoes  :)  All of the kids opened up their cute, cozy, coordinating Christmas outfits and LOVED them. This outfit is currently Annabelle's favorite outfit in her wardrobe--she asks everyday if it's clean! Next they received their AMAZING princess art supplies (Annabelle calls it her "Art Studio"). She also uses this gift everday, sometimes more than once a day! Lastly the girls received darling necklaces and bath bags full of fun stuff: Body glitter, body wash, sponges, perfume, etc. Let's just say I should've known she couldn't wait to primp, and I walked in the bathroom way too late  :) At least she had a good time...and smelled great!  :)

I should mention here that among my favorite gifts this year were the cast iron skillet we received from the Bos family, new Crate and Barrel ceramic mixing bowls from my mom and dad, my new Nike running shoes from Josh, the DVD "The Help," the book "LDS Women of Faith," and a new pair of aviator sunglasses from Josh. And there were many more gifts that made me smile--REALLY big!  :)  This year I gave Josh a stockcar ride in Las Vegas. He gets to go to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, get decked out in all the gear, and ride in a stockcar for 3 laps @ 165mph with a professional race car driver. Should be fun!  :) The trip to Vegas for the ride is an added bonus  :)

The remainder of the day was spent playing, talking and laughing with everyone. For dinner we had a soup buffet, and it was delicious, as always! Our family, Brittany and her kids all stayed the night and played the following day as well. The girls decorated gingerbread "houses," put on "fashion shows" and "plays" (that were absolutely hilarious), and played all day long. I don't even think I changed out of my "PJ's" all day  :) LOVE those days!

Stockings for the girls

Stockings for the babies

A Unicorn shirt!

The "Art Studio"

Stockton gets a ride!

The finished product!

I thought it'd be fun to mention here some of the gifts Annabelle wanted to give this year  :)

Paige: "A Belle mirror to get ready in. No! She already has a mirror! But, I want to give her another one."
Liv: "Well her favorite princess is Mulan, so a Mulan Barbie." (I am pretty sure that's not Liv's favorite princess. Haha)
Daisy: "A new Aurora dress-up that has 2 roses on the sleeves and a badge."
Grandma: "Flowers"
Grandma's Papa: "Some new tools"
Mimi: "A new fairy sippy cup for people when they come there." Hmmmm  :)
Mimi's Papa: "New tools so he can work with Grandma's Papa"
Rusty: "Soku or Digger from Chuck and Friends"
Brittany: "Some new dishes"
Nikki: "A drink of fresh lemonade."
Angie: "A new pot."
Brayden: "A Batman mirror to get "ready in his room. His mom will like it!"
Lily and Mercedes: "Jasmine squinkies"
Dance teacher: "Some symbols, a drum, or a piano"
Primary teacher: "A timer so it will go off when class is over." 

Christmas Morning 2011

What a wonderful Christmas morning! We woke up the kids early so they could open their presents before going to church. They were so cute and excited; it cracked me up how Stockton knew exactly which presents were his, and ran right over to start checking them out! Annabelle was so excited to see her "Ariel Wedding Dress" and her doll, "Sunflower," waiting for her  :)  I can't even tell you how excited I was for the kids to see their presents--their very favorite things waiting for them. When I saw Annabelle see her new dress and doll for the first time, my eyes filled up with tears--how crazy emotional do you have to be in order to break down so easily?!  :)  I didn't take any still-shot photos due to my severe regret at not having any video from Christmas Eve; I decided to videotape the kids opening their presents this time. Annabelle was so cute when she opened her "Royalty Castle" (that's what she calls it). Josh was putting it together and she was picking up each piece saying "Look at this royalty door Mom! Look at this beautiful royal chair..."  It was cute.  

After we opened presents, we got the kids dressed and headed to church with Grandma, Papa, Brady, Angie and Rusty. Rusty and Stocky looked adorable running around together in their coordinating outfits. It was funny because everyone in the halls thought Rusty belonged to me and Josh, and that Stockton belonged to Brady and Angie  :)  They were all surprised when we told them it was actually the opposite. I would venture to say that people would also be quicker to place Annabelle and Rusty together as siblings, as opposed to Annabelle and Stockton  :) Nevertheless, I absolutely LOVE Annabelle and Stockton's many differences; it makes our next baby an even greater mystery--blonde or brunette? Thick or thin? Brown eyes or blue? Boy or girl? Olive skin or fair skin? Two things are a given: Tall and Adorable  :)

I always love going to my mom's ward the week of Christmas--they have a really great choir and the programs are touching and inspiring. I also love seeing everyone in the neighborhood again; I like showing them the kids; I like seeing them and their grandkids; I like it when some of my past friends from the ward come back to visit their parents, and I get to catch up and see their cute kids  :) Christmas is all about coming "Home" and being with family. Attending my parents' ward during the week of Christmas feels like "coming home."

Attending church on Christmas morning was WONDERFUL! It was a challenge getting everyone up and ready for church at 9:00 on Christmas morning, but when we got there it was all worth it, and provided a PERFECT beginning to the day. After all the rush and excitement died down from our early, eventful  morning, it was a peaceful feeling to walk into a reverant meetinghouse, feel the spirit, see the faces of those we love, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. 

Making the choice to be there together to worship and celebrate was the most important and special decision we made the entire day. 

"Ariel Wedding Gown," "Sunflower," and the "Royalty Castle"

Stocky's Treasures

Josh's Stocking.

Christmas Eve 2011

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas Eve with the Bos family! We headed over early so we could get lots of time with Scott, Jen, and Maddie before they had to go--we LOVE them and wish we could see and spend time with them more! It was a blast. If Scott is in the room, there is never a dull moment; he keeps us all laughing  :)   We talked and laughed around the table, gorging ourselves on delicious appetizers non-stop. Aunt Kim and Uncle Joel made it as well; they are truly genuine people who we also love spending time with! I'm so glad I have gotten to know Aunt Kim better in the past few months; she is so nice and fun, not to mention GREAT with Annabelle and Olivia--they LOVE her! Annabelle is even on hugging terms with Aunt Kim now, which says a lot  :)  The room was full of family; the table was stocked with all the Christmas staples; everyone was healthy, and the Christmas spirit was abounding inside everyone. I think we made Scott and Jenn hang around a lot longer than they'd originally planned, but you can't blame us--or them! :) 

Prior to the Lalli family leaving, we all gathered in the front room to open presents. This was magical, as Annabelle would say. Everyone was so happy to give and receive their gifts. Annabelle was beaming with excitement and pure JOY. There were many moments when my eyes welled up with tears because of how happy she was, how much fun both she and Stockton were having, how incredibly blessed I felt to have them and Josh, how much I love my Savior, how blessed our family is to be together and healthy. It was honestly overwhelming at times. This was one of the very few times when I have felt SUPER upset that I didn't have my video camera! If you could've seen Annabelle's face and reaction when she opened her new Fancy Nancy PJ's and doll, you would've been smiling ear-to-ear, with or without accompanying "happy" tears. She was absolutely adorable! Little Stocky was, as always, cracking me up! He did what Annabelle did at his age--sat on all his presents after opening them to "test them out." So funny  :)  And if you could catch a glimpse of Stockton with those dogs? Your heart would be warmed, and you would be leaving a comment for me to go buy him a dog ASAP  :)  He really loves Rocky and Priscilla, and they love him. In addition to playing and loving on the dogs, Stockton kept sneaking away to find food in the kitchen--he was really hungry, and Josh kept finding him searching the kitchen for little scraps :). Luckily we ate dinner as soon as the presents were opened, and he ate GREAT!

We really missed Nikki, Eric, Liv and Brody this year; we love it when they get to be with us on Christmas Eve! We'll be excited to have them with us next year!   





Opening presents!



So excited!

We love our family!

Stockton is testing out his new race track

Fancy Nancy!

"Ahhhhhhhh! I can't believe this! Fancy Nancy Pajamas!"

What an awesome night! I did have a black head-band in my hair, but you can't really see it in the picture, which makes my hair look a little craaazy. It was a pretty cute head-band too  :)

Josh finished off the night with an INCREDIBLE dessert!



Christmas lights at Riverwoods

We had a fun, freezing, wonderful night with the Bos family at The Riverwoods! Annabelle and Liv had so much fun running around together and shopping together in the toy store. Brody enjoyed the warmth of his cozy stroller, and Stockton led Papa on a wild goose chase all over the place  :)  Up and down the walkways, on and off the curbs, around and around the ramps, in and out of the stroller...let's just say Papa logged his miles and his brownie points. Haha. We didn't leave without stopping into Williams-Sonoma--I LOVE that store! There are few stores I dream about and that is definitely one of them (others that come to mind are Anthropologie, Arden B.,  and Janie and Jack). A girl can dream can't she? Josh was a dreamboat husband though, and managed to sneak back in to pick me up a fun Christmas present--cookie stamps (I saw them and thought they were adorable and fun)! Very thoughtful.

We ended the night with some hot chocolate at Denny's. The kids were sleepy, but still had a great time and zonked out as soon as we got in the car to head home. A family-filled, fun evening to remember!

Annabelle and Olivia

The Tolman and Bos families

US! Does Stockton look like little Ralphie in "Miracle on 34th Street?"  :) Naaaahhhh, Stocky is wayyyy cuter  :)