One last memory of 2007

I forgot to mention that one of the best things that has happened to us during 2007 was becoming adoption ready again. We look forward to having another child join our family and we pray for all birth parents and the tough decisions they have to make.

Favorite memories of 07'

For Valentine's, Jeff took me to visit Kentucky where he served part of his mission (Spanish speaking).

For our anniversary in May, we went to visit Temple Square in Utah where I served my mission.

Kamryn turned 5 and had an Under the Sea birthday party.

We planted a garden this summer and most of the vegetables turned out mutated. Next year will be better!

We spent most of the summer swimming and camping. We had so much fun.

Kamryn started Kindergarten

London turned 3 and started preschool.

She is also potty trained, finally!

Kamryn lost 4 teeth this year.









We moved to the Leavitt's house in the country.

I spent a lot of time canning this summer

and I really enjoy it.

All holidays were spent with each other doing our traditions, several family reunions were attended, a few football and basketball games were attended, we've had so much fun in 2007 that I can't possibly name them all. Truly we've been blessed and we look forward to a new year where new goals are accomplished and fun is had. Happy New Year's!

Poor Jeff...Bishop Hope asked him and his other counselor to speak in church on the Sunday before Christmas. Jeff, being the spiritual giant/perfectionist he is put a lot of prayer and work into his talk. The other counselor ended up traveling to visit family and couldn't speak in church. On top of having to speak in church, our bishop called Jeff the night before and told him that he was very ill and couldn't make it to church the next day. So, not only did Jeff have to give a talk in sacrament, but he had to conduct sacrament meeting and basically be the "bishop" for the day. His talk was AWESOME and really left me spiritually fed! He did a great job. His spirituality is definitely one of his strengths. Our Christmas break started after church since Jeff could finally relax. We watched Miracle of 34th street and made sugar cookies for Santa. Kamryn was amazed that she actually liked a black and white movie.

Christmas Eve
The girls were so excited all day thinking about our expected guest's arrival. London would say "shh, I hear Santa" and we'd tell her Santa only visits at night after she is sleeping. At different times throughout the day we'd talk about where Santa was probably at at that moment, when we said that he was probably delivering toys to children in England, Kamryn said "I wish I lived in England". Our Christmas Eve was wonderful. We did the usual...drove around looking at Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols, watched Polar Express, had a big meal, read Luke 2 and other Christmas stories and we let the girls open one present each from Grandma and Grandpa Pope. After our busy, fun day the girls fell asleep relatively easily and then we let the magic of Santa begin. How much fun it is to be a parent!

Christmas Morning
Jeff woke us all up at 6 a.m. This is actually the only day in London's life that she has woke up happy. She definitely isn't a morning person. We opened our presents and both girls got exactly what they wanted. Kamryn got an art easel with tons of supplies. Now she can go to Jeff's art studio downstairs and work with him. He is just as excited as she is. London got her Barbie house with all the accessories. Jeff bought me a new Cannon Rebel with accessories and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with it. I will post more pictures when I have more time. Jeff opened his Wii and has fun playing it in the few spare moments that he has. That morning I made a yummy breakfast of ham, eggs, hash browns and pumpkin cinnamon muffins. By mid afternoon, we broke away from all of our toys and went to visit Jeff's family for an overnighter. It was a lot of fun, we played some board games and Grandma and Grandpa even took all the kids sledding.

We also went to visit my family. My brother and his wife were able to watch our kids for the afternoon so that Jeff and I could sneak away for a much needed date. They took our kids sledding and the girls had a lot of fun. Jeff and I went to the movies (I am Legend) and we went to eat at Olive Garden. I guess the highlight of the date was in between the movie and lunch when Jeff suggested we go to the mall. I agreed, not really knowing what he had in mind. He basically made me go on a shopping spree (I know, I have the BEST husband EVER). It has been awhile since I've bought clothes and I am definitely in need of an update. At first, I protested since we just had Christmas and I got a really expensive camera, but he was very persistent and basically picked out all of the outfits and bought them without me even trying them on. And, we were shopping at the Gap and Dillard's etc.,. The clothes weren't cheap or even on sale. I have since tried on the outfits and only a few worked, but I love the stuff that I kept!

We've really had a wonderful Christmas holiday and I hope that yours was wonderful as well.

It's official...

London is finally potty trained. Though, I am writing this knowing full well that when I usually brag about her being in underwear, she has a re-lapse. I am currently knocking on wood.

Had me some free time last night, unusual I know. Here is what I did...

Gifts from the heart

Christmastime always leaves me feeling not creative enough. Here are some gifts from friends...
A cute Christmas tree made with buttons and sewing pins pushed into a foam cone...how adorable is that!

Stovetop popcorn decorated as an ornament...so cute.

A family fun jar with all the trimmings...another great idea.

And then you have me...hot chocolate with a bow on top. Easy, I know, but it sure lacks that "I spent weeks slaving over this idea just for you because I care about you and really want you to have a wonderful Christmas" feel to it. As I say every year, next year I will do better.

Literally...

I spent all day in the kitchen yesterday baking up 40 plates worth of coconut macaroons, pecan clusters (turtles), peanut butter popcorn, reindeer bites and sugar cookies. Thank goodness the girls enjoyed decorating the sugar cookies while I slaved at the stove. For family night, we delivered the goodies and for each goodie plate the girls delivered they get to wake up 5 minutes earlier on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, they delivered a bunch so I guess we will be waking up at 4 in the morning! It took us 3 hours to finish (our ward boundaries are huge and most people live in the country, not to mention having friends in other ward boundaries) and when we had about 3 plates left to deliver, both girls we exhausted and ended up falling asleep in the car. It was a fun night, one that I hope the girls remember, but I am so happy it is over.

Happy Birthday Dad!

One of those moms...

We had our ward Christmas party last weekend. After the children presented the nativity scene (pictures I will post another time), they gathered in front and sang jingle bells until Santa came. When Santa came into the room, all the kids faces lit up and were so excited except for London whom started crying and calling for mom. She was frozen there in the front row crying for me, she couldn't even move and where do you think I am...taking pictures of that moment (none that turned out so it wasn't worth it in the end). All the parents thought it was cute, so did I, but then looking back I wish I would have rescued her. Makes me get a little teary eyed thinking that I didn't do anything. As Santa got closer to her, she ran to the closest mom she could (thanks Lauren for providing London with a "mom's comfort").

We were reunited and she finally calmed down, but had to be held for the rest of the night. I proceeded to make her get close to Santa so that I could at least have one picture. At least she didn't cry about it. I love taking pictures and capturing every moment of my children, but sometimes (like this time) it wasn't really worth it. I should have just been her "mom" instead of her photographer. Life lesson LEARNED!

Flu, mice and other such happenings

Kamryn stayed home from school yesterday. That makes two sick days this week and a total of 7 days of kindergarten missed from the first day. I hate that she has missed so much school. And, Kamryn was nice enough to share her flu bug with me. Last night, right when Jeff came home, I started to feel sick. This morning after sleeping in till 9 and after emptying everything that I had in me, I am feeling a lot better. As much as I hated throwing up, it sure did make the stomach cramps go away. Now it is Jeff and London's turn to get it!

When I woke up this morning, I found Jeff in the kitchen with a broom. At first glance, I thought Jeff was cleaning, but then he informed me he had cornered a mouse. Before I go on, a little history of where we are living is due...

When we first moved here, we rented a small little house temporarily so that we could make sure we liked his job and the area before we bought something permanent. Jeff's boss and our Stake President at the time came to us and asked us if we could house sit for 2 years while he and his wife served a mission. Jeff and I jumped at that opportunity because it is a BEAUTIFUL home with acreage and it would give us the opportunity to pay off London's hospital bills from when she was a preemie. We moved in this past September while the Leavitt's lived downstairs until they left on their mission (in November). Jane Leavitt kept asking me if I had seen any mice. I had never seen a mouse or any droppings, but I guess she was just preparing me for what was in store. A few days after the had left was my first experience with a mouse...

I entered the kitchen before going to bed when I saw a mouse ran past the sink under our microwave. I watched for several minutes and then decided I would move the microwave. For some reason I didn't think the mouse was there still, I thought it had escaped. I moved the microwave some more and then the mouse jumped out right onto my chest. I screamed as it feel to the ground on my foot and then scattered away. Ewww. After that, I've been noticing droppings everywhere. I am not allowing these mice to ruin the Leavitt's house while I am here. The next experience I had was when I was cleaning the living room, completely separate from the kitchen, and I lifted up a blanket that had been on the ground for maybe a 1/2 day and under the blanket was a mouse...I screamed again. I am not scared of mice, they just startle me.

After making our gingerbread house on Monday, we've noticed that the mice have been eating off of it. So, we made a little trap to corner the mouse (with glue traps and everything). Usually, I am so anti kill anything like spiders or flies etc.,. But, mice ruin houses and I can't let that happen. As I walked out and saw Jeff with a broom and books blocking all exits and Tinkerbell (the Leavitt's cat) on the counter, I knew the mouse had no where to go. Jeff moved the microwave where it was hiding and the mouse ran for the hole behind the oven, but Tinkerbell caught it. The really gross thing about this story is that Tinkerbell ate the mouse before we could put her outside. Luckily, the girls were in a different room at the time. One mouse down...

Yesterday, I had Kamryn at home sick from school. The night before she spent it throwing up and I thought I'd keep her at home just to be safe. It made for a relaxing and fun day in. We have our TV/DVD player in our bedroom temporarily while our tree is occupying its original location. I had Kamryn tucked in our bed all day while she watched endless cartoons and slept. She was an easy patient. And, thinking back, I didn't even have to clean up any vomit. The one mistake she made, Jeff cleaned up for me.

Moving on, family night was so much fun. We made our gingerbread house and had a lesson on shepherds. Though, the girls were too focused on eating the gingerbread house to pay attention to the lesson.

I was also able to stay up a little while and work on my Christmas cards. They are looking really cute. I am making adoption business cards to send with my Christmas cards in hopes that family will be able to use them and that we will have a baby sooner than later. I will post both after the holidays so that you can see how cute they are. And, I am in need of addresses! If you want a card, just e-mail me your address to jeffnjen2@msn.com.

O Christmas Tree

Jeff insisted we get a Christmas tree on Thursday, which just happened to be the day that he got home from a week long business trip and still had to go to work till 5, the day that I had a Primary meeting from 6:30-8:30p.m. and the day that Jeff had a scouting meeting from 6:45-8:45p.m. I didn't really understand why we had to get a Christmas tree on this busy day, but I am happy that we did because the weekend was pretty hectic and I have no idea when we would have squeezed it in.

As soon as Jeff got home from work, we loaded up and went to the only tree lot where we live. We went to this exact same lot last year and thinking back, I wasn't too fond of it. The guy who helped us out with the tree reeked of alcohol and was slurring words left and right. And, this year proved to be the same, but with a different guy. Kamryn picked a 9 footer and the guy tried to sell us a 13 footer instead, Jeff asked if they sold higher ceilings to go with the tree. I don't know if the guy got that Jeff was teasing him, which made Jeff tease him even more. I was cracking up the whole time.

After dropping the tree off at home, we each went to our meetings. Then when we got home we let the girls stay up till 11 p.m. while we decorated the tree and our house for Christmas. When it was all done, I turned out all the lights and Jeff rocked both girls to sleep by the Christmas tree while he sang them Christmas songs...so sweet.

Portraits of my girls

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Noteable comments of late from London

As I mentioned a few posts ago, we left her beloved blankie at her grandparents house during Thanksgiving break. We've had a rough go with her constantly whining for her blankie and sleepless nights. But, after a few days she seemed to accept that her blankie was with Grandma and Grandpa. We got it back today and I hid it, but she wouldn't take a nap today and I so needed to clean the house before Jeff got back...soooooo I gave in (as I knew I would). "Momma me can sleep now" is what she said excitedly and she did just that, she laid down and took a 3 hour nap. I sure missed that blankie!

Here is another one that happened a few days ago and I wasn't going to mention it (slightly embarrassing), but then I realized it is one of those stories that my husband will never quit telling. So here ya go...

I went in to brush my teeth before bed and noticed a spider on my toothbrush. I called Jeff in to take care of the situation. He grabbed my toothbrush and made the spider fall into the sink. As he was returning my toothbrush, he noticed that the spider was still hooked to the web that was still on my toothbrush. We both watched for a few minutes as Jeff would move the toothbrush up and down while the spider's bum moved up and down (gross, i know). Finally, we got the spider off and he gave me my toothbrush. No way I am using that toothbrush now, so I went to bed without brushing my teeth. The next morning, London woke up and was cuddling with me on the couch. She proceeds to tell Jeff "the house is stinky" and I immediately realize that it was my breath that she was probably smelling. I proceed to tell her it was me and her reaction was "ew". Jeff thinks it was hilarious and I probably would to if it didn't involve me.

I CANNOT wait until I get my new camera for Christmas, that is if Jeff buys me one. These pictures do not really do justice for my cute family and I think my cheapy camera is to blame, along with bad lighting. Nonetheless, here is my family, or phlamaly as London would say.
This is my older brother Monte and his family: Misty (wife), Marley (age 7), Sailor (age 5), Case (age almost 3) and baby Kienzli (age 1 year...if you can believe that, she is sooo petite).

Random facts about my brother:
1. He married my best friends sister.
2. He served a mission in Paraguay.
3. His oldest daughter is named after Bob Marley and her middle name means dove in Guaraneen (a language he learned on his mission and I am positive I spelled that wrong). I think that is so sweet.
4. He has HUGE biceps!
5. He has broken his nose at least 3 times with my help for one of them. (I put a sleeping bag over his head and pushed him into the wall.)
6. He still reads his scriptures in Spanish every day.
7. When I was younger I had these hot pink spandex shorts (yikes, i know) and whenever I'd wear them he'd throw me over his shoulder (see #4) and my little sister would record my bum on a video camera. Weren't they mean to me :)
8. He is the best big brother a girl could ask for!

This is my little sister Danielle and her family: Jason (husband), Halle (age 6), Landin (age 5), Mayzi (age 2) and Emree (age 6 months).

Random facts about my sister:

1. She is 5 years younger than me, yet people get us mixed up all the time.

2. She is the most loving mother and wife.

3. She is completely selfless and ALWAYS puts the needs of others before her own.

4. She was by my side the whole time I was in the hospital (3 months) and has never really left it.

5. Cries every time someone talks of my car accident.

6. Has 4 kids that are so cute they could model for GAP.

7. Helped with the conversion of her husband.

8. Is the best younger sister I could have asked for.

Kids Christmas Craft Day

The girls and I were able to visit my parents while Jeff was out of town on business. We just happened to be there for the grand kids annual Christmas craft day. I love this tradition because it is helping me teach my children how exciting it is to give presents away. My girls were able to make about 12 ornaments that they will be giving to their primary teachers, school teachers, our mail lady and anyone else that deserves a little something during the holiday season.

Thursday
Why is it that I put everything off until the last minute possible? I knew we'd be leaving for Utah right after Jeff returned home from work today, yet I put off packing and cleaning until Kamryn came home from school (3:35). I do this with other things as well...studying for a test, cleaning the house before company comes, Christmas presents, baby gifts etc.,. Luckily, a friend of mine was able to take Kam to her gymnastics class and I finished up everything in the nick of time (as I always do). By 5:30 we were on our way to Utah for the weekend.

We stayed with Jeff's older brother Justin and his wife Callie. In all honesty, it was like staying in a Bed & Breakfast, yet way better. Meals, free babysitting and entertainment was provided. And, it really helped that they have children around the same ages as London and Kamryn (Emily 5, Brendan 4 and Maryn 9 months). Kamryn said "this was the best day of my life" when asked if she had fun with her cousin Emily.

Friday
Kamryn and London woke up way early because they were so excited to see their cousins. They entertained themselves while Jeff and I slept in till 8 a.m. Jeff left for an appointment soon after. During this time, I mentioned that I wanted to buy Jeff a wii for Christmas but couldn't find one (all sold out where we live). Justin called a bunch of stores for me and actually found one. I couldn't have been happier! I can mention this only because I don't think he even knows I have a blog! It has been difficult to dodge the little statements like "should we go check Best Buy for a wii" or so and so said that shopko is getting a bunch of wii's this weekend. I hope I can stay strong and keep this a secret. Justin snagged Guitar Hero and needless to say that most of our free time was spent playing it. On a little side

note...Justin just had an appendectomy so he couldn't ROCK out as hard as Jeff was!

That night Justin and Callie babysat while we

went to the Jazz/Lakers basketball game. My

only complaints were that MY view wasn't the

greatest (see picture below) and that we bought

2 large Dippin Dots and paid $14 and we both only ate half. Grrr... Other than that, seeing

Jeff so happy made it all worth it. The Jazz

smothered the Lakers and they did it without

their two best players. Hopefully we can attend

at least one more game this season, with the kids.

Saturday

We woke up to a few inches of snow, so Jeff and I went to Target and bought the girls all new winter clothing. While they played in the snow, we were able to get a few games of our own in. All in all, it was a fun birthday weekend.

Thank Justin and Callie for EVERYTHING!