Tess's new accessory!

Dan and I have noticed Tess's eyes not focusing well on us, her right eye drifted in, when we talked to her. After visiting the eye doctor we learned Tess is farsighted and has esotropia. Her eye muscles get tired from trying to focus which cause her eyes to cross. Luckily it is very mild and can be helped with glasses for now.

Aren't they so cute!!

Jake's Baptism

 I am so grateful to all the family that traveled to be with us on Jacob's special day! We had Aunt Rhonda and Lee fly in from SC with Grandma Riley. Grandma Barnhurst and Grandpa Larry drove picking up Aunt Hollie and little Xan on their way. My parents, Grandma and Grandpa Breinholt, flew in to be here for a week! And then of course the Warner family was here (Aunt Bonnie is Jacobs primary teacher right now, perfect!) 

Jacob planned out his baptismal program. I had him call and invite each person to be a part of the program.  He did a great job even though I know it made him nervous. 

Saturday, December 1, 2012 10A.M.

Conducting: Bishop Richardson

Chorister: Mom (Me)

Pianist: Grandma Barnhurst

Opening Song: Baptism

Opening Prayer: Aunt Hollie Alvarez

Talk on Baptism: Aunt Rhonda Harbor

Baptized by his Dad

Witnessed by Grandpa Larry and Uncle Lee Harbor

Christmas Music sung while we waited for him to change.

Special Musical Number: When I Am Baptized by Tess and Abby Barnhurst

Talk on the Holy Ghost: Grandma Breinholt

Confirmation performed by Grandpa Breinholt

Welcome: Bishop Richardson

Closing Song: I Am A Child of God

Closing Prayer: Aunt Bonnie Warner

I was really impressed with how attentive Jacob was during the talks. Aunt Rhonda and my Mom remarks were geared right to him and brought the spirit. Jacob told me after his baptism that he was nervous walking down the stairs first into the font but after that he was fine. He thought it was "cool" having all the kids staring down at him. 

Tess and Abby were adorable singing their song. Abby was more interested in looking at and smiling at people rather than actually sing. Tess held her hand the whole time and sang beautifully. It was really sweet. 

My Dad gave him a beautiful blessing. I remember a couple of things about his blessing that really stood out to me. My Dad blessed him with patience with his siblings (sisters). 

After the baptismal program we had lots of refreshments. Jacob requested brownies and cupcakes! My Mom and Dad helped me shop and prepare most of the refreshments, we had a lot of food. Sue Matthews made the brownies and helped with setting up the refreshments. 

Dan and I wanted his baptism to be relatively small and private so we didn't advertise to teh entire ward but invited his classmates. Others in attendance: Beth Leon (Primary President), Missy Startwell (my co-primary teacher) McKinstry Family, Butler Family, Kirkham Family, and Chris and Sue Matthews (Home Teachers). Dan invited his good friends from work, Mike and Laura Willingham but last minute they weren't able to attend. 

For his baptism I got Jake new suit pant and shirt to go with the new tie, scriptures, and marking pen he was given from his grandparents. 

Mid-afternoon all the family met back at our place for dinner and visiting. We had 12 adults and 8 kids here. 

It was a perfect day. Full of the spirit and family. 

Congratulations Jacob, my sweet little man!

When I get more pics I'll update, I was pretty busy with other things to remember to take many pictures. My mom was such a huge help! Couldn't have done it so well and smoothly without her, she's a pro at feeding a crowd! 

Thanksgiving Weekend

Abby made this "thankful" turkey at preschool. Upon inspection Tess realized one persons name was missing. I found this sweet completed family turkey on our fridge latter that day! (and Jacob)

Since lots of family are coming into town for Jake's baptism in only one week we decided to go easy and quiet for Thanksgiving. It was just us all day. We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I spent the day cooking, I am to much of a lover of traditions not to have all the usual thanksgiving food.  I made some cooking mistakes that I was glad didn't have to be shared with others. Lessons learned! Dan played with the kids and took Jake on a long bike ride through Little Bennett. We ate around normal dinner time and then put the kids to bed. It was a simple but fun day.

Of course we chose the coldest day of the month to go chop down a christmas tree! I love Graver's Farm and enjoyed walking around their decorated barn while Dan and the older 3 braved the windy cold to cut down this beauty!

Blue Spruce

I didn't realize how prickly blue spruce trees were or I would have asked Dan to chop down a different kind. I wore shoes, gloves, and a long sleeve sweater to wrap the lights on the tree. Because of our busy schedule and annual trouble with our lights going out mid wrapping them it took me 3 days to put all the lights on ( I also went and bought 300 more lights this year making the tree lit with 700 white lights).

This year Abby put the star on top.

The Big Eight

Jakes anticipated eighth birthday finally came.  He has been counting down the months and weeks ever since his first friend was baptized and joined cubscouts at the begining of the year. Finally it is his turn.

His morning started with breakfast in bed, Lucky Charms is always the breakfast of choice. We went to church where he was sung to and then the girls and I made him a "rainbow" cake with skittles and marshmellows on top.

When Dan got home from his day long of church responsibilities we ate Jake's choice for dinner, Stromboli and had cake and ice cream. While eating his cake the timer went off sending Jake on a
treasure hunt to find this....

Yes, he is the very proud owner of a bb-gun! Dan and I spent a lot of time discussing wether or not to get him this. Jake is an obedient rule-following boy who is totally ready for this responsibility. (It is his younger sisters I am more concerned about!) The bb-gun will be locked up in our gun case and only used under Dan's supervision.

Dan and I have talked a lot about how much Jake has grown up this year. It's crazy. My little boy is an excellent reader, can double knot his own shoes, showers on his own, rides a bike really fast, has a bb gun and is now a cub scout! I have a cub scout! Jake has enthusiastically completed one goal every day for the last week. On his first night of cub scouts I was excited for him but also felt kinda sad... from now until his final days of high school Jake will be going to the church once a week.

First night of cub scouts

My little boy is not very little anymore. Time, slow down a bit please!