It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I only assume things are going to get busier.  Christmastime is always so busy.  From Christmas parties, to field trips, to family time.  We also had a nasty stomach bug find it's way into our home.  It started with Porter.  I have never had to clean vomit from the wall, the carpet, the hallway and all over the toilet before?!  The next morning I woke up feeling unsure if I felt sick or not.  I went to the gym to teach my class, and try to sweat it out.... it didn't work.  I felt pretty bad, and fevered, amongst other things, the rest of the day.  Then Addie got it, kind of.  Then it seemed to leave. But then Addie got it again?! And then Thomas.  Miss Ellie started having diarrhea a week ago.  I figured it was her version of the stomach bug.  But it lingered and lingered, and I could not keep it from rashing up her bottom. After a few days, and it continuing I called the doctor.  If it is a virus, I would just have to wait it out, so that was what I was trying to do.  However, we have big plans to go to Utah during the holidays, so if it was something else, I needed it taken care of.  She had been acting perfectly fine, no fever or anything.  She was eating like she should.  The doctor tested her poop. It was negative for the rotavirus, which I thought it might be.  And they tested it for some other things, all negative.  So, we just have to wait it out.  It has been a week, and it seems to be dying down.  She was a little grumpy today, and kind of had a runny nose..... ugh! Please no round two of bronchiolitis!  Please no!  I just want to get to Utah and be healthy!

  I am super excited to head to Utah.  We leave on Christmas Eve day.... we are flying American... I am so scared it is going to get delayed.  My friend tried to leave yesterday and her flight was cancelled and rescheduled for today.  We have had so much trouble flying American, this has to be the last time we fly with them!  They stink!  I just hope we get there in time for Christmas.  Luckily we did plan ahead, and submitted a special request to Santa to come early here for Christmas.  I knew it could be a long shot, but he approved it!  So, December 22 Santa will come during the night and we will wake up early to Christmas on the 23rd!  One year we had Christmas in Utah, and boxed all the gifts up and mailed them off before we left.  I had never had trouble with the mail before, so we sent it snail mail, Parcel Post, and figured it would arrive a week or 2 later.  We mailed 2 big boxes.  They never arrived.  It was heart breaking for Porter, and infuriating to me!  Plus it was full of British candy that I was so disappointed to lose! ha!  So, we are truly grateful for Santa to help us out and come early.

Addie wants a Rock star guitar (an electric guitar) and surprises.  She has wanted a guitar for a couple of years now, so, Santa is relenting.  I think Santa plans to bring her a microphone and a mirror, so she can view herself singing and rocking out.

Porter is wanting a Drone.... he already has one, but he wants one with a better camera, and all the bells and whistles. He also wants rope?! ha.  A fire starter, switch blade and surprises.  He has all sorts of survival gear.  He is either making plans to run away, or he is a serial killer! hahah!  He is funny. He loves all the kind of stuff Bear Grylls has. He is my little survival man.  He likes to be outside exploring and making things, and cutting down trees?!

Ellie is mostly going to receive clothes and necessary items.  Winters in Utah are cold and we need some cold gear.  She also needs a high chair.  I am sure Santa will throw in a few fun toys!

I have been busy sending out our Christmas cards.  I have a ton, so if you want one, let me know!!  I had been thinking a lot about Ellie's birthmom.  We never really set any kind of "rules" on our contact.  I didn't want to overstep anything, but I did want to send at least a Christmas Card.  I just didn't want to do anything I shouldn't?!  But, I do want to at least let her know I think about her and love her.  Hopefully she will read this?!  I want to respect her wishes.  At least with this blog she can read it, if she wants to.... and if she doesn't, she doesn't have to.  I wonder if she is still healing and hurting from this.  Or if she has moved on and doing ok.  She is always in my heart and prayers.  And I wish her and her family a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

I probably won't update the blog until we get back from our trip to Utah.  And when Ellie is sealed to our family for time and all eternity!  I am so excited!  December 30th will be my Christmas gift this year!

Ellie loathes tummy time!  But the follow up appointment from
the hospital says we need to do more of it for her back strength.

I still can't believe how fast time has flown by.

We won an awesome prize at a raffle!  Can't wait
to cook up some yummy food on this!

This year, the first presents under the Christmas tree were for Jesus.
We all wrote something that we were going to give to Jesus this year. Mostly
had to do with patience (ha, me), no more whining, being nicer etc.
Trying to help the kids remember the real reason for the season

I was trying on her blessing dress to see if it would still fit for her sealing.
This girl is 19.2 lbs!!!  It's a wee bit tight!

My sister had her baby....Emersyn!
Ellie will have a cousin her age!
 Actually 3... Emersyn, and then two of my sister-in-law are having babies!

She sleeps so peacefully.

I don't know why this Eye Screening of Addie tickled me so much.... she just looked terrified

Isn't she just a doll?!!

Porter is such a kind big brother.... to her, To Addie, not so much! ha

She is such a light!

"Be a dear and fetch my ring"

Addie used to wear this hat! awww!

 Her laughter will melt your heart!  This is the first time she has laughed like this, and I got it on tape!!