The one and only reason I have bad feelings toward Disney...

...is the movie "UP"

I remember the first time I watched that movie, I was so not prepared for the whole first part where it shows Carl and Ellie's life together. I cried, just like many of you, I'm sure. It hit a little too close to home. We recorded it for Elsie and started watching it with her again last night. I remembered the part that made me a little emotional, but was not prepared for my reaction. I sunk a little lower in the couch because I could feel my throat start to tighten and could feel the tears coming. Then Elsie says something like, "She couldn't have her baby. Some girls can have babies and some girls can't have babies." And before I knew it, the tears started flowin'! I tried to keep it under control, so she wouldn't see me. I hid behind the blanket I was snuggling under, and I just wanted to cry so hard. Aaron gave me a little squeeze on the leg (he knows if he puts too much attention on me, I'll get to the out-of-control crying stage!) I feel like I have come to terms with the journey Aaron and I have had over the last nine years of trying to have kids, having and losing Paxton, the miracle of Elsie, the many disappoints and failed attempts, and finality of it as we have made our last attempts without the outcome we wanted. For some reason, though, it hits me at certain times, and I just cry. Elsie asked me as we watched the movie again today (seriously, child, why do you insist on this movie???), "Why can't some girls have babies?" All I could say was, "I don't know, Els." I don't know why things worked out the way they did. I know there is nothing wrong or weird about getting emotional about it, but I wish I could just not think about it. But, don't worry, I still love you, Disney!

W squared

That's right, it's Weight Watchers time again!! This time, I'm being really good and actually doing it. I started the day after we returned from Utah after Christmas. I couldn't even wait for the new year...I was so disgusted with myself! Good news, though, I was down 2 pounds at my second weigh-in today. Encouraging. I'm still waiting for this to get easier. I've been a beast and have zero patience. I've cried several times. But standing on that scale did bring a little smile to my face.

Christmas is Coming!

This month has been really fun and festive!

We started off with decorating the house. Elsie really enjoys helping me put ornaments on the tree.
Notice how they are all bunched at the bottom of the tree. My friend and I hosted a cookie exchange, so Elsie and I made some sugar cookies for all the kids to decorate.

We got together with some friends to decorate graham cracker houses.

We've had the Christmas music playing, and Elsie is learning the words to all the songs. We're all super fans of good ol' Bing Crosby stuff thanks to Aaron. Elsie has been opening the doors on her advent, and loves getting a little something every morning. I've got most of the my shopping done, but I can't figure out what to get Aaron. It always stresses me out...I am not a good gift giver. I think it's the perfectionist in me. Oh well, I'll figure it out.

Snow Day

We got a bunch of snow a couple of weeks ago. It was more snow than we've had in a long time. Elsie and I bundled up and went down to our friends house to play. I had to carry Elsie all the way down the road because the snow was too deep for her to walk in.

We made some snowmen. Our friend, Ellie, made this one all by herself.

Pam and I thought it would be fun to make BSU and BYU snowmen, so I made the trek back to my house to gather up some BYU gear. We thought it turned out pretty cute! When I showed Aaron the picture when he got home, he just said, "You guys are weird." I guess he didn't appreciate our talents!

Elsie got round two of playing when Daddy got home from work.

I'm so grateful I got to enjoy the day with Elsie and didn't have to go anywhere. I'm so grateful for a husband who gets out and shovels snow right away, so we can get around easier. I'm so grateful we don't have this much snow all the time!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had such a great Thanksgiving! We went up to Jared/Lindsay's house and spend the weekend with all my siblings. Ang and Q came down from ML, and Mitch came in from New York.

It really was just the perfect weekend. The kids played and played...I hardly saw Elsie at all. We stayed up late, played lots of games, ate TONS of food, went out to eat without the kiddos, watched football, danced, visited, and went to the movie.

All the ladies went to see "Tangled" while the boys watched football. Elsie had been looking forward to it so much. Grandma and Grandpa Wise bought her this Rapunzel doll when we were down there last, and she sleeps with it every night. She brought it to the theatre and held it for most of the movie. The girls having a water and popcorn "tea" party.

There was a lot of climbing, playing, wrestling, and horse-riding. Carson is a good sport!

And, of course, staying up late and having sleepovers.

We had a great Thanksgiving meal. I made some rolls (my first time ever...they were pretty good and kept the kids fed for the next 4 days!). We had a great turkey, lots of yummy side dished made by Mitch and Lindsay, and yummy desserts...pumpkin cheesecake and cupcakes. Dessert is always my favorite part!

The whole gang!

November

I took Elsie and couple friends to a movie. They had a good time. I'll admit, I was a little nervous taking three girls all by mself, but they were so good. They sat in their seats and ate their treats. I snuck a few treats in for myself as well! Just some cute pictures of Elsie running. I just love the faces she makes when she's working hard and concentrating.

Rockin' Robin

We went out to Red Robin while they were here. So delicious and so fun!

We laughed all weekend about how different Q and Elsie are when it comes to personal space. Elsie needs her space and Q loves to be in your space. I think Q won this time!