Smiling Santas

On christmas I took a candid snapshot of all the kidos. It turned out so cute. Lydia has been super smily lately

2008 Christmas Traditions

Over the last few years I have tried hard to decide what to make OUR Williams' family christmas traditions. I've tried new activities each year. Some have been a lot of fun and so we have continued to squeeze them in each year. Here are a few of the activities that bring us together as a family this time of year.

Decorations, treats, caroling, lights, shopping, receiving christmas cards, writing our family card...santas lap...

1. Delivering and making treats for our friends and family.

This year the boys and I wrapped upcookie dough sticks with a note that said "Everyone can use a little extra "dough". We delivered it with a Christmas carol (this was a new addition to the tradition for us)

2.

Dipping pretzels in chocolate

Its a simple thing but it so fun and easy

3.

Making gingerbread houses. Last year I learned from a friend how to bake my own gingerbread and form it into little houses that everyone can decorate individually. I love seeing how creative Riley and Austin can get with the candies. I was really proud of how they turned out this year. They are becoming more decerning about and very artisitic.

4. New Wrapping paper and ribbon each year. My favorite wrapping idea this year was festive colored tulle--tied like Ribbon. I put it on every thing!! and loved it .

5. Decorating the house

Putting up the christmas tree the day after thanksgiving is our tradition. Austin was my little decorator this year. I had to give up some "control" about how the tree was decorated-which ball here and how to sting the garland....The tree turned out just how he wanted it to. Candy canes everywhere!! and the star on top.

Since we don't have snow in Arizona, hanging these snowflakes in the windows makes it feel wintery

I love my Banister. being able to hang a beautiful garland and gaze into the lights in the evening really bring the Christmas Spirit

6. Christmas Lights

Mesa Temple lights are some of our favorites. We can always feel the spirit while on the temple grounds. We love to see variety of nativities each year- Austin's favoirte were the one from Alaska, China and Denmark.

Arionans get pretty creative with hanging their outdoor lights :)

After thinking about what my favorite events were from this year the list became longer and longer. We have so much to be grateful for. I is fun to reflect on our many blessings

Kevin's New Favorites

My husband is not one who "enjoys" eating out. So for him to find a restaurant that he enjoys going to and and actually looks forward to is quite a feat. I introduced Kevin to In-and-out Burger a few months back. He immediately fell in love with their simple and tasty hamburgers. I like it too, but he really likes it. When his dad came to visit he insisted on introducing him to the in and out concept , probably in hopes of having another convert.
The boys enjoy eating there too. Probably more than the hamburger and shakes they love spending time with DAD.

I'm Finally Up to Speed

Last Night I got some slack for not updating my blog more often-So today is an exciting day. My excuse for not being consistent about updating my own blog and keepingin the look wothh other friends' blog is my ridiculusly slow dial up internet connection.

Well Today is a happy day. last night Kevin surprised me by getting cabel internet all hooked up. We have a speedier connection. YEAH!!! So I welcome myself to the year 2004+ technology

So from now on I will be able to check/surf/shop/research the internet more conviently. Watch out if you are a follower of my blog you might learn more about me than you wanted to know or probably more than I wanted anyone to know about me also.

Here is a bonus Picture of our Sweet Lydia. Multi-tasking at 5 months.

Taking a bath AND doing the dishes

SERIOUSLY, SHE LIKES IT...

Grandma Guffey didn't believe me at first, But now she knows that Lydia actually likes being wrapped up like a baby burrito. I love this velcro wrap a friend gave me it keeps her wrapped up all night and actually helps calm her down after her arms have been strapped in . Every baby needs one.
Even though this looks really tight and secure, Lydia is a little hoodini and manages to get one arm popping out by her ears by the time she wakes up.

A NEW MOM's THOUGHTS

As each day goes by I become more and more in awe of every other mother I see. Kudos to all of you. Being a mohter is not an easy task. As I have entered into being a mother to a baby again I am especially appreciatative of the women I know who I can look to for support and also as awesome examples of how to be who I am supposed to be. I have a lot more empathy for mothers of more than 2 children. Although I hate to admit it, while listening to other friends talk about frustrating days of motherhood, I would say to the Lord if only He would give me a chance to have more children I would be "amazing" at it, I could do a really good job I promise..". Well, he is giving me a chance and I'm so sure I am living up to the examples of my friends.

Juggling new responsibilites has been a huge challenge for me lately and I am not sure why. I guess I will just take one day at a time, trying to be a little better each day.

Everyday I write a little 'to Do' list for myself and on it I have to write down, morning prayers and scripture study, otherwise the day goes by and I have not set it as a priority. TOday I was a bit frustrated by the long list of 'To-do's' and I couldn't decide which task to do next. I was grateful this afternoon to look at my to-do list and see 'Morning prayers' still not crossed off. I was reminded by the spirit, even in the afternoon, to kneel down and say my morning prayers asking my Heavenly Father for help.

Thank Goodness for tomorrows to be a little better. :)

THIS IS WHAT A HAIR BOW IS FOR...

I've been advised by several friends with girls that I need to train Lydia early whith a bow on her head every day so she will get used to having her hair done. I've taken this to heart and each day really enjoy picking out what bow she needs to wear. A big flower or a bow or a tiny headband..there is just too many choices. It is really cute after I have chosen what she is wearing for the day Austin give me his two cents. He will say " That's really a cute outfit mom, don't change her all day". Or saying "I really like the other outfit better, especially with this bow" HOlding up an equally cute choice.

I love how Austin takes a protective role over her.

But aside from being a bow being a cute accessory it also works great as a sleep aid. She wiggles her head back and forth so the headband scrunches down over her eyes. She squeels for a minuet but eventually she's asleep. AMAZING TECHNIQUE.

Baby Ist Photos

Lydia At 3 weeks old

"Baby's Got your Nose"

I think it is so cute how Lydia keeps her fist SOOO tight. Her little thumb gets caught in there and it totally looks like she's playing a joke on you where the person holds your nose in their hand when it really is their thumb. I think you get the idea...

LYDIA SMILES LIKE AUSTIN?

So you ask "who does Lydia look most alike? Austin or Riley?" I think She looks an incredibly a lot like Austin . When she smiles big I see Austin's round head and cute cheeks. Just add a bow to austin's and you have Lydia. What do you think

Lydia 10 weeks and Austin 3 months

Every Girl Needs A Tutu

"Every Girl needs a tutu" I take this sentiment seriously now that I have a beautiful girl.

When one of my good friends gifted Lydia THis totally cute tutu I became super excited to save it for her for when she got big enough to wear it and dance around the kitchen floor to her favorite music. I wasn't sure quite how to pack it not really wanting to squish all it's fluffyness, so I just stacked it solo ontop of all the suitcases in the back of the van. What could happen to it up there?

When we arrived in Flagstaff we stopped for a minuet for a quick potty stop and a bit of gas. The wind was blowing strongly and as the side door was open and the back hatch was lefted up ...whoosh out went the tutu flying through the air. I thought for sure it was gone for good and that looking for it was just a waste of time. When Kevin saw how disappointed I was that it flew away he was determined to find it. we searched through the sage brush and walked down a few ditches until we found it caught and camofagued by some sagebrush.

Everytime I Look on the wall and see the tutu hanging there waiting for Lydia to grow up I cherish the moment that Kevin went to huge lenghs for something very simple That was meaning for me and our new Daughter.

We are learning together the differences between Girls and Boys. GIrls need Tutus

Baby Lydia Pictures

Lydia has changed so much in the last 6 weeks. Today marks the official 7 weeks old date. She weighs 9 lbs. I'm sure she is starting to see better because she will follow with her eyes when I move from one side to the other. When she is content she smiles at me. I Know this is not Gas, she knows who I am and recognizes my voice. Ahh.. 2 months is great!! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind and I have not taken a lot of time to relish being a mother of an infant again. when I see these milestones from her I am able to step back feel the joy of being a mother. The responsibility is huge and I often have to remind myself to take note of the small things so that I can recognize my awesome blessings. SHE is A Miracle.
We went for a walk in the park one sunday afternoon. She is sitting upright in the stroller whith out the car seat. I love how full and fluffy her cheeks are getting.

Almost 1 Month

well, it's almost been 1 month or 4 weeks or 30 days, since our sweet Lydia was born.
I realize that the basics of motherhood came back to me quickly as you are forced to take care of an infant 24/7, however adjusting to the lack of sleep with a newborn has not been my favorite part of loving our new little girl.
There never seems to be a moment during the day when I can get a nap. Luckily she is sleeping 3-4 hours during the night.

Over the past few weeks I have learned a few helpful tips
when nursing, everyone says that button down shirts are a real help, however they do not bother to tell you how to make them work so that you are not showing your flesh all day. here's the tip: undo the buttons from the bottom up and leave one or two buttons secured. This way you are sure that you are not worried you are about to flash a stranger or even friends in the mother's lounge. No one told me.

The sponge bath bear has been a super big help. For the infant who is still really floppy the bear is just right for a quick kitchen sink bath.

I've learned a lot these last few weeks. More tips to come.

Lydia Elaine Williams--I'm Here!!

On May 30th 2008 Lydia Williams Arrived at 1:50 pm
5 lbs 15 oz; 19 " long
Proud Papa-Kevin
Since coming home Kevin has been a great help with the new baby duties. He had a bit of a shock one evening after a long tiring day, he looked in the mirror and saw baby Lydia's face in the mirror.

We have been trying to decide whose features she resembles most. It is a tricky task seeing how all babies look like grandpas/old men the first few weeks of life.

Lydia under the Billilights. after getting used to the shock of being naked and the feeling of her arms fly around, she started to really enjoy being in the warm light. She relaxed and let the lights work their magic. 5 hours later we were able to be discharged from the hospital. I was really anxious to leave the hospital so having to wait all day Sunday to go home was a test of patience




Austin was by far the most excited about the arrival of anew sister. Riley is warming up to the idea more each day.



Babys crying gotta go..........

"My Soul Delighteth in..."

For our visiting teaching message this month I chose a few exerpt from Sister Tanner's General Conference Talk My soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord"

During our visits we talked about the things that each of delight in and from doing that I realiezed that there are different things every day that I can "delight in" and that give me cause to rejoice.

I have decided to share a few of these thoughts each day, or at least when I get a chance to post.

Today:
I delight in technology. Since our ward was realighned recently we have been able to stay in contact with recently moved members and feel connected with new sisters in the ward. I am truly grateful for the LDS website.

Getting Ready for Baby

This weekend the whole family helped prepare for the coming of a new baby. We converted Dad's office in to a nursery. The boys loved helping dad take apart his desk and use the power tools to put it back together. They must have been inspired by the tools and how much fun they are, because Austin immediately got out his own set from Home Depot, courtesy of grandpa Dennis, and started working away. They haven't played with that set in a really long time, I guess they just needed a good example and a fun reason to break it out of the closet again.

I was impressed how they both kept themselves busy all day helping, playing and being mischievous so that we could work on getting the crib together, organize clothes and gifts and feel ready for when ever She arrives.

We had a little dispute about the red gingham sheet on the crib. After I pleaded my case of needing to girly up the safari animals a little more and how red is my favorite color Kevin gave in and let me do what I wanted. Later he said that it looked really cute and can't wait to use the changing table to change dirty diapers :) {no, he didn't really say that)

These last 3 weeks of waiting and anticipation are harder to wait than the previous 7 months. It's Killing ME!! Good thing the next weeks are filled with school responsibilities and last minuet details so I don't have to just sit "waiting" watching my belly grow and move.

Austin's an Enthusiastic Helper

Saturday Austin spent the day happily being Dad's helper. He washed the cars together and then waxed on and waxed off. The cars look great and he is very proud of his work.

It is amazing when he is shown extra one on one attention he brightens up and it turns out that those are perfect times to get him to open up and talk without interuption from his Brother.

To Wax or Not to Wax, That is the Question

I received this email the other day. I thought it was hillarious!! I laughed so hard that I cried. I hope you find it funny too and not gross. :)

Just a little entertainment for any of you that were thinking of taking upself waxing, you might want to re-think that option (or for any of you thathave already tried and realized once the wax was already on how bad it hurtsto actually rip it off). This is hilarious, if you have to pee.......do it before you read this!!All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises ofeasy, painless removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...thewax.Read on..........

My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fixdinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ringpainfully in my mind for the next few hours:"Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet."So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was oneof those "cold wax" kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rubthe strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart andpress them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off.No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius,but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out.(YA THINK!?!)So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing eachother stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my geniuskicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees.("Cold wax, yeah...right!") I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold theskin around it tight and pull. It works!OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this!Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of allwayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire.

With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids,I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fightingchampionship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet.Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the rightside of my bikini line, covering the right half of my hoo-ha andstretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (it was a long strip) Iinhale deeply and brace myself....RRRRIIIPPP!!!!I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!.....OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!!Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull offhalf the strip. CRAP! Another deep breath and RIPP! Everything isspinning and spotted. I think I may pass out...must stayconscious...must stay conscious. Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe,breathe...OK,back to normal.I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that hascaused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want torevel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up thestrip!There's no hair on it.Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX???Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. Isee the hair. The hair that should be on the strip...it's not! Itouch.I am touching wax.I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, whichis now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIGmistake...remember my foot is still propped up on the toilet?I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down.SEALED SHUT!!!!MY BUTT IS SEALED SHUT!SEALED SHUT!!!!I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what todo and think to myself "Please don't let me get the urge to poop. Myhead may pop off!"What can I do to melt the wax?

Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water Ican stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits andthe wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right???WRONG!!!!!!!******I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that usedto torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment -I sit.Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water.Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax.So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I hadcemented myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convincedme a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!!I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and hassome secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversationstarter......"So, my butt and hoo-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!"There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks forremoval but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants toknow exactly where the wax is located, "Are we talking cheeks or hole or hoo-ha?" She's laughing out loud by now...I can hear her. I give her therundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!!I should be the joke of someone else's night.While we go through various solutions. I resort to trying to scrapethe wax off with a razor Nothing feels better than to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hotwater and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!!

By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'mpretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counselingfor this event.My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my savinggrace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax.What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and. OH MY!!!!!!!The scream probably woke the kids and scared thedickens out of my friend. Its sooo painful, but I really don't care."IT WORKS!! It works!!" I get a hearty congratulation from my friendand she hangs up.I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then noticeto my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.Next week I'm going to try hair color......

Week 32 Baby Update

is More than one posting allowed in one day? What is the blogging etiquette.

Today was week 32 OB update appointment. only 6 more weeks to go. I felt really bold today in asking the DR if I could have the baby before PharmD graduation. Sure he said as if it really was not a big deal. So here we go we are scheduled for the weekend of May 30th. Yeah!! I am hoping to be home and recovered enough to sit at a graduation ceremony and a banquet celebration the night before. We'll see. I just can't wait to get that sweet baby girl here. I think about her every day. Especially when she is kicking up a storm. Some nights I can actually see my own belly moving because she is moving around so much.

Today's ultrasound was definitely a window into her world. I could see her cute little nose and lips and at one point one of her thumbs pointing straight up. I like to think she was giving me a "thumbs up Mom!! Way to Grow!"

Things I've learned

After gentle nudging from my friend to post something new ....I didn't think anyone was looking at my blog. seriously I will be more upto date knowing that you are watching and wating patiently for family updates. JW :)


Recently at a PTA sponsored student of the quarter awards ceremony when once again my two awesome kindergarteners were not chosen I had this epifany.
This award is not just about the piece of paper that mkes them smile from ear to ear and feel special for a few moments, but can be a tool for teachers. A tool that gives parents a reason to be involved in their children's lives. A wakeup call if needed to help them realize how being at their sons school with him cheering him on, inquiring about his classroom and how he earned this award will boost a childs self confidence. This boost of self esteem can springboard them into better behaviors at school, might encourage them to take greater risks or influence them to work harder in order to please a parent and instructors.

I walked away that night bummed out that my boys didn't have the chance to celebrate, but I realized that they have already won. The cirtificate doesn't mean that the smartest child wins. I am an involved parent. I participate in the classroom, they see me weekly, they can lookforward to helping out at Friday's snow cone days and an occassional cafeteria lunch together sharing the table with their friends.

I am grateful for experiences that help me gain perspective.

Spring training game LA Angels vs White Sox

For 3 years now we have been going to the spring training baseball games with Shayne and his boys. Each year we learn a little more about baseball and how it's played. This year the boys payed attentention longer than they ever have. The weather was perfect. I could have sat in the sun enjoying the sounds of the game relaxing for several more hours. These are some of the best times here in Arizona. SUn shine and Baseball!!

Easter egg hunt Saturday

We tried to th ink of a creative way to have an Easter egg hunt at Grandma's . Color Coding all the eggs. a little tricky for Abby since she is color blind and all. All the kids had fun and ended up with some fun treats. Next time we will definitely have to hide the eggs in harder spots. make them Work for their treats.

Children's Museum with Granpa Dennis

When Austin and Riley were asked what their favorite part of the Childrne's museum, they both agreed that the " balls " were their favorites. I think they could have played there all day. When we were ready to go home I gave them the option to go see a new exhibit or spend the last 15 minuets back at the ball station they both agreed to go back and watch the balls be sucked up into the tubes.

Picts of Utah

We were a little desperate for snow, having not seen it for a few years. Coming in March was a little risky, we might have missed all the snow. We were lucky though, when we arrived it was cold and some snow still remained in grandpas backyard. It was a little crispy and not really that great for making snow balls, but we did out best. We were suited up, boots hats and all the gear ready to throw a few snow balls, make a few snow angels on the hard snow and trample through the backyard getting wet to our knees. By the end of the week the snow gradually melted and with the help of the boys all the snow was removed or melted from the trampoline. Now we could do some great jumping.

our fun times in Utah

Spring break the boys and I went to Utah. Riley and Austin were especially excited to see their cousins again and spend time with Grandma and Grandpa. We did a lot of fun things and relaxed a little bit. Swimming, watching movies, riding in the 4 wheeler, working the dump truck dumper, easter egg hunting and watching "Enchanted" on the wall with a projector...A week really goes by fast when you are having fun.

First Posting

Ok, today I took some time while I was visiting my parents in utah to finish my attempt at creating a blog. I realize that this is very far from what I want it to look like and become. So, bear with me as I learn how and become more comfortable talking on the internet.