sickies

My kids are pretty healthy. They only get sick once, maybe twice, a year.

The day after Christmas, all my kids got some nasty cough and boogery mess.

Not really flu, but not really cold.

Mason got it the worst.

Luckily, is doesn't effect him too much.

It wouldn't be that big of a deal if I were feeling better, and if Nathan hadn't well, that story is for another day. Let's just say he isn't functioning at full capacity. ;)

The other kids woke up a mess too.

Needless to say, church wasn't in the cards for us.

I hate when kids come to church sick. So we stay clear.

I just love babies when they are sick. Snot covered, tear covered, and so pathetic looking.

Mason needs a hair cut, but I just can't buzz it yet.

Scarlett and Bridget spent most of the day crying because they didn't feel good. Mason just has a way of making you laugh though.

Hey look! Two toofers!

Even though we were home sick/ailing...

Mason always makes it better. :)

Little Witte's 2012

We sent out lots of Christmas Cards this year. If you didn't get one and want one let me know so you can be on my list for next year! :)

My friend Katie took these and this might be the last year we get our pictures taken.

 She did a great job, but, I know what I like and I think I will take them myself from now on.

 Of course, the time will come next year and I will get them taken again, because I love getting their pictures taken. Haha, sometimes I can be so fickle.

 These are just random ones that I liked.

I don't know if you know this, but, Lucas loves his little brother.

JuJu too!

Something Juliet doesn't like is being held down, and being forced to do something she doesn't want to do...

Merry Christmas friends!

What a year! Right around the time everyone received our holiday cards last year, (Dec. 2) Mason joined our family! He was 10 weeks early, but overcame all odds and was only in the NICU for 40 days. He actually came home before his due date! He has continued to grow and beat expectations and should be walking soon! He is such a silly boy and is such a blessing in our lives. MASON is ONE!

JULIET is 22 months (almost TWO) she is such a social girl. She smiles and laughs at just about everything. She loves her little brother, and greets him every morning with a "Hello, Boy!"  She loves to read almost as much as she loves to eat.

SCARLETT is THREE AND A HALF! She started Preschool this fall and absolutely adores her teacher. She is very sweet and caring and has become the family singer. She can memorize a song so quickly, it even impresses her music teacher at church. She is taking Ballet and likes that she is in her own class.

BRIDGET is FIVE! She is in her second year of Preschool and has quickly become everyone's friend. When we walk in, everyone says hi to her, even those who are not in her class. She is in Ballet and has become a very graceful dancer. She turned five in California this year and had a blast being fancy and getting her makeup and nails done.

LUCAS is SIX! He is in the first grade now! He is an excellent reader and really enjoys writing. Not really fantasy, but record keeping and journaling. He loves firetrucks/firemen still and really enjoys Legos. Lucas is a great friend and brother. He is always so obedient and kind. He is taking Piano lessons, and is flying by his teacher. He often goes ahead in the lessons because he likes to learn it on his own.

***

This year, we really focused on strengthening our Family Relationships. Every month we would take our kids out on a date (individually), something small, like a walk or an ice cream cone. We swapped months so both of us would get time with the kids. It was great to get individual time with each of them, and it really helped our family become closer. When it wasn't their date night, the other kids were very supportive and helpful to the parent at home, by doing chores or being "extra" good. I am glad we were able to do that.

We hope you have a very happy holiday season, full of excellent food, and good company.

***

2013 Goal : Enjoy Nature's Gifts
(more on that later)

Christmas 2012

This year was very unusual. Lucas woke up at 5:30 to go to the bathroom and I quickly rushed him back to bed. At 7:30 he woke up again and chilled in our room till everyone else got up. No one got up! I had to wake the girls. Even Mason, who is our early riser, was still asleep. I couldn't believe it.

The kids had to wait until I pulled their hair out of their faces and had to brush their teeth before they could come down. Juliet woke up with her hair from the night before, so that worked out because she was a complete sour puss all morning. Again, unusual.

Instead of having a free for all with the presents, we took our time.



Santa left giant coloring books and art supplies out for the kids to play with.



He also filled their stockings to the brim.



Each kid opened  a gift, and then played with each item.



Juliet was so fussy, and mad. Until she opened "oomi-oomi-zoomi"



Our kids love toys. They love to play and dress up. I am so glad they haven't asked for anything electronic {yet}

Dress Ups were huge this year. Each kid got 3 a piece.

  Merida above and a goldfish costume below.

Lucas was SO excited to get an EMT costume. He just loves rescue heroes.
I love to find deals the day after Halloween! :D





 Each girl wanted a "Lalalalalalalalala loopsy baby"
Scarlett was happy to get Specs. She has orange hair!

Lucas made this at school. He was so proud of it. :)

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Horn!



Bridget wanted this when we were in California.



It is so cute!
I love this picture because Juliet and Scarlett were in the toboggan having a grand old time...
no presents, just playing.

This year we had the kids swap with each other.
We gave them each a dollar amount and on one of our dates this month, we let them each pick out something for their sibling.

It was a huge hit. They each really thought about what their sibling wanted and then I taught them how to wrap a gift properly.  They were SO excited to give the gifts to each other.  After each of them opened their gifts, they hugged each other and said thank you and were so great.

It was nice to see the joy and thoughtfulness that they had for each other.
It really is fun to shop for someone else, isn't it?

After the kid swaps, it was time to open Auntie Stef's presents.

 It was instruments for the Wii.
Instruments?
That is weird mom - Lucas
Oh, you should open this one then - Mom

Yay!
Wii Band Hero!
The kids were SO EXCITED!

 After presents, the kids got to play while I made Breakfast.

After Breakfast, it was stocking time!

The girls each got mirrors and Juliet did not know what to do with it.

We set up the toys and let the kids play!

Then we let the kids go outside.
We got a White Christmas, and the kids got sleds, so...

They went Witte Sledding. Nathan pushed them with a pvc pipe. Haha

We cleaned the whole house top to bottom.
We put everything away (christmas) and ordered our Chinese Feast from our FAVORITE restaurant.

 The best part of our dinner...

no dishes and a clean kitchen!

After dinner we played a new game...

Listening to the kids give us clues was the best part.

We laughed all night.

We tucked the kids in bed and went right to sleep.

It was a great Christmas filled with love and laughter.

I only had to get on the kids once to slow down and enjoy the moment.

I felt like we did a great job staying within our plan, and although our kids received a lot of gifts, we didn't go overboard or get them everything they wanted. I am glad we didn't go crazy or get caught up in the "stuff."  

I am so grateful for our little family and especially for Nathan, who works hard to provide for each of us.
I am happy that the year is over, and that our kids were healthy for the most of it.
I am grateful for the new friendships we have made, and for getting closer to existing friends.
I have learned a lot this year, and my kids have grown so much.

Here's to a great new year!

UGH

On Monday I found a large mass on my abdomen. It was different than the hernia and very hot to the touch. They told me to come in and see what it was. It was a seroma, but the office was closed. So, they told me to come back on Wednesday.  I was in pain all of Monday night, all of Tuesday, and Wednesday I could barely walk.  I went in and they drained it. Its another incision, and it is right where my pants sit. It was totally gross and hurt. I am on a new medication because even though it is drained, I still have a mass. I will have to go in and get it removed in January. When will this end? I am so tired of feeling sucky.

One good thing is that the new medicine, actually makes me feel better.

Here's to a pain free January!

Christmas Eve

Witte Christmas Eve:

The first thing we did was check out Grandma's Christmas Present.

Then it was time to eat and decorate.

 Veronica and Sydney are eating fried pickles. They were SO good and a fun addition this year!

Here are Danielle and Scarlett attempting a house build.

Bridget just couldn't help herself from overloading EACH cookie she decorated.

Mason wanted a cookie, but settled for a graham cracker. LOL

Uncle Alex and Juliet.

Lucas and his creations.

 Ben and I were taking pictures of Lucas at the same time, of course he was looking at Ben.

We headed into the other room and put on jammies to see Uncle Chris.

 But before that, Ben gave me an impromptu camera lesson...

And Aunt Cheryl and Grandma made yummy sandwiches.

then it was time to see Elder Chris.

Juliet was a little over 2 months old when he left, but was EXCITED to see him!

not as excited as Spencer.

We had a good chat and then it was time to eat.

Lucas and Noah are 9 months apart and such good buddies.

Ben let me use his lens for these next few shots. Guess who is getting a new lens for new years? LOL

Our Witte theme this year was Something Sweet.

Nathan got this sweet shirt.

 I got a sweet heart shaped donut pan.

I don't know what everyone else got, but I bet it was pretty good. The Witte's have a great sense of humor.

OMG I love this lens!

There was so much action, it was time to turn on the flash. The pics aren't as great, but, it does capture the craziness. Haha.

Juliet was a little overwhelmed with the noise and rush, 

but then it was time for her to open and she was just fine after that.

Then it was time for the Witte toast. The glass Nathan is holding is over 100 years old. It was Nathan's turn this year to give the toast, and he did a pretty good job. I was waiting for the "when my parents asked me to give the toast... or in the dictionary toast means... or the usual lame beginning of "talks"" but he was fine.

They pulled out the dessert and then the kids played some more.

 Juliet and Sydney are 5 months apart. They are cute little buddies.

We drove home, missing Chris, and loving the family just a little bit more than before.

I love traditions and I love when the Witte's get together. I know this is something my kids will always remember.

We got home late, and the kids all went right to sleep.

I hope they will be up later because they were worn out from tonight's activities. :)