our early christmas

Being a junior captain, Lance had to work this year on christmas. Santa Claus came to our house on Monday the 22nd. We e-mailed him and asked him to visit our family a couple of days early. He was so accomodating. When this happened last year for the first time, I was heart broken about it, but it wasn't so bad. We never thought about it again for the whole year. This year was actually great. It didn't seem any different than a regular christmas morning. In fact, when we forgot batteries for one of the gifts, it was no problem. Our Baker Family Christmas Eve party last night was very stress free. I didn't feel like I had to hurry out of there, or be up until 3 in the morning. The longer I live, the more I realize that life is what you make of it. Your attitude is everything. It doesn't really matter what exact morning we used, but it does matter that the Savior is the center of our holiday. How grateful I am to him for his life and example. Without all of the opening of the presents today, I have been able to reflect a little more on the Saviors birth. It wasn't so bad to separate Santa and the Savior. I am always a little melancholy at the end of the Christmas season. Another year of life just flew by. Time sure seems to be speeding up. Christmas is the perfect ending to any year, good or bad. Nothing comforts or makes us more grateful than feeling the love and joy that abounds at Christmastime.

Our disneyland vacation

Christmastime at disneyland is my favorite. I love all the decorations and I love when it is cold there. Although as you can see from this picture, it wasn't that chilly. At night it got there though. It reminds me of growing up and singing at the candlelight thing. I cant remember exactly what it was called. Where's Amy when I need her? Those were good times. Anyways, we went right before Thanksgiving. Our passes were running out and we needed one more hurrah before they did.

They opened Its a small world for a short time on the next to last night. Much to the kids dismay. I was really happy. Its one of my favorite rides. I love to watch Jeffrey look at everything and sing along. They got all new boats, that were alot nicer also.

San Diego with Matthew

It was Matthews turn for a trip and Lance had a long overnight in San Diego, so Matthew and I flew out to meet him for the night. We didn't end up staying overnight but we had a really fun time. There is an aircraft carrier across the street from Lances hotel that we went over and toured. They have turned it into a museum. The guides on the ship had either served on that ship or other aircraft carriers and they told really cool stories and knew everything about the day to day operations. Since we didn't get to stay overnight, we decided to treat Matthew to a really fancy dinner. Lance also wanted to take me out to get some steak, since I am really anemic and need to bulk up on iron. We went to Ruths Chris steak house. Its been two weeks and I am still dreaming about that steak. It was so good! When it was time to leave, Lance walked us down to the van, then as we were driving away and Lance was walking back into the hotel, Matthew said, "Thats really sad to watch Dad walk in by himself." It was sad. Alot of his life is spent in hotels alone. Such is the life of a pilot. If we think about it too much, we wont be able to do it anymore. It was so great to be able to spend a few precious hours alone with Matthew. We haven't laughed that much together in a long time. He is a really funny kid. No wonder so many people like him! It was nice to remember how blessed I am to have him as my son.

3 weeks left

Christmas is pretty much not in the forefront right now. It is a necessary evil to get to where I really want to be, which is not pregnant! The doctor has scheduled my c-section for Jan 7th. We are all really excited for the baby to be coming. I cant wait to have a new baby in the house. I do have mixed emotions about kicking Jeffrey out of his spot though. He still seems like such a baby to me. He has been so much fun! I am trying to get as much loving and cuddling as I can before I have a newborn in my arms all the time. Luckily, Rachel is a good substitute. If I'm not there, she is the next best thing.

Another boy!!!

I cant believe that I havent written about this yet! We are going to be having another boy. The girls were crying for about 2 hours after they found out. Rachel, mostly because she thought it meant she would have to share a room with Sally again. Sally didnt think it would be fun to buy boy clothes. I was a little sad about the clothes shopping myself. But now, everyone is as excited as ever. I cant wait to hold my baby boy. The doctor wants me to have a c-section. I have never had one before, so I am a little nervous about it. Jeffrey got stuck and broke his clavicle during delivery. All the research I have done says that a c-section is best after that. The best part is that I get to have him 2 weeks early. Two weeks of less pregnancy is always a good thing! There arent many things I enjoy less than being pregnant. Its too bad I love those babies so much! 3 more months!!!

camping

We went up to a beautiful spot in the mountains. Just a little ways from our camp there was a place that overlooked the whole rim. The weather was awesome. I love to get away from the heat for a few days. By August, I am so ready for the cool weather to come back. It just seems like it should be fall weather when kids go back to school. Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Jeffrey and Dallin enjoying the fire. They didn't care about roasting the marshmallows, just eating them. Jeffrey thought marshmallows were meals.

The fire is the best part about camping to me. I love sitting around chatting about nothing and watching the kids roast marshmallows and play with sticks.

Rachel thought she was at a fashion show. Too bad she had to take it all off 15 minutes later, because it was too hot. Maybe it was a little longer than that but not much. Sally couldn't see the point.Jeffrey and Peter relaxing in the hammock.

Jeffrey, Peter, and Dallin loved following eachother around, finding bugs, and throwing rocks at trees. Throwing rocks at this tree entertained them and us for about half an hour. We were lucky that we had no ER visits though.
The first night it rained, so luckily we had the motorhome to keep us dry. We planned on tin foil dinners, but that didn't work out so well. The rest of the weekend threatened rain but it never came, it was perfect. We had so much fun!

Not so sick

This week Jeffrey woke up throwing up and feeling sick, but as only two year olds can do, he was up and playing within a couple of hours. Still, every so often he would run back to me and tell me he was going to throw up again. He would lay down for about 30 seconds and then run off again. In the meantime, Rachel was making chocolate chip cookies and asked Jeff if he wanted one. He jumped right up and said, " A cookie? That will make me feel better!" Typical Jeffrey. Cake or candy cures all ills!

sleepless night

I think we are getting a pattern going in our home, only its not one that I like! Jeffrey has come in my room four or five different nights in the last couple of weeks because he is famished. So three o'clock this morning was no exception. I made him a peanut butter and honey sandwich and started to do the dishes that I had left from dinner, only he wouldn't eat unless I was sitting right next to him at the table. He stood holding on to my leg until I was done, then he ate. We finally got to bed at 3:45 A.M.. One of the great joys of motherhood. Its a good thing they are so cute!!

Traffic school...ugh

Today was traffic school. What a drag! At least its only five hours now instead of 8! Word to the wise...DONT SPEED!!!! Especially if you live in AZ. They are putting 100 new cameras in the valley. They even flat out tell you that its only to raise money for Janet's budget. What a joke. Oh Yeah, the new cameras dont flash either, and they can move them around to anywhere so you never know. If I'm late, you'll know why.

A Sad Day

On our way home from Portland, we stopped in California to attend the funeral of a dear friend. Ginger Clinton died on Sunday, July 20th. She was an exceptional person and we will miss her, as will anyone who knew her. Looking at her blog and seeing how she documented her life and family really motivated me to start keeping a better record. Her death was so unexpected, but we were able to see some of her last thoughts here on the earth and see how much she loved her husband and children. Her funeral was so uplifting and inspiring. I am so glad that I was able to be there. Her family was just amazingly strong, and their faith in Our Heavenly Fathers plan and their testimonies really strengthened mine. I hope that I can be half the mother and sister and friend that she was.

Trip to Portland

Rachel and I just took a short trip with Lance to Portland. Living in Az, I forget how green the world can be!! It was beautiful! I loved getting out of the heat. We thought it would be nice to take each of the kids on their own overnight trip with Mom and Dad. Portland had a mall across from the hotel, so naturally Rach was first. It was really fun to have only one with us so we could spoil her totally rotten for the day. However, Dad might back out of the deal, if they're all going to cost that much. We had a great time shopping, going to the movies, shopping, eating out, shopping, and uninterrupted time with Rachel. I get all weepy just thinking about how short our time is getting with her at home. We keep promising that we will take more pictures, but of course, we didn't take anyway. Hopefully this blog will motivate me to be better.

Hello welcome to the blog. I(Rach) set up the blog for the family because they have been asking me to since i started my own. I love blogging! I hope everyone enjoys the new blog for the Waite family.