We believe...or do we?

During the normal holiday season, we dont get out much to see Santa. We have one non-believer and 3 scaredy cats. This year however, we had 3 opportunities to visit the big guy. This first one, you have already seen, but Ill let you compare it with the other two and decide for yourself who is the real Santa, and who are impostors!

Santa #1: The church Santa

Santa #2: Christmas Street Santa

Santa #3: Dentist Santa...just look at those sparkly whites!

Well now, I dont know about you but I vote for #3. Maybe thats because we know personally #1...and #2...well he comes out every year out of the goodness of his heart to raise money for mental illness. He and his wife and "reindeer" made this little box house and sit out on their front lawn and let the kids visit them for free as they walk around Christmas street and see the lights. All they ask is for a voluntary donation. #3, dont know where the dentist found him, but he looks pretty authentic to me...real beard and everything. After seeing his smile, I would venture out and bet he is maybe doing some trade work for the good ol doctor. Either way, the kids got a full body dive into warming up to santa. Hey, why do things half way, right?

Christmas day post coming up...if I can ever take a break from babysitting the most exciting present ever!

And the winner is...

Just a quick post to inform all who are interested...

Ryan was called to be the 2nd counselor in the bishopric today. Its been a long few weeks of speculation after our bishop got called to be Stake President. Before we even left the Stake Center after that announcement was made, Ryan started getting razzed about taking his place as bishop. It only got worse the next day at work of all places, since he rides to work with 3 other members of our ward, and works with 4 total. Could'nt even get a break at work...poor guy. But at last the bantering can stop. He is not the bishop, but in fact one of his counselors, and he is excited and blessed to be able to serve with some awesome men. It will be a great Bishopric!

It was an emotional day, mostly for me. Dont know why, but every time someone would congratulate, or comment to me about it, the water works would start. Then after church the new bishopric and their families were invited in to be a part of the sustainings. I was a little concerned about having our 5 kids in the crowded bishops office after having them already sit through 3 hours of church, and being hungry and ready to leave. I questioned it a few times..."are you sure? You're sure you really want them ALL in here?" Turns out I was the one who was being disruptive, as I let out sobs as Ryan was ordained a high priest and sustained as the counselor. I turned out to be grateful that I had Brylee on my lap to hide my embarrassment behind, as I sat and wondered what in the world was wrong with me. None of the other people were crying...why was I? And loudly too. I didnt feel emotional...I just couldnt stop! To make it worse, we had to return later in the day to face all the same people I had just embarrassed myself in front of like a hysterical cry baby. Ughhh...

I guess all I have left to say is...it wasnt a shock to me that he was put in this position. It wouldnt have been a shock if he was called as Bishop (Some day). He is and always has been a faithful, worthy, strong, unwavering follower of Christ. He is the rock in our family. He is the rock in our marriage. He keeps us on the straight and narrow and always proves to be a shining example to us. I know he will do great things in this calling and for the people of our ward as he serves with all his being. He has dived in, and is ready to go. His only regret at this moment is that he truly loved his last calling as the Young Men President. He built strong relationships and bonds with those boys over the last 3 years. I know he was the same kind of example to them as he is to us. He keeps reminiscing about the good times they had together...at activities, dances, in Nauvoo, during drives in his old trusty civic, in the classroom as they discussed gospel principles. He is happy he will be able to work with them still in a different capacity. Im sure he will continue to be involved with them as often as he can.

Congratulations on this new step in your life babe! You are gonna rock!

And I will be taking on the kids solo during sacrament meeting. Wish me luck!

Now if only I can keep it together!!!!!

Baby Girl turns 3

All the excitement, the anticipation, the ever changing color of the cake choices...it all led up to this day...Brylees birthday! And mom cant possibly make something...anything, without a little assistance. It just wouldnt turn out right if they left her to do it on her own. Her assistants today...Brylee settled on the choice of a vanilla confetti cake. But dont worry, she made up for the lack of chocolate with her chocolate oreo ice cream. And after many frosting choices, decided it should be pink...no purple...no...blue! "Maybe you should just make Zack his own blue cake mom." Honestly, thats what she said. Isnt she thoughtful? Or brain washed.

Before we see what she decided, lets open presents. If you know Brylee...which I doubt, because she closes up like a clam outside of this house...you know she LOVES books! This was her first present. See...its not lame at all...she's happy about it! This book in particular is magic. It allows you to change a yellow dot just with the touch of your finger, or blow of your lips. Pretty. Cool.

Next up...

a less exciting game. "Ehhh..."

"But whats this?"

"Princess paint and color set! Thats better."

"And you have got to be kidding me! My own laptop!?"

"All I can do is point and squeel...Eeeeeee!"

Okay, you've been so patient. Here is the final cake. Pink and purple with sprinkles and Dora. That'll work. Just dont look at the back. Mom didnt have help with that, so the frosting was a little...off.

"The candles are pretty, but youve got another thing coming if you think Im going to blow on them."

Good thing for helpful sisters or we would have had a waxtastrophe on our hands. Brylee would not go near that dangerous flame! What are you thinking Mom and Dad!? Placing fire in front of a little girl like that?!

All safe. Now give me some chocolate.

The spoon was taking too long...she decided to dig in doggie style.

And then use the spoon to be silly instead...

And to save the best for last...the balloons! This next picture is my favorite! If only I could still find this much joy out of something so simple as a balloon! Ahhh, to be 3 again.

And just like that, she turned 3.

Happy Birthday to our happy, bubbly, sweet, adorable little girl.

A little catching up

Thanksgiving has past, but I would like to take this moment to thank you all for being so patient with my obvious flaw of procrastination. I know that even though you have all moved on to thoughts of jingle bells and sugar plumbs, that you will humor me with a little interest in what has already past in every one elses thoughts. With that in mind-didnt we just do this? Seriously, shouldnt it be like June still? Am I the only one who thinks this year has flown by faster than any other year ever experienced? Did someone push a fast forward button on our lives and it got stuck!? Anyway, enough of a peek inside my inner thoughts. On to....yes, thats right-Thanksgiving!

I wont keep you for long. Its all pretty self explanatory, as far as a Thanksgiving goes. I do have to start by saying however, that Ryan did manage to get his annual Turkey Bowl game organized, and even got Madi to join them this year. I was a little worried, because she gets hurt just by looking at a sharp object. Lo and Behold about 2 hours in I get a call from her. 'Oh, here it goes, she has injured herself on Thanksgiving of all days.' But what do I hear on the other line? "Mom, dad fell and hit his head really hard, and hes not getting up, and he wont answer anyone. I think he might be dying. Can you come!? " Dont panic, she exaggerates as much as she injures herself. After a few questions, I find out they are on their way home, and he isnt in fact, dead. He did take a good fall though, right on the back of his hard skull. He came home with a decent headache, and a little dizziness...pretty much for the rest of the day. He is pretty sure he got a mild concussion though. Helmets, boys...helmets!

Anyway, I told you I wouldnt keep you, and there I went. I will wrap it up quick now, promise. But really, its just not thanksgiving without a little football injury right? So after Ryan had rested and I had cooked (with a few little assistants), we were ready to medicate our stomachs with gross amounts of food.

All done!

Katelin made sure we had out thankful basket ready to go.

Is it just me, or does Zack look like he's thinking..."Why am I stuck with all these girls?"

Ryan was well enough to slice a turkey, so he must be okay. Have to say, this was our best turkey yet. It stayed moist and flavorful. I just may learn yet!

And the grand finale:PIES! Only 6 this year...(:

Apple, Chocolate Puddin, Real chocolate, Pecan, Almond Cheesecake, and Pumpkin.

And yes, we ate them all! Not in one day, but all. Dont Judge, I know your just jealous. Or not.

And thats the end of thanksgiving. That wasnt so bad, right?

Oh, but here comes more...and you thought you were done reading this post!

To kick off Christmas, our ward held their annual breakfast with Santa event. Well, except this year it was Brunch with Santa. We found that out after showing up an hour early. But at least we got dibbs on Table #1, so we could be the first to stuff our faces. (: Afterwards, it was time to greet the Big Man...and I know we were at church, but Im not talking about the Man upstairs. No, its Santa. And for another tid bit into my inner thoughts...Am I the only one that thinks its sac-religious to end the Church Christmas Celebration with a visit from Santa Claus? Maybe. But this year, more than others, I find myself seething over this guy. I refused to put any of his decorations up in my house this year. If someone can give me some insight on how Santa makes Christmas better, please do.

Well, at least the kids were amused.

I think Brylee did pretty well this year, seeing how last year, she wouldnt even look at the guy.

A friendly handshake will suffice...oh, and bring me something good, will ya?

Katelin was sure she knew who was under the suit. Who knows...maybe she was right. Brother Sladek...is that you? Yes, yes it is. But dont tell...he makes an adorable Santa, dont ya think?
Later that night, the 3 older ones and I indulged in a little spinning and...well... just spinning to the tune of the nutcracker. The elementary school put on the performance, so the girls had to go see their friends who were in it. I was a little disappointed there was no speaking involved, but Alissa seemed to enjoy it. No pictures though, Ryan stole the camera to snap some memories of this:

Two very excited little boys got to ride in a boat for a parade! A friend approached Ryan and asked him if we were interested in filling the boat for his company. I know, right...who does a parade in December in Wisconsin? Well hey, why not? We're in! We gave the girls the option of what they wanted to do, but the nutcracker won out. So Ryan grabbed another friend to help fill in, and they went to freeze together. Looks like they enjoyed it though, and its probably the only time they will ever be in a hundred of thousands dollar boat.

I think they enjoyed watching the people, as opposed to waving at them.

Ah...I stand corrected. Isnt he cute?

And Brylee had a little help with her wave as well.

So now that the Christmas season is kicked off, I will see you again in late January...well, thats a lie. Brylee's birthday is coming up first! Up above...unless you already read that- then shame on you for viewing it out of order. Actually, thats just the way blogger works, so what are ya gonna do? Happy ThanksChristmas!

Halloween/Birthday Celebrating

October was super busy, but we did manage to get some brief Halloween celebrating in during the last 3 days of the month. It started off with a quick stop by at the pumpkin patch. When I say quick, it was like 15 minutes. We had another commitment to get to, and it was already dark out...and cold, so basically, we ran through the place just to check out how the pumpkin heads turned out this year. Can you tell they were cold?

Brylee found her favorite ...Dora and Diego.

And that about sums it up. Impressive, right? I know.

We stopped by the store on the way home to buy pumpkins, because last year we learned that the pumpkin patch was too rich for our blood. Plus, it was cold...and dark, so we wouldnt be able to really scan around for the perfect pumpkin. Then we dropped the kids off at home, and went to the church to help set up for the ward trunk-or-treat for the next night. More on that to come.

Since we had no other time to carve pumpkins with everything else going on, I rolled up my sleeves and helped the kids first thing after breakfast. This was the first time Ryan wasnt here for pumpkin carving, so it took me around 3 hours by myself to help them all. Who's idea was it to have all these kids anyway!?

Kidding, of course.

Good thing I had Zack around to teach Brylee proper pumpkin seed handling.

And since I was up to my elbows in pumpkin guts, that was about all the carving pictures we got. Later that evening, we got all prettied up for the trunk-or-treat.

Brylee was a bumblebee...she will let you know though-she does NOT sting people.

And her pumpkin was a kitty.

Alissa was a friendly witch....

With a matching witch pumpkin. She did do the cleaning out, the hole punching, and part of the carving, but I had to help out with the rest, because well, after 3 hours, I had had enough and it was looking like it was going to take her all day.

Super Girl,

with her matching Super Girl pumpkin. She did carve out hers by herself. I just did some minor tweaking.

And Madi, a sassy candy corn witch.

She got an idea off the web to carve a pumpkin, eating another pumpkin. Her face is supposed to be saying "Oh noooo!"

And finally, our very own Perry the Platypus!

I know, if you dont watch the Disney channel, you wont know who this is (ahem-Mom and Dad), but it is from a very cool cartoon called Phineas and Ferb. Enjoyable for all ages. (:

Anyway, he is a secret agent platypus, named Perry without the hat...Agent P with it.

And Ryan as his nemesis-Dr. Doofinshmirtz, who he always has to stop from using different kinds of crazy inventions (in-ators), to take over the Tri-State area! Ryans Doofinshmirtz back story included a candyinator, which steals all the candy from the children and gives it to him, because its his birthday and he is the only one that should have it.

A good punch to the family jewels will stop you Doofinshmirtz!

He didnt actually hit him there, but Ryans face says otherwise. (:

Well, and then theres me-the Pirate.

I was in charge of running the fishing game at the trunk-or-treat so it seemed the most appropriate thing...well, besides a fisherman. Who wants to dress as that?

All ready for candy consumption.

The next day, we celebrated Ryans birthday. I havent had much luck with any of the birthday cakes this year. This one was supposed to be twice as tall, but it cracked under the pressure. Anyway, its a spider cake...in case you couldnt tell.

Look at all those candles!

This was a prop from the trunk-or-treat, made by one of the primary counselors and her air-brushing husband. They had these up for almost every brother in the ward. It was pretty awesome.

Next up was reading the thousand cards the kids made for his birthday.

Brylee was proud of all her stamps.

"And heres some more Daddy!"

Madi went with a sports theme.

Alissa included a photograph with her favorite Dad.

Katelin made poem using BYU. It stood for Best, Yoking, and Unique. Yeah, Joking is spelled with a J. She tried.

Zack put a monster inside his. Ryan tried to cover his eyes, because it was just too scary.

Zack made him look.

And explained that it was okay.

He also gave him a store bought singing minion card. I think it was more for him.

Dancing along to Boogie Fever.

As for gifts, he got this cougar gnome from his parents,

A new shirt and tie from the kids,

and a couple much needed new suits.

Sunday came and went.

And then Halloween day arrived. Ryan took work off for his birthday, but strangely, the kids had Thursday and Friday off and had to go to school on Halloween on Monday. As soon as they got home we dressed up again, and drove a half an hour away to do some real trick-or-treating, since our crazy city doesnt know how to do it right. Perry took a little snooze on the way.

Now this is what trick-or-treating should look like. Of course, it would be helpful if they answered the door. Turn off your light if you arent giving out candy!! Anyway...

This was actually where our good friends lived until they moved far, far away. We had to stop by, just for old times sake. We missed trick-or-treating with them. But, it was great to do some good old fashioned trick-or-treating. This neighborhood reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up trick-or-treating in.

Brylee so loved going door to door getting candy. I think she was freezing but didnt care. Its all about the goods!

Now off to eat handfuls of chocolate and induce a sugar coma.

Happy Halloween!