Chirstmas Letter 2009

Wow, has this year gone by quickly for anyone else? I can't believe that 2010 is upon us! We have had a good year and hope that you all have as well. We are grateful for the blessings we do have, including our three munchkins.

Jonah (5) has been thriving at preschool. He still goes three times a week and is also in speech class. His teacher says that academically he is more than ready for Kindergarten, which is a huge relief to me, seeing as how he was really behind in language skills when he started the program. He has improved by leaps and bounds and life is just getting so much easier when you can actually successfully communicate with your child. Who knew? Jonah loves learning about all things, especially animals and nature. He also continues to love reading, dancing and singing. He had his first experience with sports this year as he played a season of T-ball. He is a good big brother and is even starting to mediate fights between the kids.

Eden (3) is our fire-cracker. She keeps us on our toes, and it's either because of where she falls in the family, or because she's a girl! She is super dramatic, but also so loving and friendly. She is not afraid of anyone and loves saying hi to every stranger she encounters. She usually brightens people's day with her happy personality. Eden's major accomplishment this year was to get potty trained! After a few failed attempts, she finally did it, and we are loving the lower diaper bill! Eden started preschool this year, and takes the bus with Jonah, which she loves. She also loves her teachers (at school and at church). Eden enjoys making new friends, playing outside, coloring, and swimming.

Levi (2) is gradually getting into his terrible twos. He is usually a sweet and loving boy, but he can have a temper! Most would say it has something to do with his red hair, but I know from experience that that is just a myth :) He has been my little buddy when Jonah and Eden are at school. Unfortunately he doesn't enjoy running errands and shopping as much as I would have hoped. He loves Nursery at church and also enjoys singing, playing with trains, and reading books. He has a great laugh and a fun personality. He is always getting comments from people about his red hair and piercing blue eyes!

Connie has finally found her groove with these three kids so close in age. Having two in preschool has really helped! She has spent the year painting, repainting, canning fruit, doing a little reading and sewing, and throwing parties! She enjoys being the Nursery Music Leader for three of our ward's seven nurseries.

Peter is still working as a software engineer at Wells Fargo. He keeps pretty busy with work, but still finds time to read, keep the yard looking nice, and practice the piano. He recently was called to serve as a Clerk in our ward and has been spending a lot of time in meetings.

As a family, we were able to make a few trips to visit the kids' grandparents in Logandale, Nevada and were also able to make it out southern California a few times. Peter and Connie's highlight this year was a trip to Newport Beach and Catalina Island, all thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Willard, who watched the kids. We also made a trip to St. George, Utah for Thanksgiving and had a lot of fun with Connie's dad's side of the family.

We now look forward to Christmas and the wonderful feeling that this time of year brings. We hope that we can all remember the Savior and the blessings He gives us all as this year comes to a close. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2010!

Thanksgiving

We went up to St, George, Utah for Thanksgiving this year. I've been going since I was a kid, so for me, St. George is the perfect place to be during that weekend. The weather is crisp, but not too cold, the leaves and trees are beautiful, and I get to see my dad's side of the family, which doesn't happen very often. My Uncle Cal's family was in charge this year, and they don't get to come every year, so it was really a lot of fun to see them all and hang out. We had a really fun time staying with my Aunt Penny and Uncle Randy. A lot of the group stayed there, so we had a fun time!

We drove up to Logandale a few days early so we could spend some time at Grandpa and Grandma's before we went to Utah. The kids had lot of fun watching movies, playing Nintendo (well, trying...) and playing with the dog, cat, and chickens.We also had Family Night there, and I realized that the kids really listen when Grandpa gives the lesson!

We headed up to St. George on Wednesday and went straight to Pizza Factory. Some of us enjoyed it more than others, I guess.

On Thursday morning we had breakfast at the church, followed by bump-out.

*Fuzzy action shots courtesy of my camera, which I obviously don't know how to use*

So I basically didn't take any pictures of the rest of the weekend, so the rest are stolen photos. Hope that's okay!

Thanksgiving dinner was awesome, as usual. I heard that around 130 people were there. After dinner, we had our little Family Home Evening, where we heard about the missionaries out and heard some stories from our uncles and aunt about our grandparents. Then we played BINGO, which was fun. Here is a really ugly picture of me:

On Friday we went to the park and the kids had a blast playing, eating turkey sandwiches and goodies*, and launching rockets.
*By the way, whoever made those shortbread bars with the caramel and pecan-halves, I need that recipe! Please identify yourself!

Friday night we went to the St. George Temple Christmas lighting, then had an amazing cannelloni dinner and Silly Song Night! For Silly Songs, our family sang and danced to the song September by Earth Wind and Fire. It was pretty funny but I don't know if everyone could hear our awesome lyrics. So for those of you who couldn't, and also because I want to remember them, I'm writing them here. Skip ahead if you want to.

Do you remember when Mason threw up that November?
It made for a Thanksgiving-ender.
Can't believe Penny let us stay.

We all got so sick. We just couldn't kick it.
We were ticked. As we barfed in the night, remember.
We just couldn't avoid the plague.

Ba de ya, every family member
Ba de ya, St. George in November
Ba de ya, celebrate the Willard way!

You want the good food. It will put you in a good mood.
Turkey, gravy, and pie.
Remember, don't forget cannelloni night.

Come November, I'll be thinking of our family members.
We've been coming since I can remember.
Wouldn't have it another way.

Linda's toffee she was bringin', a ha!
Silly songs we were singin'.
Do you remember every Thanksgiving day, yow!

Ba de ya, every family member
Ba de ya, St. George in November
Ba de ya, celebrate the Willard way!

Anyway, we had a great time! It was a lot easier this year, now that our kids have gotten a little older. Last time we went to Thanksgiving, we had a 3-year-old, an 18-month-old, and a 2-month-old! Yeah, it was so much better this year!

Random Stuff

We had T-ball pictures a while back, and I took a few pictures too. Eden got one of the team's extra jerseys and she was loving feeling like part of the team. We'll have to put her in T-ball in the Spring. Here is Eden with her many art projects from school:

And here is our Halloween candy, finally vacuum-sealed up since Peter and I were eating most of it! We decided to store it away so we won't be tempted, and I've got to say, it has worked! Out of sight, out of mind!

Last Name Game

LAST NAME GAME....PLEASE don't spoil it for others!

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy & Paste, erase my answers, enter yours and POST. Comment on my post to let me know you posted on your blog. Tag 10 other people.

Use the 1st letter OF YOUR LAST NAME to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real places, names, things,Nothing made up. Use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You can't use your name for the boy/girl question. Have Fun!!


1. What is your last name? S....
2. Name an animal....Snake
3. A Boys name...Sam
4. A Girls name…… Sabrina
5. An occupation.... Social Worker
6. A COLOR... Sage Green
7. Something you wear...Sweater
8. A beverage ... Sangria
9. A food... Sloppy Joes
10. Something found in the bathroom...Soap
11. A place...Sweden
12. A Reason for being late....Something suddenly came up (think Marcia Brady! ha ha)
13. Something you shout... Stop screaming! (very effective :P)

Jonah turns 5!

Jonah is five years old today. It's amazing that I finally have a kid that old! These last few years have really been a blur for me, having these kids so close. It's amazing that they really are growing up.

We had a party for Jonah's birthday on Saturday. It was a pirate theme and I think he really enjoyed it. When the kids walked in, they signed the scroll to join Captain Jonah's crew...Then if they needed to dress up, we had a box of necklaces, eye patches, and pirate clothes they could dress up with, then they got a pirate tattoo (removable ☺). Then we took a picture of the crew. I think Matthew missed the group shot, and Trevor didn't want to come over, but the rest of them are here!After pictures, we played a few games. Jonah wanted to play "Red Light, Green Light." Some of the kids didn't understand the concept, but it was fun for them to run around the backyard for a few minutes. Then we came inside and tried to play "Duck, Duck, Pirate (instead of Goose)," but the same thing happened. When someone would say "Pirate," the whole group would get up and run around. Oh well, it seemed like they were having fun.

We also played "Don't Eat Pete!" and that was a big hit. The kids understood this game pretty well- maybe it's because it involved candy! We also played "Pin the Eye Patch on the Pirate," and the kids seemed to enjoy that one too. They didn't really care how close they got, they just thought it was fun. You've got to love this age!

Next it was time for cake and ice cream! Jonah was so excited about his pirate ship cake that I made. It didn't turn out how I pictured it, but Jonah didn't seem to notice the imperfections! He was so excited about putting the crocodile on!

Getting ready to sing!

Singing...

And digging in!
Thanks to all the mommies who were there and helped serve the food and clean up!

Opening presents was a little (okay, a lot!) chaotic. I was just trying to remind Jonah to read the cards and say "Thank you" to the giver before grabbing for the next present. It doesn't help when you are simultaneously getting mauled by eight other kids who want to see the presents!

Jonah got lots of great gifts!

After presents, we gathered up the pieces of the treasure map that each of the kids had gotten with their invitation. We put the pieces together to form the map, then set off to find the treasure! The map took us around the house, then outside, where the kids had to each go down the slide. The X was near the tree in the backyard, and the kids found their treasure, which was their goodie bags to take home and some gold coins.

Here is part of the group with the treasure box!

All in all, I think that Jonah really enjoyed his party. He was really excited to tell his teacher about it at school. Today I tried to tell Jonah that it was his real birthday, but he didn't really seem to get it, since Saturday was such a big deal. I brought some cupcakes into his classroom today to remind him.

I can't believe that Jonah is five! Parents always say that about their kids though, huh? I guess it's true- they do grow up fast! He will be in Kindergarten next year, which is really crazy for me. Having essentially three toddlers at once really did a number on my memory. It's weird to think that they are slowly getting out of that toddler phase. I think I'm really going to enjoy them in their young school ages. They are developing some fun personality traits and some great imaginations. And I love that I can have real conversations with them now. The communication delays with Jonah and Eden have really been hard, but it is getting easier.

For those of you who really know Jonah, you know how unique he is! My blessing tells me that I will have special children, and although my dad always teased me about the "special" part, it really is true. Jonah is a really special kid. I can already see some of the gifts Heavenly Father has blessed him with. He is turning into a little person and it amazes me to see him grow. We are so lucky to have him in our lives and in our family.

For Jonah's birthday, I am going to do what I did for Eden's. I am going to write out his birth story in detail for my journal. I still remember crying when I first saw him- a real person! I am blessed to be his mother.

We love you, Jonah! Have a great fifth year!

My Last Meal

Karena did this post and I thought it looked like fun! Here are my picks (three each) for my last meal!

Drink -

1. Water. Lots of ice. With a straw. No lemon. Tap is fine if it tastes good. (Some restaurants have some nasty tap water!)
   
2. Strawberry Lemonade from Cheesecake Factory. I borrowed the picture from Flicker so you could see how yummy this is! Sugar on the rim and everything!
3. Maybe a swig of someone else's Dr. Pepper. I don't really drink soda anymore and would never order a whole glass, but sometimes a little sip just hits the spot!
   

Bread -

1. Garlic Bread with cheese from Pizza Factory! The winner, hands down! Even better with tomatoes cooked on it, with ranch on the side.
   
2. The brown oatmeal-topped bread from Cheesecake Factory
   
3. Cornbread Muffins from Famous Dave's
   

Salad -

1. Salad from the Olive Garden
2. Paradise Greek from Paradise Bakery
3. Barbecue Chicken Chopped Salad from California Pizza Kitchen
   

Appetizer -

1. Fried Green Beans from Farm Grill
   
2. Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes from Cheesecake Factory
   
3. Lettuce Wraps from PF Changs

Main Dish -

1. Texas Beef Brisket from Famous Dave's
   
2. Mezzaluna Pasta from Carrabba's
   
3. Factory Deluxe Pizza from Pizza Factory

Dessert -

1. Never on Sundae from the Pizza Factory
   
2. Red Velvet Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
3. Dessert Rosa from Carrabba's

That was really hard! Lots of good stuff to choose from ☺