Tis the Season

I don't have a real reason for not updating the blog. We've been busy, but not so busy I couldn't update. We've been having fun and enjoying life, and I've taken plenty of pictures in the last 6 months. I guess I just haven't made it a priority.

We had a really great Christmas. Mom B. was here for the first part of the week and it was fun to spend time with her. Then the Spencer clan arrived later in the week (minus Trina and family, we missed them) and we had a lovely time. Christmas Eve day we lazed around putting together a puzzle, playing games, watching movies and football, and just enjoying each other's company. We all got new jammies for Christmas Eve from our elf, Petal. Bailee got a Tangled nightgown and Maddox got Animal (muppet) pj's. Grampy took Maddox out for rides in his truck, which totally made Maddox's day. Maddox loves being out and about, and usually cry's when we return home.

Christmas morning was really fun too. Maddox was getting into the excitement this year, so that made it really fun. Bailee is at the perfect age for a magical Christmas. They were both thrilled with their gifts. From Santa Bailee got an Ariel toddler doll and a stocking stuffed full of all things girly; a barbie, lip gloss, necklaces, dangle earings, and bubble bath. Maddox got a big truck that holds his little wheelies car and a stocking stuffed with essential boy toys; Wheezy (from toy story...Maddox is a little obsessed with penguins), Mater, 2 Thomas engines, bath crayons and a tie tack. I think Maddox's favorite gifts (besides candy) were the Wagon from Grandma B. and the cute little golf set from Grammy and Grampy S. He is obsessed with golf right now....that's a sport I will definitely encourage. Bailee's favorites appear to be her Ariel toddler doll and the Flynn Rider barbie she got from McKinley. Luke spoiled me with an awesome iPod doc/alarm clock and a laptop. He got new basketball shoes and a gift card for a round of golf. All in all, it was a pretty successful day in the gift department.

My favorite part of the day was attending church with my family. I love when Christmas or Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. It just really brings the Savior front and center and reminds us why we are celebrating. The program was by the choir, a few beautiful solos, and narrators from the congregation. It was a really beautiful service, and I'm so glad we were a part of it. During the month our family studied about the Saviors life for our scripture study. It was really a neat idea I found on pinterest, a book called The Christ book that contained scripture, pictures, and songs. I look forward to continuing that study, and plan on using it throughout the year.

The kids are both doing wonderfully. Bailee is doing so well in Kindergarten. She's making new friends, learning new things, and enjoying new experiences. She got her first report card before the Christmas break and I was pleasantly surprised at how well she is doing. I am hoping that with such a positive start, she will continue to excel and enjoy school. I also hope she inherits her dad's hard work ethic and study skills. Bailee is dancing still, and loving it. They took December off, and she is really looking forward to starting up again next month. She loves to preform and tolerates practice. :) Bailee is as sweet as she is sassy and though she pushes my buttons, I love that girl to pieces. I often find myself shaking my head at her antics and wonder how my mom ever put up with me.....Bailee is my daughter and there's no denying it.

Maddox is doing better than I could have ever hoped for. Thinking back over the past 29 months, I can't believe the progress he has made and the odds he's overcome. Those first 5 months seem like a whole other lifetime; one that increases my stress and anxiety if I think too much about it. I am so grateful for the good health that he has had. It's kind of hard to believe that it's been 2 years since his last surgery though. Crazy. He goes back to cardiology in February and we will probably start talking about the next surgery. We are planning on this summer, and preferably early in June. It seems so weird to actually want to send my baby back into the operating room, but I know that he needs this next surgery and I know that the lord will watch over us all. I honestly try not to think too much about it right now and just focus on today. He is such a miracle to me. There are so many times I stop and just am in awe at the normalcy of his life. If you don't see his scars, you would never even imagine he only has half a heart. He walks and runs, throws everything he can get his hands on, tears apart my house, antagonizes his sister, is crazy about sports, think's he's a muppet....Walter to be specific, talks more and more each day, and adores his daddy. He has the cutest personality and is such a little ham. He is Luke's son for sure.

Well, I'm going to leave it at that for now and I am going to try and update more often.

How Time Flies

I can't believe it's been 4 years! It's been a lot of fun, and we've had a lot of changes. Being married is better than I even imagined, and a lot different too. Adding Bailee has been one of the best things. It's so fun to work together teaching her and helping her, it brings us closer together. This is a layout I put together for my club last week. (Of course this is the un-finished version. Now it has journaling and a few more accents, but I haven't taken a picture yet.) I love seeing the changes through the past 4 years, and can't wait for the rest of forever. I love you Luke!

(It's a good thing I can post-date these things, I always mean to be on top of it.)

Strawberry Days Free Swim

We decided kind of last minute to go to the free swim at the PG pool. Alyssa and McKinley came with us. Bailee loves the pool, and she loved playing with Kinley and Lyssy.

She was also super excited that Daddy got to come. Bailee kept 'swimming' between us and loving every minute. She was sad when we said it was time to go home.

(I guess the draw back of a 'water proof' camera is the water spots on the lens. :) )

Oh look, a picture of me. That rarely happens. :) I could use a little more sun.