Trek to Utah & New Years Eve

We made a VERY last minute decision and loaded up in the car and headed up to Utah for the rest of Christmas break.  We were lucky and had blue skies the whole way up and back.  It was fun to call the night before and suprise everyone that we were coming.  The reactions were priceless!  Once we made it there we lucked out and had a few days of great fluffy snow before the inversion and COLD temperatures set in.  The trip like always went quick and we tried to take adavantage of every minute....eating at our favorite places, shopping, girls nights, cousins, the Temple, and just being with family.  Thanks to goodwill I found snowboots for the kids and they each LOVED playing in the snow, making snow angels, and climbing the snow piles.  Even Ben had to relive some old memories and go out and shovel the driveway and front walk.  It was a quick but much needed trip!

 *don't be fooled by the look on his face....he was loving it!

 New Years Eve

New years eve we spent the evening eating snacks and playing with cousins.  We had  a few sparkler's and went out early (10:00pm) to ring in the New Year.  IT WAS FREEZING!  We didn't last very long.

Spencer, Oliver, Sam, Charlie, Isaac, Natali, & Jack

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve was a quiet evening at our house.  We spent time together nestled by the fire place watching movies, eating fun snacks, and reading The Night Before Christmas.  

Christmas morning came and the kids actually slept in till about 7:30-8:00.  It was nice.  This year the big thing was LEGOS, both for the boys and for Natali thanks to Lego Friends.  I am still unsure who was more excited.  The kids or Ben!  He loved spending the day building legos with them.  That evening we had a nice dinner and enjoyed reflecting on all the blessings we have thanks to the real reason of Christmas.

 I couldn't resist getting Natali a Merida doll from Brave.  

Lubbock

In the beginning of December we found ourselves taking a quick mid week trip to Lubbock, TX for a job interview.  We persuaded some sweet friends to come stay at our house our and take on the role of Ma & Pa to our three monkeys.  I tried not to take in personal when our kids screamed with excitement at the idea!  So for the first time in our marriage Ben and I took off all by ourselves.  Going through the airport and plane ride was so peaceful and relaxing.  We enjoyed the "wining & dining" but also felt VERY over whelmed with all the attention, questions, and roller coaster of emotions that come with a job interview.  When we returned home the kids were WELL taken care of and we were grateful for the opportunity to go.

 The hotel we stayed in had a big ginger bread house down in the lobby.  And while we were gone our kids were spoiled in some ginger bread house making of their own. Love those little faces!

Santa Arrives in Temple

Every December Santa makes his way to Temple via the Santa Fe Train Station.  This year we joined some friends and headed over to enjoy the excitement!  The kids saw Santa from a distance....I wasn't feeling up to waiting in the hour long line.  Plus Spencer wants NOTHING to do with the big jolly guy!  We swung our hammers at the Lowes craft station and then walked through some of the old train cars.  The kids thought it was really neat....but to be honest I couldn't get over the smell and the overwhelming  claustrophobic feeling.  After, we headed over to the park and let the kids run, play, and enjoy the sunshine!  (Love how even though it's December the kids are all in shorts and t-shirts)

Novermber Wrap Up

Staying up to date with this blog has been hard work lately.  But I know how much we as a family enjoy being able to look back and talk about our different adventures and everyday occurrences.  Here is November in a nut shell.

We wrapped up another season of soccer.  Both Natali and Isaac played this year.  Isaac really loved it and towards the end got the hang of it, scoring atleast one goal each game.   Natali was a great cheer leader for her team.  She definitely improved through out the season but in the end determined that maybe she would rather just keep doing dance.  They were both excited for their trophies, and mom was ready to not have practice and games during the week anymore!!!

 Spencer...still our sweet growing little blondie.  Once a week he participates in a little preschool co-op that some of us mom's put together.  There are 7 kids and we all take turns teaching & being the helper. This week preschool was at our house.  I can't remember the lesson now...but we had fun and spent a lot of time playing and exploring in the backyard.  These kids know how to be GOOFY....now to just get them to hold still and listen :)

The week before Thanksgiving the parents were invited to come to school eat with their kids for a Thanksgiving Feast!  I was so lucky that I could go and eat with Isaac first and then sweet Natali.  Instead of eating the cafeteria meal (tried it the year before) I opted to make it a really special treat and picked up Chick-fil-a for all of us.  The kids loved it....and I loved spending some time with them at school.  Both Natali & Isaac were SO excited to show off Spencer to their friends...."look guys this is my brother"...and on cue Spence would make some crazy face or sound.  I sure hope they always get such a kick out of each other.

Spencer sure thought he was a big deal eating at the big kid table with his brother and sister!

We stayed in Temple for Thanksgiving and were lucky to spend it with great friends.  I don't have a single picture to document the event but the food never disappoints.  Frosts hosted and we all enjoyed hanging out and stuffing our faces.  Afterwards we went over to "the jumping place" where a few of us work to let the kids get their wiggles out, eat some pie, and go through all the Thanksgiving shopping ads!  HELLO BLACK FRIDAY.  Unfortunately we had a major freak accident and the mood got somber very fast.  Thankfully everyone acted fast...(and now several months later I can say she is almost as good as new).  That night some of us met up for some shopping and talking.  It's kinda crazy and we were all exhausted....but so much fun!

Waco Zoo

Over Thanksgiving break I took the kids up to the Waco Zoo with some friends.  The weather was beautiful.  We packed lunches and spent most of the morning & afternoon walking around enjoying the animals.

Slacking

This poor blog has been highly neglected over the past few months.  The main reason...I've lacked energy, motivation, and time.  I don't know how much of it is to be blamed on the pregnancy (although I'm sure it doesn't help) or simply the fact that I generally feel OVER WHELMED most of the time.  I know I am not alone with this.  It seems like so many friends that I talk to lately feel the same way.  Is it because we are approaching the holiday season...which in general always feels a little chaotic, or is it the fact that 4 out of my 7 days a week were some how tied around soccer, or just this stage of life.  I feel like this is the busiest/stressed I have ever been, granted there is a lot going on.

Ben is in his FINAL year of residency and is actively looking for jobs.  He'll be traveling some more this month to interviews.  Many of our conversations revolve around....what if we move here, what if we move there, what if NO ONE hires me...and all sorts of fun mind games.  I'm already mentally and emotionally feeling drained by it.  But it is kind of a BIG DEAL.  But it's hard to plan your future on a  bunch of potentials and what if's.  I'm grateful to finally be at the end of a very long tunnel.  I can see a light....I just don't where it is or when we will figure it all out!

For some reason I thought that having 2 kids in school full day would make things easier and that I would be able to get so much more done with my time.  WRONG. I guess I sabotaged myself when I decided to teach a preschool 2 days a week and continue participating in a co-op that we did last year.  Again both things are great.  I was desperately trying to find a way I could contribute to our family finances that wouldn't impact my time away from the kids or stress out Ben.  This preschool opportunity was truly a blessing.  I am just amazed at how much prep time is required, and how drained I am at the end of those days.  And once the kids come home from school....it's just one giant blur until bedtime.

Soccer season has finally ended.  I feel slightly guilty but I was literally giddy with anticipation for it to be over.  I may not be cut out to be a soccer mom despite my mini van status.  Isaac had practice Monday nights.  Natali had practice Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Games for both kids were usually spread out each Saturday.  Isaac loved it!  Natali struggled....and listening to her coach yell from the sidelines just about gave me a panic attack.  Natali would rather cheer her team mates on then be the one to chase down the ball.  She loved the "team" aspect, but in the end she concluded that maybe dance was more her thing.  I love the fact that my evenings are back and I feel like I can breath a little easier instead of flying through homework to make sure dinner was started so everyone could eat and change clothes and make it to practice on time!

In the end I find a relish and look forward to the days were I can just stay home and clean and play catch up in my home.  I'm sure like most I constantly feel inadequate with quit literally every thing that I am doing.  I feel like this is such a busy season of my life.  I have to keep reminding myself to try and relax...take it a day at a time....and enjoy it.  Ben is good at trying to help me refocus and prioritize.  Reading a book to my kids is more important that finishing up that pile of laundry, etc.

I have so much more & pictures to catch up on.  Someday....someday.  Life is busy, but good.  At the end of my days I have much to be grateful for even if all I feel like doing is having a good cry.  I do haev to say that I LOVE having my one on one time with this little man.  He is so sweet and mild (most of the time).  He melts my heart.

Even Iron Man needs a quick power nap!

2012 Halloween

This Halloween we celebrated in lots of ways.  We made Haunted Houses with friends, thanks for keeping the tradition strong Frosts!  We were able to go trunk-or-treating in Nebraska with Wilsons, and then come home and go with our ward here in Temple.  Natali dressed up as a bumblebee.  Isaac was a ninja.  Spencer had a massive melt down because his old superman costume was too small and he would only wear his rocket ship pajamas, whatever!  Somehow I didn't take a single picture dressed up in their costumes.  On the actual day of Halloween the kids were allowed to dress up as "what they want to be when they grow up" for school.  Natali went as a dancer, Isaac as a doctor, and Spencer contributed with his muscle man shirt.  That night we walked the neighborhood for awhile as Dad passed out candy back at the house.

Love those happy smiley faces...makes my morning!

Road Trip---Grand Island. NE

We took a trip to Grand Island, NE to visit some of our most dear friends.  We have known the Wilsons since before they were "The Wilsons".  We jumped at the chance to go visit them for a few days and look at a potential job opportunity.  The kids loved playing with each other and going on a mini-adventure.  It was great to unwind and spend time with friends that are family.  We took the girls out for pedicures...went on walks...explored the local library & parks...and spent LOTS of time in the car!

September Snap Shots

A few random pic's for our month of September...

 Spencer & I love to go visit the kids for lunch at school when we get the chance.  It's a highlight in our day & Isaac & Natali LOVE the chance to show off their little brother.

Spencer at 3 1/2 has really started forgoing an afternoon nap.  I still usually have him play in his room or playroom quietly.  Some days it is a real struggle for him to make it to bedtime.  Finding him on the floor passed out in not too uncommon. 

Spencer loved going to Natali & Isaac's soccer games & practices.  Huge open fields for him to run a muck!  Perfect. 

Apparently Spencer is fully embracing football season.  I guess pants are optional?

These two are in the full swing of school & soccer.  I love watching them walk to meet me each day after school.  They are buddies...they look out for each other.  They are getting so big.  Isaac loves following Natali around.  Natali loves to talk to Isaac about what he does each day in Kindergarten.  It's quickly followed by some statement like: "Oh I remember when I did that"  "Isaac you're going to LOVE..." "Isaac, did you go to refocus today?"  She is such a little mothers hen!

Say What!?!

We are so VERY excited to share the news that we are expecting baby #4.  I'm about 12 weeks along and starting to have more "good" days than "bad".  The kids are over the moon about this and it provides to be a constant topic of conversation.  So far they are all unanimous that they want a baby sister.  Spencer has become the official baby namer with the name "Baby Cricket".  I have NO IDEA where that came from.  Natali is already trying to come up with new sleeping arrangements for the bedrooms, creating different options for a baby boy or girl.

As with all my pregnancies this one is also high risk.  I've had weekly appointments for what seems like forever...but it's only been 4 weeks.  I've gotten the whole "talking to" from my doctors.  One specific doctor told me..."The rule for your pregnancy should be, if it tastes good....spit it out!"  Needless to say not my favorite pregnancy motto.  But if keeping tighter control helps this little peanut then I'll do my best.  It was A LOT easier to follow when nothing ever sounded good to eat, but now that my appetite is coming back so are all my cravings for super healthy things like Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.

We've already scheduled my big ultrasound for late in October.  That will be a big day.  I sincerely don't care whether it is a boy or girl.  I just want a healthy baby.

I have those occasional moments where I think...OH MY GOSH!  Spencer is out of diapers, everyone sleeps at night, and right now with the older kids at school I am only left with one at home.  I won't down play it....it so NICE.

But in that same moment I am so excited.  That baby stage is so quick.  I keep thinking this time around it will be a little different.  I will have older kids to hopefully help.  Spencer will be almost 4 when the baby arrives.  When I had Spencer, I had 3 kids age 3 and younger!  So ya, I think this might be a little different.  I'm excited to get out my sling,  make baby blankets, and go buy a car seat (and of course the baby).   Ben's just really excited for the sleepless nights and a sleep deprived wife :)

Waco Children's Museum

While the kids were at school a few us piled in the car and headed up to Waco to explore the Children's Museum.  I had not been there before.  It was pretty cool.  Spencer loved the big train exhibit they had and all the buttons that could be pushed.

Spencer loved playing bus driver, fireman, and cowboy.  There were lots of rooms perfect for him to explore!