Gingerbread Houses

GINGERBREAD HOUSE PARTY

We gathered up at Emily's on Monday and decorated gingerbread houses with all the cousins.

It was a blast!

The finished Product

Natali (the Cinderella Bride) & Isaac

Isaac & Abby

Abby & Ben

Mateo & Anna

Calli & Mary

Liz, Charlie, & Jack

Oliver

Indulgence

Sunday morning we made buttermilk pancakes. Isaac decided he wanted blueberry syrup on his topped with whipped cream. I decided to indulge him, why not...it is the holidays and we are at Grandma's house. By definition both things imply indulging. The boy liked it!

And this little monkey is getting bigger by the day. When we arrived he had no teeth. His bottom two teeth are in and he is currently working on his top. He is still super smilely and happy. He is sitting up better and he LOVES his early Christmas gift, Melmon the giraffe. He is holding it by the leg. It's the perfect size, it squeaks, and is the best teething toy I have ever seen. Spencer+Melmon = BFF's (in the store Melmon is called Sophie...but we decided to rename him, we're glad we did).

Super Man Isaac

After Halloween we set out determined to find Isaac some "non-girly" dress ups. He has been heard/seen running out of Natali's room saying:

"Look at me...I a princess!"

What's more manly than Super Man? Oh how I hope this (and the lot of GI Joe guys he is getting at Christmas help)!

Concert

Friday night was a great night! I had the chance to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert with my mother in-law and a few of my sister in-laws. This year Natalie Cole performed with them. It really brought in the Christmas spirit. My favorite part was the children's choir. They sounded truly angelic!

We left kids with husbands and started the night with dinner at Cafe Rio (please come to Des Moines). We then made our way into the heart of Salt Lake and enjoyed the lights of Temple Square. The concert was beautiful. The costumes, decorations, performers, and our seats were amazing. Afterwards instead of fighting traffic we made our way to the Lion House and picked up some rolls & a pie...oh Lion House rolls how I love you!!!

It was so nice to come home and already have the kids a sleep in bed. Ben was such a great sport. (doesn't hurt that he gets to go the bowl game in a week and half) It's been a long time since I have been able to go to something like this. It was so refreshing and uplifting.

Temple Square

(photo courtesy of the web)

Last Wednesday we took all the kids down to Temple Square to see the lights. It's been years since I have been there and we have never been there as a family. It was chilly out, but we bundled up and headed out for a Christmas adventure. It was absolutely picturesque. Spencer snuggled me in his sling, Isaac was cozy in his stroller, and Natali loved running around underneath the magical glow of the lights. I loved it all...the giant red lighted cedar, the row of orange lights by the Assembly Hall, listening to a choir practice in the tabernacle, seeing the array of nativities they had set up, the reflection pool with its floating lights, and listening to Natali & Isaac point out over & over again the angel Moroni.

After walking around we were all ready for dinner we decided to branch out and try something new. We had heard good things about Pat's and had seen it spotlighted on one of our fav. food network shows (yes we are dorks) Dinner's Drive-In's & Dives...Pat's In Your Face BBQ. Oh my it did not disappoint! Some of the best ribs I've ever had...and corn bread...and mashed potatoes.

It was a great evening! You can't help but get into the Christmas spirit after being at Temple Square.

Blessed

I failed to make the traditional list of all the many things in my life that I am grateful for. I thought about it a lot, but never made my way to the computer to document it. There always seems to be so much to be thankful for. Life happens. I am grateful for mine. I am grateful for all my family and a wonderful loving hard working husband. I grateful for the gospel. I am extremely grateful for miracles. I grateful for the reflection that inevitably occurs during this time of the year. I am grateful for my life!

7 months

Sweet little Spencer is now 7 months old!

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Jo)

• Loves his "solid" food. His favorites are oatmeal w/ bananas or applesauce.
• His bottom two teeth have popped through
• Due to the above mentioned teething, his sleeping habits have rapidly declined. Hopefully we'll resume those sooner than later.
• He is starting to get shy with strangers and nuzzles into me when they talk to him (selfishly I love it)
• He is becoming more vocal with lots of "bababab's" and other cute baby sounds
• We are still working on the sitting up aspect, he will for a few seconds and then topples over.
• He LOVES his saucer
• Nicknames: "Fudge", "Fudgey", "Spencey Man", and an occasional "Hair"
• He rolls

Spencer we love you so much! You are my most snugly baby...and don't worry you'll figure out the sitting up stuff sooner than later.

Family Photo Session

Dearest Chrissy took time out of her busy Saturday and took our little family out into the woods to capture some moments on camera. It was a great. The kids did pretty well. Isaac was a little pot licker at the end and would not smile at all, but gave us a glare that said, "I AM DONE!!!" Here is a sampling. We LOVE them Chrissy...thank you!

Spencer 6 Months

Little Spencer man has turned 6 months! Today I took him in for his wellness check up and to make sure that his little lungs were clear of any signs of pneumonia. He received a clear bill of health! Here are his 6 month stats:

Height: 26 3/4 in, 64%

Weight: 17 lbs 2 oz, 45%

Head: 17.5 in, 70%

What happened to my chubby baby! I don't think any of our kids have every been that low in their weight percentage. Skinny little blond boy!
Spencer loves to laugh at us, especially his crazy brother and sister. He is sleeping well through the night. He does NOT like rice cereal, but prefers the oatmeal. So far he'll eat bananas, applesauce, and squash. I tried avocados, silly kid didn't like them.

I know I always say this, but he is getting so big. Love you Spence!!!

Little Spencer Man

Poor little Spencer caught the "bug" that invaded our home and unfortunately it transformed in to pneumonia. After starting antibiotics and some breathing treatments I am happy to say his is doing WONDERFUL. I just had to get a picture of him with his mask on.

Although Spence didn't get in on the trick-or-treating action this year I did have to dress him up in the traditional Halloween outfit courtesy of Grandma Gerry. Natali & Isaac both have similar pictures taken in it. (side note, Isaac was sick and never got dressed up for Halloween and Natali was a witch but refused to let me take her picture...whatever...but we did celebrate the month, we just have no pictures to prove it)

It's been nice to have Ben home. Some things never change though...he still refuses to take a NORMAL picture with out making a face. I promise this was the best photo I got. Spencer loves his bath time, I can't believe he is so big. All his red hair is gone and he is totally blond. He is starting to really warm up to this whole daddy concept!

Can't Stop Smiling

I haven't been able to stop smiling today. Ben is home. He pulled in at 9:59 am. The whole house was shouting, "daddies home, daddies home!" In some ways it seems like these last 5 months have flown by and at the same time I can vividly remember the day he left. I can recall with clarity a very specific moment when I was sitting in a hotel room in Wyoming with my three kids while my mother was out getting something for dinner and feeling extremely lonely, afraid, and overwhelmed. Now that is over I can say that I think it will all be worth it...I will be able to say that for sure once March hits and the residency match is over. Anyway, I just want to record the joy I feel right now and the gratitude I feel towards all those who helped me get through this and listened to my laundry list of complaints. Oh I am happy!

Ranch

During lunch I hear:

"I wana dwink it mama!"

(did I get it all)

Man this boy is a true Fluhman...like father like son!

For the record I did say: "No Bubba...we don't DRINK ranch!"

But I did laugh, seriously he is so stinkin' cute sometimes.

We are ready to CELEBRATE

Today Ben is leaving Texas...goodbye! These last 5 months have been long & trying. Today he will drive part way and tomorrow I will be anxiously watching the front window. That silver Ford Taurus will never have looked so good. We've got our banner made & hung...now we just need the main man.

Just Our Luck

Starting since Friday night I have had a sickly little girl on my hands coughing, runny nose, and yes the ever feared barf (but not real bad). Isaac has a runny nose and has decided to be extra needy (which is normal for Isaac...being needy). Spencer has be running a slight fever and had a slight cough & runny nose, but overall is his sweet adorable self.

Saying that Natali has been excited to participate in the Primary Program would be an understatement. She memorized her part and every one told me how great she knew the words to all the songs. This will be the first Program I have been able to sit and watch instead of leading music for three years. I was elated with the idea of watching the kids perform and most of all catching that smile from Natali and getting that excited wave from the stands where she sat (one less kid for me to manage in the seats, bonus). Saturday morning I knew both our dreams would not come true, thanks flu bug! But I told her she could still say it for Daddy & Grandparents. So now proudly presenting...Natali!

SIN...Spencer Isaac Natali (get it)

Spencer is almost 6 months old. He loves rice cereal with applesauce or squash. Rolled over almost a week ago. Sleeping through the night, has crazy fuzzy hair, is super smily, and really just the best little baby!

These two are a constant comedy routine. I don't always find what they are doing very amusing and sometimes the bring my with in an inch of my sanity, but they are mine and I sure do love em'! Best photo I could get of them wearing Halloween shirts before they started karate chopping each other.Every night when we are getting ready for bed Isaac insists that "brother" gets in his crib. His is very sweet with him and just lays there and snuggles. It's pretty dang cute if I do say so myself. (side note: it is still weird to me when I say "the boys"...I can't believe I have two)
She is getting to big for her own good. She LOVES preschool and loves doing crafts with mom. Her mouth is constantly sassy and we are always working on using our "Princess" voice. She loves to dress up and always wants to hold Spencer. Thanks for keeping me on my toes Natali.
AND totally unrelated to the pictures...5 DAYS and Counting till I get a husband back again!

Spencer Laughing

Please ignore my voice. This isn't his "full" laugh but I sure think it is cute. Pretty soon Dad you can hear it for yourself. Last Saturday Spencer rolled over from his back to tummy one way. He has done it a few more times since but not a ton. Poor kid doesn't get that much floor time in fear of him getting stepped on or squashed my his siblings...namely Isaac!

Feeling the Craft

So I don't proclaim to be Martha by any stretch of the imagination, but I sure thought this Halloween banner turned out cute. And there is no one at home to give me my desired oohs & ahhs! Instead I get, "why did you do that Mom?" Thanks Natali, thanks!

Sweet Moments

"The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

-Ruth Hamiilton

Then & Now

As I was looking back at pictures of this crazy summer adventure we have been in I couldn't believe the difference in Spence. All the kids have obvioulsy grown, but rightfully so, Spencer's is the biggest difference.

5 weeks, and lots of red hair

almost 6 months, balding & blond

New Happenings

Spencer is hitting that next phase of babiness. We got out the trusty old saucer and the boy LOVED it (so did the other two). He is eating rice cereal mixed with squash (homemade might I add) and he woofs it down.

I somehow convinced Natali to sleep in curlers. I have MANY memories of pink curlers in my hair as a child and decided it was time to create those memories & torture for Natali. She'll thank me later!
Spencer relaxing in the bumbo enjoying the lights & sounds!
(Isaac is here...I just didn't have a photo of him. He is staying plenty busy and embracing the fact that he is two).

Haunted Houses

We've had a few days of being inside due to the rain & cold. I found these foam haunted house stickers last week at Wal-Mart and they have proven to be a good investment. Isaac was more intrigued with sticking them on and then immediately pulling them off. Natali really loved it and asks multiple times a day to do them. I love little kid crafts (I hope this counts as a craft).

Final Count Down...

Today was the last airport drop off for Ben & me. We are on the final count down until this whole 4th year "adventure" is over. He'll still have more rotations, all but one are here in Des Moines and the one in Utah we can be together. This is definitely not my favorite part of med. school and like all the other wives who I have talked to who have already done this said to me, "is stinks, but you'll make it"...and guess what, we did. HALLELUJAH! No more booking air flights, or hotel rooms. No more talking on the phone all the time. No more of a lot of things.

Yea...I know the picture is gross...just like 4th year!

It was so nice having Ben here even if it was for 3 1/2 days. I always sleep better when he is here and I actually cook too! He gave Isaac a much needed haircut. He had planned on mowing the lawn, except it rained almost everyday. He gave Spencer his first hair cut...no more 5 inch long stringy hairs floating around his head. And, Spencer took his first bath in the big bath tub.

I hope the month goes by fast. We did a paper chain count down & I am already anxious to rip all the rings off. Can't wait to watch Conference while the kiddos sleep tonight, thank you DVR!

Visitors

Last week we were super spoiled by having a visit from some of our most favorite people. The kids (and me) quickly got use to having Manda & Savannah around and doing stuff together.

It was a much anticipated visit, and so sad to say goodbye. Thank you guys for coming and taking care of us during this 4th year adventure.

5 MONTHS

Our sweetest little guy, Spencer Chase, is 5 months old! How did this happen?

• He weights 17 lbs
• Magical blue eyes
• A huge cricked smile
• Laughs at his brother & sister
• Gets the biggest grin when he spies mommy
• Cries when Daddy gets to close (thank you 4th year)
• Sleeps....okay....definitely is regressing in that area
• Gets super excited when it's rice cereal time
• Still wants to be swaddled when he goes to bed/naps
• Coos and babbles all the time
• Still has really awkward hair, comb over on top, the red hair is falling out & blond is coming in
• STILL has thrush
• Is a sweet as can be...LOVE you Spencer