Topic of Conversation

Nona gave my girls the "Elf on the Shelf".  My girls named her Zoey and they have had the funnest time waking up each morning on a hunt to find where Zoey landed.    A lot of Emily's friends have an Elf this year.  I'm glad their grandma is keeping them in the loop  and it's been fun to overhear the conversations they have about where they find their Elf.   Emily is still laughing about how a friend at school found their Elf on the toliet.   Now that Christmas is hear Zoey has left until next year.  Here is  where my girls found her last.

Considering this room has like a 20 feet ceiling it's a wonder how she ever made it up to the fan.   Emily will tell you it's easy when you have magic and can fly. 

Wal mart called our Christmas Photos are in

When we went down for Gramps funeral my mom handed us all this picture and said.  Merry Christmas this was my biggest $100.00 mistake.   

Rewind to Thanksgiving at my house.  In the middle of making dinner my mom brings out all these red shirts and gets it in her head that we all have to go take a family photo for her Christmas cards.    All the adults refuse with one excuse or another so my mom conceded to plan B.  She took all of her grand kids out in my backyard and here is the result. 

Needless to say it the picture didn't make the Christmas Card this year!!

Conversationalist

Aaron has a special way of drawing in your attention and cooing in such a way it's like he really just wants to stop and talk for a while. 

I absolutely cannot get enough of my little guy.

Goodbye Gramps

My Grandpa Pace "Gramps" pasted away December 4th.  I blogged about him after we celebrated his 90th birthday party.  He was a month shy of turning 93.   Bart said it was neat to experience his first graveside service with full military honors.

The funeral was very nice.   I was reminded of my pride of being a Pace.  When I was getting married it was hard for me to change my name.  It wasn't because I wanted to keep my sense of independence and luckily it wasn't because I had to take on a lame name because Richards is a great solid name, but it was simply because I loved my last name Pace.  I realized that Gramps installed this in all of us. My uncle Steve told a story that explained this.  He said that about 5 or so years ago when when he was visiting and during breakfast all of Gramps kids got into one argument after another each freely expressing their opinions.  He said Gramps turned to him and said lets go for a ride.  As they drove around he told his son in law that he couldn't understand how each and every one of his grand kids were smart, beautiful and absolutely perfect when his own children were complete idiots.  Steve then said "It's just like the basics of cattle breeding.  He said the Gene's of he, and all the sister in laws have made the genes stronger."  My uncle then said all of the sudden as they were driving down the road  Gramps grabbed the gear shift of his old jeep and slammed it into park.  He turned to him and said "Now listen here.  If you think that any gene can dominate Pace genes you are absolutely wrong."

My cousin Ani talked about how Gramps in World War II met a man in a Pub who told him the secret to a happy life.  He said he adopted the saying "Temperance and Tolerance" from then on and has tried to live his life accordingly.

I'm grateful to be Gramps' Granddaughter and appreciate the love and encouragement he gave me.

So thoughtful

Emily and I took her hard earned money to Wal-mart to buy the much anticipated Hello Kitty Piggy Bank.  When we got there Emily noticed this itty bitty piggy bank that she told me was "so adorable."  Emily stood there debating over which one to buy.   I said it was completely up to her and pointed out that she has been wanting that Hello Kitty Piggy Bank for so long she maybe she should get it.  I also noted that the small piggy bank was only $3.88 versus $9.79.  If she chose the cheaper one she would still have money left over for something else.    Emily continued to think about it as we did some other shopping.  She then said " I think I will get the small one and then I will have enough money to buy Jane a Christmas present."

On the way out of the store I told Emily how happy that makes me when she thinks about Jane.  Emily then said I want to get Aaron a present too. I said because Aaron is still a baby that for Christmas this year Aaron doesn't need anything but maybe next year the three kids could start the tradition of picking names for each other.    Emily disagreed with me telling me that she knows that Aaron wants more binkis and that is what she is going to get him.

I love this girl!!!

Blessing Day

We blessed Aaron this past Sunday December 2nd.  Bart gave him a beautiful blessing that truly expressed how we feel about him.    Afterwards we served lunch at our house.   All of Bart's immediate family was present so we took the rare opportunity for a family photo.  (Thanks Sarah for pushing for it).  

We are very grateful for everyone that came and supported our little guy.  Here are a few more photos

 

Tis the Season

We were lucky to catch Santa at Harmon's last Saturday.  Now that my girls have reported their list to Santa he can relax and not worry about them changing minds.

Emily asked for a doll that goes to school

Jane wants a Barbie Cruise Ship

Aaron said he needs lots and lots of diapers

After the photo opps with Santa I noticed some chocolate advent calenders that were on sale.  Each of the girls picked out their own.   When we got home both Emily and Jane busted into the 24th box and then I told them to go put them away in their rooms where they wouldn't be in the way.

A short while later I heard Jane wailing upstairs.  Emily came running down the stairs and I asked what she did to Jane.  Emily replied  "nothing,  Jane is upset because she ate all the the chocolates in the calendar and now she can't eat one each day. "    I was sad for Jane and Bart thought we should go get her another one but I think it's a good life lesson to learn.  Something tells me next year she won't eat all of her chocolates on Dec 1st. 

Gobble Gobble

Along with all the thanksgiving crafts Emily brings home she has also amazed me with a couple of poems she has memorized about thanksgiving.   I love to watch her stand on my fireplace and perform them.  One of the poems is about a boy warning a turkey that he should hide and the other is about a missing turkey who is found tucked in the bed of the younger sister who thought it looked sick since it lost it's head. 

As proud as I am of Emily's mad memorizing skills the trouble is now Emily feels sorry for the poor turkey and is completely against eating turkey.  This morning she noticed the picture on the roaster box and told me that the turkey we eat is really a turkey whose head has been cute off and the feathers removed and it is disgusting for her to think of eating it.   She was very relieved after I told her we would be having Ham as well.   

Parent of the Year Award? Think again

I was telling Allyson about Emily's new found desire to earn money and mentioned gone are the days when she didn't care too much about her money.  I told her the following story and she laughed and told me to blog about it so here you go.

Last spring when I was first pregnant and feeling icky, Emily lost her second tooth.  She was so excited for the tooth fairy to come and she promptly put it under her pillow.  We all went to bed as usual and as usual I got up to use the bathroom around 3 AM.  As I was shuffling half asleep back to bed I passed by Emily's room and hit me that the tooth fairy had delegated her assignment to me and I had dropped the ball.  I then realized I didn't have any cash on me.   Panic struck me.   How could I disappoint Emily and the tooth fairy.    At that moment my eye caught a glance of a penny on the floor shining in the moonlight.   In desperation I grabbed some of the money slipped it under her pillow and went to bed.  

So even though I'm not going to win any parent of the year award.  It was awarding enough to have joy instead of tears that next morning.

Money! money, money

After a few battles over homework with Emily I took my mom's advice to basically pay her for doing it.  At first I argued with my mom that I don't want to start bribing. But my mom who is a master motivator told me it is better than getting into a battle with her each day and plus isn't that what life is all about that you work hard to earn good grades to get into college to get a better job so you have money.  My mom set it all up.  She had Emily make a homework chart where she can mark off each day she does her homework without a fight for an entire week and then she'll get $1.00.  She then talked to Emily about things Emily is wishing for and told her that she can earn the money and go and get them.   The talk really inspired Emily to think about how she can control getting some of the things I say "not now" to.   Before this talk money to Emily was just something she would play and scatter on the floor.   My mom also told me to not control Emily's money and let her decide for herself what she wants to buy.  The next day Emily discovered $9.00 in her wallet that turned up when she was cleaning.  She was so excited to take it to the store.  When it was time to go grocery shopping Emily hurried and got her wallet.  It was really hard for me to see Emily going through the store blowing all of her money grabbing treats and junk toys but I kept my mouth shut and let her decide what to spend her money on.  I was proud that she made the decision to keep one of the dollars for tithing.  As we were driving home Emily realized that she now has no money and earning 10.00 for the Hello Kitty piggy bank is going to take a long time.  I just agreed and talked about saving instead of spending.  Now Emily takes her money seriously and is anxious to reach that 10.00 again.   Jane of course can't be left out so I set up a helping chart for her.    Last weekend we had the first big storm of the winter season.  My girls were outside playing and told me they want to help shovel some of the deck.  They started shoveling and then Emily pressing her face up to the window and asks "Hey if we finish this whole deck can we have a dollar".  I agreed, it really was a big job.  They worked and worked off an on all day (they would come in and get warm and then start again) and got it cleared.  

I'm learning that a storming Saturday with two busy instead of bored girls is a dollar well spent!!

I need a Binki Girl

I think the very best thing about having a little older kids with a baby is having extra hands to hold the binki in Aaron's mouth.  I'm not sure if it's just my kids or a developmental thing but  Aaron, like his sisters, enjoy pacifiers but he cannot keep them in his mouth without someone holding it there.   It makes for a love hate relationship with me.  He is happy as a clown when it is in but that doesn't help me because I can't get anything done with my hands occupied holding in a binki.  That is where my girls come in.   Often Aaron will be on the floor and go from happy go lucky to upset very quickly. 





This is usually while I am in the middle of something like cooking dinner.    I will call out "I need a binki girl" and without delay one or both of my girls will search for a binki and come to the rescue hold it in his mouth and magically it calms Aaron down. 

I appreciate having binki girls the most when we are driving.   Most of the time my girls think the best spot in the car is right next to Aaron so they can give him his binki.   Well I guess there was this one time when we were traveling back from Koosharem.  After a long weekend of playing with the cousins both of my girls were exhausted.  I sat in the back with Aaron and both of the girls crashed.  As we arrived in Axtel so Bart could drive his car home and Emily in a half conscious state mumbles Don't go Daddy I just can't be the binki girl today. 

There is no question about it.  My girls love their younger brother and are so good to keep him happy.  What a lucky mom I am. 

Your Secret is safe with her

I've discovered that Jane is fabulous at keeping secrets.    For the first time in our married life we have cable T.V.  It came free as a promotion when we signed up for internet.   It's debatable if we will keep it after the promotion is over.  The biggest downfall for me is my girls have discovered  life outside of PBS kids.   With this new life comes the bombardment of commercials.    Top on the list has been a Dream lite.    I decided to turn the begging into a bedtime chart for them to earn the Dream lite.    If my girls are cooperative while we read our scriptures, say prayers, and stay in their beds after they get tucked in they can each mark off a symbol on the chart.   Both of them have been so motivated and it's helped our family since that is the time of day in my sleepless life that I run out of energy and motivation.  
A couple weeks ago Jane and I were running errands and came across Dream lites at Kmart.  Since I had a coupon that was expiring I bought it and told Jane to keep it a secret from Emily until the chart was complete.  I thought for sure as soon as Emily came home Jane would expose our secret but her lips have been sealed.  Occasionally when Emily mentions the Dream lite Jane whisper "is it still in the closet?" 
Yesterday Aaron was in charge of the treat for Family Night.  Jane wanted to help him and make cookies.  I didn't want Emily to come home from school see the cookies and then hear endless begging for a cookie.   I told Jane we should have them as a surprise for Family Night.  Jane loved the idea and we hid the cookies.   Sure enough Jane kept it a secret and the cookies were a great surprise for a treat. 

I have to say I'm very impressed my best errand buddy and fun 3 year old can keep secrets.    Let the Christmas shopping begin!!

A Happy Halloween with three

Getting to Know You

These past two weeks have been divine as we've been getting to know Aaron.   I can't even tell you what a joy he is.   He is a perfect baby and such a calming influence to our family.   He seldom cries and when he does he is so easy to calm down.  He hasn't spit up, has no sign of colic, but boy can he poop.  He went through 50 diapers in less than a week.   It's also hilarious how he furrows his brow just like Bart.  

As I've mentioned before I was really nervous going from 2 to 3 kids but so far it's been a breeze compared to going from 1 to 2.   Maybe it's the spacing or how easy Aaron is.    My girls adore him and can't help but stop and touch rub his head as they walk by.   I can't get enough of how much he loves to cuddle and will snuggle right up to my neck and calmly look up at me while I rock.  Bart loves to come home from work, take him from me and snuggle him too.  

We've enjoyed Allyson, William and my parents coming to stay.  Allyson got it in her head to do a photo shoot from ideas she saw on pinterest and did an amazing job with a my mom's new portrait lens.   Here's a cute one with all of them. 

At the end we were all laughing at this attempt of a pose with all the kids. 

  My girls always love having their Grandma Becky around and she treated me to my favorite comfort food, homemade rice pudding.  Of course everyone enjoyed giving Aaron hugs and he enjoyed it too. 

To me he doth not stink..

After a few days of being home I started to notice this horrible smell when I held Aaron.  At first I thought he had a soiled diaper.  I then discovered that the remnants of the epilical cord was the culprit.  It got so bad that my sister Allyson took him and only held him for a moment because the smell was so awful. 

Later that night Bart was holding Aaron and I commented about how bad he smelled.  Bart replied that he couldn't smell anything.    It reminded me of the a passage in the Book of Mormon when King Lamoni was overcome with the spirit and fall into a trance after listening to Ammon.    When his wife found Ammon her reply was everyone thinks he is dead but to me he doth not stink.    

What love Bart has for this perfect baby that to him he doth not stink....

His name

Even before Bart and I were married we both agreed that our first girl would be named Emily and our first boy would be named Ryan.     I thought of it as a done deal.    About a week before we found out that we were expecting a boy,  I was driving to an Elementary with an Notice of a meeting for an IEP that I was going to of a student that I had been working with.  I glanced at the paper and noticed someone named Aaron was invited to the meeting.    I had this quick conversation in my head that went like this

Aaron I like that name.   Oh well we have already decided on Ryan.  Besides I already know what my dad would call him Big A, little a, R-O-N.  (Growing up their was a high school basketball star that my dad referred to by that name.) 

I didn't think about that name again or mention it to anyone.  A week or so later Bart and I were talking at the dinner table the day we found out this baby was a boy.  I simply said "So this little guy is still going to be name Ryan?"  I was shocked when Bart said I don't know I can't get this name Aaron out of my head.   I told Bart how I had come across that name and really liked it as well.   In classic Bart style he said "Well we don't have to decide today do we?"

So for the next few months I kept that name in the back of my mind but I still thought Ryan when I thought of a boy.   Soon we were in the heat of the summer dealing with selling our house and looking to buy another one and thoughts about what to name our baby was absent. 

Then one day Bart and I went to the temple to get direction about the decision to buy the house we are now living in.  I sat in the temple not feeling strong inclinations one way or another about the house but suddenly an overwhelming feeling of love and being close to this baby in my stomach and I got this distinct impression that his name is Aaron.  At the moment the decision was made and now I can't imagine my sweet baby named anything other than that. 

Stay at the Hospital

Aaron's birth story luckily is very boring.   As soon as the pitocin started working things went really fast.   I probably waited too long to ask for my epidural  but once the meds started working they really worked.  In fact they made me a little loopy but loopy is better than feeling those contractions.    Around 5:00 pm the nurse checked me and I was completed dilated and ready to push.  A call to the doctor was made.    Once she arrived they got me ready to push.  I remember feeling  a little out of it that I was nervous I wasn't with it enough to push.  With Bart at my side I started pushing and moments later Aaron was born.   The first feeling I felt was instant relief like taking off a very heavy backpack.  I'm sure my body was so happy to lose the 10 pounds of baby and all the fluid.   With this delivery I was overwhelmed with the miracle of birth and so grateful when they placed this beautiful baby on my stomach.

Aaron had a hard time warming up so he was put under heat lamps for a while and they delayed giving him a bath until the next morning.  This time I was able to watch Bart give him a bath.  It was such a precious moment for me.

We enjoyed all the visitors we had in the hospital.  Jane and Emily were so excited to finally meet their brother.  For months they would always give me two hugs.  One for me and one for baby Aaron.   Now they enjoy giving Aaron his own hugs!

  I'm very grateful for the time Aaron and I were taken care in the hospital but it was also such a relief to leave and start our new adventure with Aaron at home.