Christmas

For us Christmas morning was December 24.  The kids had no idea we ever "moved Christmas up" - they are still young enough and isolated enough that we can still manipulate them pretty easy - MWHAHAHA.

I didn't take very many pictures - but here is what I had.

(yes - those are my paint samples in the back ground - still haven't painted... long stupid story... still hoping for a happy ending.)

We had both agreed no presents - we both failed to live up to the promise.  Neither of us spent money (we have our ways) so I guess our promise still counted.  Jason got a blanket (he really wanted it - promise).  And I got a beautiful necklace.

We had the boys draw names to buy presents at the dollars store.  Last year the boys just bought for each other and both bought each other guns (that was the first time we had guns in our house).  I was expecting the same this year.  But instead Noah got Brock a transformer, Megan a doll, and dad a flashlight.  Brock got Noah airplanes, Madison these rings, and me a hair brush. 

Madison got ice cube trays - you know for her baby food - I can't believe that starts soon.  And this lion.  It is 'her" lion.  Jason takes our children's stuffed animal's very seriously.  HE likes to pick them out and HE names them.  We went to about half a dozen stores before Jason found the right one for her.  His name is Harold.  (I argued that her stuffed animal should have a girls name - only fair - but the lion has a mane, and is therefore a boy - so I got over ruled.)

We had Jason's brother and wife over for the most wonderful Christmas brunch - if I do say so myself.  I made ableskibers (A danish breakfast thing - like pancake balls), home made cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, homemade hot chocolate, orange juice, eggnog, and orange slices.  They stayed most the day - it was great.

The kids with their favorite toys.  Noah's were Green Goblin, Dr Octopus, and Spiderman, Brock's was Iron Man, Megan's was a little doll with a "puppy doggy", and Madison's was of course Harold.

We then played all day - and are still playing. 



And then...

A few hours later I watched from downstairs as she climbed up to the top shelf of our pantry, got down pop corn kernels, got the hot air popper out of the cupboard, poured kernels into the pop corn machine, put the lid on, plug it in,and POP POPCORN! 

I never stopped her because I wanted wait for her to get stuck and ask for help.  She never even asked for popcorn.  She was just playing and thought, "You know what I want right now? Popcorn.  I think I will go make me some."

This girl is going to run our house pretty soon.  She reminds me of my cousin Kaitlin, she was the third child as well, and by 6 she could run the house for her mother.  I told Jason today that in a few years if I die he doesn't need to worry about getting remarried - because I was sure by then Megan would be doing the laundry and taking care of her siblings. 

It has made me realize how much I do for my boys.  Megan can pretty much dress herself (shoes, socks everything) - Brock and Noah still struggle with this.   Noah sometimes struggles to open doors, or do simple tasks.  I don't know if Megan is advanced, the boys are retarded, or I just do too much for them.   I think it is a mixture of the first and last - I hope.

I have got to keep an eye on this one.

Beyond her years

I just put Madison to bed and started to come down stairs.  I stop at the top and watch Megan (who doesn't know I am there), open the fridge, open the produce drawer, open the orange bag, take out an orange, close the draw, shut the fridge.

Go to the table, pull out a chair, sit down.  Then take a bite out of the orange skin and spit it out (to "start" it), then she starts pealing the orange.  She peals and slices the whole thing.  Eats the orange.  Gets down from the table, tucks in her chair, walks over to the pantry, opens the door, goes back to the table, picks up all her orange peals, and throws them all away. 

I can't believe she is only 19 months!

About the documentaries post...

So you know the post I did about documentaries.  Sorry to anyone who had to read it.  I did it late at night and just spilled my thoughts and then hit "post"  I never re read it - and while my blog is usually filled with spelling and grammar errors - I just now re-read my post and I could hardly understand what I was saying.  So I hope you got the gist. 

Basically documentaries rock.  Oh - and I wanted to add that I don't just watch special interest and conspiracy ones.  But I love the historical also.  Weird though that I really wanted to learn about Vietnam and there are surprisingly few documentaries about it.  I would have thought there would be a lot considering how controversial and culturally significant it was.

Christmas Eve

Actually OUR Christmas Eve was on December 23rd.  Jason had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - so we celebrated everything early so he could be home. 

We had the most perfect Christmas Eve ever.  I decided to not take any pictures and just to live in the moment the whole day.  Although I am sad not to have any pictures on the blog - the day was so perfect and wonderful I am glad I lived in the moment - plus Jason hates the whole picture thing. 

In the morning we took the kids to Jungle Jim's (an indoor amusement park).  So much fun.  Then we had a wonderful (if I do say so myself) Christmas Eve dinner.  I made a ham, twice baked potatoes (with real bacon crumbles), home made rolls, and a yummy salad.  It was just our family and it was so wonderful.  Then we frosted sugar cookies for Santa.  This is what I am most sad to not have taken pictures of because for the first time the boys frosted the cookies for real.  They took a lot of time, thought, and sprinkles into them.  Brock frosted a candy cane with red and white stripes and Noah put about a pound of sprinkles and frosting on every cookie.  And I let him - I just wanted to let them have fun and not try to micro manage Christmas Eve cookie decorating - yea for self control letting loose :).  We read the Christmas story from the bible and book of Mormon and watched the new church movie about the birth of Jesus and put the kids to bed.

It doesn't sound like much but I think it is one of my top 5 favorite days since having a family.  Our house was filled with the Spirit, Christmas joy, children laughing, and love.  (yes - that is all so cheesy - but SO true).  I am tempted to bag the whole extended family Chrsitmas Eve thing and make it our tradition. 

A quick shot of the living room after Santa came. 

Documentaries

After I have a baby I have one ritual.  I watch a ton of movies.  The day after our babies come home from the hospital we go to Blockbuster to get a movie pass and I watch movies while I nurse my babies.  Well, after having four babies in four years I found that I have seen ALL the movies.  I spent a week catching up on movies that had come out since I had Megan.  And then there was nothing.  So I went to the documentary section and became hooked.  I have spent the last four months every night starting at 7:30 nursing Madison and watching documentaries.  Any documentary.  I have seen all the "big ones" - Waiting for Superman, Food inc, No End in Sight - and all the little known ones as well.  

Documentaries are funny things.  They take one issue, put it under a huge magnified glass, usually only show you one side of the story, and are very persuadable.  I am left at the end of every documentary feeling like, "yes, thats the problem (insert, war, poverty, education, health care, food, environment, etc), if we could fix that the world would be better".  Then the next night I am on a soap box about another issue. I talk Jason ear off every day about the issue and how it is so important.  It's funny.
Now after seeing ALL the documentaries ever made (seriously) - I can tell you what the real problem is.  Our nation's financial status.  Mostly the debt.  Because none of the other issues can even start being fixed if the money issue isn't fixed.  I have wanted many documentaries on the subject - on both sides of the party lines - and IOUSA was the best.  I recommend it.  Watch it with someone smart.  I had Jason rewatch it with me so he could explain some things to me :)  The scary part is this movie was made in 2007 - BEFORE the financial crisis and Obama.  It is so much worse now.  Everyone should see this movie.  It will change your perspective.  It has made me want to become involved.  I even contacted the film makers.  hehe

Last night I wanted one called "The Business of Being Born."  I liked it but I don't recommend it to pregnant women.  It is pretty scary.  It is basically about natural childbirth and how horrible it is to have OBGYN's and hospitals - and how all doctors, nurses, and hospital administrations only goal is to give every woman a c-section that walks in the door.  I am obviously being sarcastic- but that is basically what they are saying.  I obviously don't agree with that (I always had an OBGYN and was in a hospital) but it was a good film about point out some of the problems with our current system. (highest number of C-sections and induced labors, highest number of births in hospitals by OBGYN's, highest infant and maternal deaths than any other industrial country, plus the most c sections are given at 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm theory is that the dr's all want to get home for dinner or to bed) Interesting stuff.

Food Inc was great - probably changed my life the most.  I wanted about 20 different ones about food and nutrition.  It is a little depressing because you realize that no matter what you do you can't really eat purely.  Our society has ruined that.  I came to the conclusion you just have to do the best you can.

Anyways... I could go on and on.  But I will spare you.  Oh - just one more thing, I think I have watched every documentary on 9-11 and I am pretty sure it was the government that did it.  :)

Yes, documentaries are dangerous things.

Christmas Card

We ended our 2010 Christmas card with a hope for a “calmer 2011”. We didn’t quite get what we were hoping for, but are grateful for the changes this year brought.



We had another baby this year! We now have Madison, which makes us an even 2 boys and 2 girls. This also required the purchase of a much needed minivan.


Jason changed jobs again early in the year, and is now with Fidelity. He is happy with his new career path. Jamie is happy at home raising the kids and loves this stage where they are all young and home.
The kids are happy and healthy. Brock and Noah love super heroes, especially Spiderman and Iron Man. Brock loves sports; Noah loves cars and tractors. Megan loves Madison, doing everything her brothers can do, helping mom, and discovering dolls. Madison loves her siblings and all the attention they give her.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year!

Love,

The Herberts,

Jason, Jamie, Brock (4), Noah (3), Megan (1 ½), and Madison (4 months)

That was our Christmas card.  It was a last minute thing - so if you didn't get one - few people did, and most were hand delivered at that.  At the beginning of the Christmas season when I was figuring out my budget I had allotted money for Christmas cards.  But I never got a good family picture so on the 10th of December I decided to not send a card and I spent my "card budget money" on other things.  Then I got this picture on the 20th.  I did a little scrambling and came up with about 10 dollars to do Christmas cards.  The killer was that almost all of Jason's family lives out of state.  So hopefully next year you will all get one and I won't spend the budget money prematurely.

Santa Party

We had the Brown's Annual Santa Party this week.  It was held at my mom's house - and because of Jason's schedule I was alone again.  But my sister jumped in and helped (as always).  The kids (boys) were so excited to see Santa and had been rehearsing for weeks about what they wanted for Christmas.

Everyone waiting:

Megan was my first child to not want to sit on Santa's lap.  She was pretty nervous.  So I sat with her - she kept an eye on him the whole time - not even stopping to look at the camera.  She would not tell Santa what she wanted.

Noah wanted to "talk to him" - but with 30 other kids for Santa to see - his time was limited.  Noah told Santa he wanted a "Spiderman, Green Goblin, and Doctor Octopus".  This is what Noah tells everyone he wants for Christmas.  At least he is consistent.

Brock has been pretty practical about his list.  He consistently wants an "Iron Man" but adds and takes things away depending on the day.  He has put some things on his birthday list for next year.

Madison slept through Santa's whole visit.  And right when he was just out the door she woke up.  I grabbed Santa and asked him to come back for a quick picture.  She had JUST woken up (reason for deer in the headlights look).

We changed into Christmas jammies.  I wanted some of the girls by the tree - turns out camera got on a weird setting so they are blurry - but still cute.  I swear I love my boys and take pictures of them - in fairness the boys have WAY more pictures of them at this age then the girls have.  At Brock's first Santa Party I have 6 pictures of him sitting with Santa (not to mention pictures with him and Santa at the mall and at the ward Christmas party).  So I think it's fair.

Trouble

My cell phone just broke.  Like won't even turn on broke.

This is just a message to family and friends saying don't call me - becasue I have no phone.  YOu can call Jason or email me.  I have no idea when I will be getting a new phone.  I'll keep you posted. :)

Jamie

Temple Square

We had the best time seeing the lights at temple square this year.  The night got off to a bad start when we could not not find any parking.  The kids were anxious to get out of the car and there was traffic everywhere.  It took about 15 or 20 minutes to get a spot.  We considered calling it quits because all four of them were crying or whining before we even got a parking place.  But we powered through and as soon as they got out of the car they were all in great moods, excited, and obedient.  It was a great night.

It took quite a deal of discussion on how we were going to travel with the 4 kids.  Jason is naturally opposed to strollers - and with the crowds a double stroller/carseat is never a good idea.  We decided Madison in the wrap, Brock to walk, and an umbrella stroller for Noah and Megan to share - with the other being on Jason's shoulders.  As I predicted Megan wanted to walk most the time because she is trying very hard to assert her independence and Noah wanted to stroller because he is pretty lazy - which was fine by me because if we had to wait for Noah to walk the whole thing we would have been there for hours.

Madison was the best baby ever.  She did not make one sound the whole time.  She was bundled up tight and quite happy about all the lights and people. 

When Brock saw this tree he said, "mom, will you take a picture of me by this tree" - true story

I was really hoping for a "Christmas Card" shot.  Cute - but can't see Megan - so no card.

A few more shots of the girls:

After temple square we went to Sizzler.  We wanted to take the kids out to dinner - we have never gone to dinner as a family - I think even since Megan was born (McDonald's doesn't count).  We didn't want fast food - but we didn't want too much pressure - we thought Sizzler was a perfect middle ground.  They did SO GOOD.  I think we are ready for an Olive Garden!  It was such a fun night with our young family and really put us in the Christmas Spirit. 

Best Birthday Ever

I had the best birthday ever this year - thanks to Jason and the kids.  The best part about this birthday was that Jason was home the whole day.  First off he got up and showered and got ready before any of the kids woke up so he could get up with them and let me sleep in. 

Then I came downstairs to my favorite breakfast - milk mush with raspberries, cinnamon, toast, and orange juice.  Then all the kids gave me birthday cards that they had made.  Brock wrote happy birthday mom all by himself.  It was wonderful.

Then Jason spent the day doing laundry (he did ALL the laundry), cleaning the house, and went to the grocery store for me.  For our daily activity we went to Arctic Circle for lunch and play time.  Where I got an Oreo shake - LOVE Oreo shakes!

Then Jason and the kids made me a birthday cake.  The best part was I sat on the stairs and watched as Jason made his first ever cake - and on top of that with three kids!  It was hilarious.  I didn't say a word - just watched and laughed.  They are like wolves on prey with cake batter and frosting. 

The boys wanted him to make me a princess cake.  So he frosted a pink crown on it.  Not to bad for a first cake - he double layered it and everything.  His yellow frosting was very runny - but I thought it was delicious!

Then he made the most yummy dinner I have ever had.  He had never made any of the things before and I just gave him the recipe cards and he didn't ask any questions the whole time.  We had honey-teriyaki salmon, garlic-herb mashed potatoes, and cauliflower with cheese sauce.  Everything was better than I have ever made it.  The salmon was so tender and flaky, the mashed potatoes were PERFECT.  It was so yummy!  A week later I went out to lunch with my mom, sisters, aunts, and grandma while he watched the kids.

Thanks honey for being perfect!

I did it

I decided to do one this morning.  Megan was the ham this time and the others were not so into it.  Although Brock held in Madison's binkey and said "sh sh sh" over and over again and she calmed right down.  What a good brother!  I took about 12 - this was for sure the best

They wanted solo shots with Mads

Photo Shoot

My sister Ashley is making a picture calender for our brother on a mission for Christmas.  She informed me that I did not have the right kind of pictures that she wanted for her calender.  She needed a picture of all my kids together, some recent ones of Megan, and recent ones of Madison.  I guess Halloween was not recent enough :)

It is true that I had not taken any pictures of my kids together yet.  I feared I would be putting Madison's life in danger by handing her over to a 4, 3, and 1 year old and then standing 4 feet away from them.  After some persuasion from my sister I figured she was old enough.  It took about 25 shots, some bribing, and a few songs.  I got a semi decent one.  Brock, Noah, and Maddie were awesome, Megan was not interested.

Best one: Kinda wanna crop Megan out - the boys are so freaking cute!

I MAY try again - but probably not

 Then I took a bunch of Megan and Madison.  So in case you are like my sister and feel I have not taken/posted recent pictures of my girls.  Here is an over load.

While I was doing the photo shoot - Ashley read the boys some Christmas books!

Guilt

I had to accept several years ago that along with all the joys of motherhood comes one unavoidable emotion... guilt.  I feel guilt constantly.  I have noticed though that I feel it in less degrees as they get older, I wonder if that will continue?  Anyways...

One of the biggest things I feel guilty about is my newborns.  They break my heart.  I HATE when they fall asleep "without me".  One minute they are sitting in their bouncer being happy and the next minute I turn around and they are asleep - and my heart aches.  A voice inside tells me I should be happy that they just fell asleep on their own - but that is not how I feel.  I figure that the baby was just waiting for me to pick them up and either play with them or put them to sleep - but instead they realized that I was never coming and went to sleep on their own.  I realize this is ridiculous - but it is how I feel.  I want to so badly rock my children to sleep each and every time they go to sleep.

We all ate lunch - Madison in the middle of the table in her bouncer, happy as a clam - I went upstairs for just a few minutes to put the older kids down for a nap.  When I came down I was expecting to spend the next hour or so just with Mads - and she was fast asleep.  I was overcome with guilt.  I remember when Noah was 4 months old he decided he didn't want to be rocked to sleep anymore - he just wanted me to put him in his crib and fall asleep by himself.  I took it personally and cried for a few days.  I am crazy. :)