Izzy Loves Ethan too Much Sometimes

Ethan is so tolerant of Izzy. She is wanting so badly for Ethan to play with her in these pictures. Izzy was climbing all over him and hugging him and doing whatever else to get his attention and he just sat there playing his Nintendo DS. It's a crack up how he just tunes it all out; even when he is being mauled. Izzy absolutely adores Ethan. They say the first man a girl loves is her daddy; well, the second is certainly her brother.

Just one of those days!

Happy New Year

We went to Kari's annual New Year's Eve party and it was great fun. All the kids (except the new babies) even made it until midnight. Amazing! However, that doesn't mean they were happy when we got home. I couldn't wait to get them in bed.

The New Year's party is always a good time with yummy food and a fun puzzle.

It's been a tradition as long as I can remember that we start and finish a puzzle before midnight. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Who are we to break tradition.

A Little Girl, a Baby Doll and Mommy's Make-Up

Elizabeth's Blessing

Elizabeth was blessed at church this morning. I was so nervous that she would cry the whole time, but she didn't make a peep. Corey always gives my children really beautiful blessings. I am so grateful for my husband and his worthiness to bless our children. I don't think we take advantage of preisthood blessings nearly enough. Anyway, here are some things I remember from Ellie's blessing:
Ellie was blessed with a kind heart, desire to serve, to look to her siblings as righteous examples, to study the scriptures, to follow her mom and Aunt's (Alisha) for examples of missionary service.

Favorite Christmas 2008 Moments

Isabella looking at the tree on Christmas Eve.

Ethan discovering Santa Clause brought him the Nintendo DS he has been asking for for 2 years.

Izzy's reaction when she realizes this present is a baby doll. She doesn't have many of those, so she was thrilled.

I love this picture because Izzy loves Ashlee and Topher, but she isn't showing it here.
That little girl wears her emotions on her sleeve.
You never have to guess what she is feeling.

It's rare that Corey and I get a photo together. I love this one for it's imperfections: It's off center, we look heavier and older, but we are still so happy.

My all time favorite picture of Christmas 2008:

Ethan is crying because I accidentally "popped his arm" trying to help him get onto the Lazy Boy.
Elizabeth is crying because I am not holding her.
And Izzy is trying to shove a battery up her nose.
I was just trying to take a stinkin' "Night Before Christmas" picture.
I gave up trying to get them happy and in frustration snapped the picture.
Corey laughed. I laughed. And not to delete it. This is real life!
Oh, the memories.

Ethan finds out about Baby Wickern

Alisha, Corey's sister, and Adam are expecting their first baby! Alisha sent a post card with the baby's first ultrasound picture on it to let everyone know. I hung it on my fridge and waited for Ethan to see it. I couldn't stand it anymore so I just showed it to him. This picture is his genuine reaction when I told him the picture is Alisha & Adam's baby that will be born in July. He was so excited! I don't think he understands that Adam & Alisha live in Rexburg so we won't really get to see the little Wickern addition much, but it's still exciting as heck!! Adam & Alisha are going to be the perfect parents!