Opps...

This is our lovely Christmas tree. This is the FOURTH time it has fallen down. Fresh cut trees are hard to balance and a crooked stump can be blamed for the first 2 times it crashed to the floor. Three year olds can also be hard to balance and can be blamed for the 3rd AND 4th time it crashed to the floor. Now that I have decorated it 5 times I am ready to take it down. This last time Sydney suggested that we only put the lights and star back and put everything else away. Of course ornaments are broken, lights are just thrown up and only 3/4 of the even light anymore.

As for Owen, will he get anything for Christmas? We'll leave it up to the big man in red to decide.

Hours of fun...

So if anyone is wondering how I got my Christmas cards done... the answer is...the bath tub. One morning Reese was asleep, Ella took an early nap, and the boys played in the tub for around 2 hours. Everyone was happy. I just worked on all my stuff at the bathroom counter.

More adorable baby pictures

A much needed hair cut

Ella's crazy morning hair!

Before


After

Being adorable with her new look.

Reese's Blessing Day

Grandma Reading made her dress. It was so pretty and even had fur trim. Okay, let's just say it she was a little snow princess.

Christmas Activities

The lights at Temple square

A Candlelight Christmas at This is the place Monument

The festival of trees

LAUNDRY

One more child with small clothes shouldn't add that much to the laundry ...right? I wash so many clothes it is crazy. Sydney is almost 7, at what age can kids to their own laundry?

So in love...

Reese is a great baby. She will have her fussy times of course. But she is my best sleeper at night yet. She will actually sleep 6 to 7 hours at night, consistently.

Cutting down the Tree

Yes, they do have Christmas tree farms in Utah. We talked about getting a permitt and cutting down a tree in the mountains, but with a new baby we decided to take the easy wasy. At the farm none of the tree's looked all that great, Sydney thought we choose the worst tree of the bunch. However, you take it home and it looks just beautiful (even Sydney agreed).

Black Friday

If you don't know, I totally am a Black Friday shopper. Of course this year was tricky with a newborn, but I did go out a little. The huge mistake was that we (My mom and sister and I) went to JoAnne's. It was crazy beyond crazy and we waited in line for over 2 hours just to get our fabric cut. I will not be going there next year and I hope someone else learns from MY mistake.

Thanksgiving (eating twice)

Reese smiled her first 'real' smile Thanksgiving morning'. I was so happy I actually got teary eyed. We all just love her so much.

One month old Reese

First Snow

Sydney just lost her second front tooth.

I just love Ella's big cheesy smile. By the way, the baby was sleeping nice and cozy in the house.

Halloween Candy Desserts

For the Family Home Evening dessert Sydney made all these creative and tasty little desserts for everyone. She even made some that Carson could have without the milk chocolate candy. We all enjoyed them and were glad to see her entertained and to have a bunch of candy gone.

My Mess Makers...

Halloween

Pumpkin Baby Reese

Frankenstien Carson

Vampire Sydney

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle owen

Little Red Riding Hood Ella

Home with Reese

We love having our new baby girl in our family. Babies come just how you need them. Reese sleeps so much, it makes it easy (okay not easy, but less hard) to continue with life for my other four little ones. She is growing great and eating and pooping just like she should. I think she's happy with us. Before she was born I was really worried that she would regret coming into our crazy family. Now that she's here, I think she likes it a little crazy. She enjoys being right in the middle of it all.

Introducing...

Reese Marianne Reading

Born October 22nd 10:21 a.m.

6 pounds 10 ounces

19 inches long