Welcoming in 2009

As 2008 comes to a close and we are yet approaching another year, I get excited inside. It's a fresh new start and I think tomorrow I can wake up and everything that I did wrong in 2008 doesn't matter.... or what I didn't do. It's a fresh new start to start over.

I'm happy with myself. I don't have a resolution to lose weight, but I would like to start working out on the Wii more - for health reasons, and dropping a few pounds wouldn't be too bad LOL.

I want to do more homemade gifts for people for their birthdays. And learn more about sewing and expand in my photography. I'd even like to pick up a couple of classes/seminars on these.

I want to read more to Jayden. I'd like to get through the whole series of Magic Tree House books this year. We read the first book today and he loved it! And I really enjoyed reading it. I think they're great books that he can learn a lot from. I also would like to see Jayden reading more books himself. So.... reading a BIG thing for 2009 for us.

I suck at scripture study, and usually opt out and end up reading the Ensign instead, but I want to be more deligent in this area this year. I would like to have my Book of Mormon blog updated daily. Even if I'm just reading 1 chapter a day out of the Book of Mormon I'd be happy.

I want to pay more attention to my husband, and not let the little things in life distract me.

I want the kids to watch less TV this year, and not use it as much for a babysitter. Being a Work at home mom, this can be hard, but I need to be more creative in my efforts.

I want to be on top of things with my work. I want to have a set working schedule and to make sure that I get so many hours in a week so things don't build up on me.

My biggest goal of 2009 is ORGANIZATION!!!! I want to do the Flylady and stick with it. Even use her tactics with my work. I need order and a smooth running home/office in order for me to keep my head on and strong!!!

I hope everyone reading my blog has a Very Happy & Safe New Year ~ we'll just be hanging at home tonight watching movies and being with our babies, because there's no other way we'd rather bring in this New Year. If you're drinking this year, please don't drive. You could take away someone's life... including your own, and that's no way to start out a New Year.

2008 Garibay Christmas

Our Christmas was very peaceful this year. Our Christmas Eve was spent with traditions, smiles, ice cream sundaes and just a good feeling of knowing that this year we are celebrating Christmas a little bit more differently than the years before. This year, we actually have an understanding of what Jesus was put here for, and I'm so thankful for all that he stands for. So, this year was a celebration of Jesus, not just a celebration for presents, and Jayden knew that..... and that made me feel like a great mom!

Christmas morning we ran downstairs to see what Santa had left behind for the kids. They were both REALLY happy, and have enjoyed playing with everything they got ever since that happy morning. Jayden got a handheld Leapfrog Didj, which is a educational video game system..... I'M THRILLED about it. Jayden's a video game junkie (like his father) and what better than to buy him something that is what he loves, but is educational at the same time.

After our Christmas morning we picked up my brother and headed up to my grandparent's house to eat a good Christmas turkey dinner. I really expected there to be a ton of people and for it to be hectic like Thanksgiving, but Christmas with the Hurds was actually quite enjoyable. All of my sisters from my father were there. Everyone was happy and I was happy. As dysfunctional as the Hurds family can be, they still are family, and I really got that sense this year.

I didn't go camera crazy this year, and unfortunately didn't get much of the kids even.... and I didn't even get a family picture. But I snapped a few of family and thought I'd share some pics...

Ella and her cousin Ethan hugging - too cute huh?

These are two of my sisters - the one on the left is 16 Year Old Alyssa and on the right is 19 year old Britney

I love this man a lot! It's my Grandpa :)

This, believe it or not, is my step-mom and yes, she's only a little under 3 years older than me.

This is my dad

This is my wonderful Grandma who is my crafty inspiration :)

Ella with her uncle Mitch (my brother)

Isn't this face just perfect? I love this little girl so much!

Here am I, send me

I was reading some blog posts and I came across one from a sister in the church that she had gotten from a talk given by M. Russell Ballard on March 13, 2001. You may click that link to read the entire talk.

The part she took out of it and posted on her blog is beautiful to me. I like to think that before I came to Earth and we were assembled talking of God's great plan that I stood up and said, "Here am I, send me." I imagine myself standing proud saying, I will be a mom to your spirit children, and I will love them and care for them.

"Here am I, send me."

"Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come. Every sister who makes and keeps sacred covenants becomes an instrument in the hands of God.

I have been drawn to an interchange between God the Father and His eldest and Only Begotten Son, who is the ultimate example of living up to one's premortal promises. When God asked who would come to earth to prepare a way for all mankind to be saved and strengthened and blessed, it was Jesus Christ who said, simply, "Here am I, send me" (Abraham 3:27).

Just as the Savior stepped forward to fulfill His divine responsibilities, we have the challenge and responsibility to do likewise. If you are wondering if you make a difference to the Lord, imagine the impact when you make commitments such as the following:

"Father, if you need a woman to rear children in righteousness, here am I, send me."

"If you need a woman who will shun vulgarity and dress modestly and speak with dignity and show the world how joyous it is to keep the commandments, here am I, send me."

"If you need a woman who can resist the alluring temptations of the world by keeping her eyes fixed on eternity, here am I, send me."

"If you need a woman of faithful steadiness, here am I, send me."

Between now and the day the Lord comes again, He needs women in every family, in every ward, in every community, in every nation who will step forward in righteousness and say by their words and their actions, "Here am I, send me."

My question today is, Will you be one of those women?"

My First Purse

I know I haven't talked about our Christmas yet, and I promise I will get to that. I've just been sewing and sewing and thinking about sewing and I thought I'd share one little project I'm working on.

I'm making a purse. This is my first purse and absolutely sucks for a first - I haven't put the handles on yet, but I had to share. Also - these pictures are taken from my camera phone - so they're not the best quality :) I'm not a purse person. I know that most girls out there buy a ton of purses and have these obsessions, and honestly I've never understood it. HOWEVER! I'm sensing a new obsession for me. I am having so much fun learning about purses and being able to make my own will be SO MUCH FUN! And I personally will like it better than I would any $1,300.00 purse that's out there, because buying something like that is INSANE to me! Searching online and seeing all the beautiful homemade purses out there are so inspiring and make me want to be a purse girl... just a homemade one.

So, I know this isn't the best purse in the world, but it's my first purse - all that I need to do now is make a fun purse organizer for it and make some straps - and I'll wear it proudly because it's the first purse that I've ever made. Hopefully someday and someday soon I'll be able to make ones like the beautiful ones I've been seeing on so many wonderful blogs.

Another Inspiring Day at Church

I missed the last 2 weeks of church. Today I finally went back and couldn't be more happier that I did. I think that the talks that were given today were absolutely wonderful.

During Sacrament the topic that was talked about was how to deal with people questioning and basically hating our church with a Christlike attitude. It's such a difficult thing to do, because I personally get very defensive and upset when people mock my religion, especially when they have NO CLUE what it's about. Half the people in this world don't even think that Mormons are Christian. It baffles me since Christ is what are religion is all about, and isn't being Christian believe that Christ is our savior?

I am horrible at being Christ like. Today opened my eyes in areas that I wish I could be better at and gave me some goals to work towards. I want to be a better example for all of my friends and family. I want to be that person that people look at and wonder.... hmmmm, how is she so happy? What is it that makes her life seem so complete. Maybe some people already think that, but sometimes I don't feel like that, and that's the point I want to be.

I've been slacking in a lot of areas. Personal scripture study, family prayer, family home evening. That's just to name a few. I feel like things have been so hectic that I've stepped off my path a little bit. It is a good feeling to know that I can get right back on it, and I have the power to do it all by myself. I feel like my life has been a little chaotic, and I need to get it back to where the chaos wasn't effecting us.

Early Christmas for Ella - Elmo's World

Yesterday I took the entire day to myself. I shopped, spent time with one of my sisters (one of the daughters of my dad... the 16 year old) and got my teeth cleaned, checked in w/my orthodontist.... it was a BUSY BUSY day. I absolutely loved every single second that I was out of the house without my kids.

While I was gone Gino had the kids helping out around the house. He told me Ella even had the swiffer and was mopping for him. Excuse me, but why don't my kids do this for me??!?!?! Why is that my husband can get them to be productive but I can't? Ridiculous!

Anyways... Gino went into our garage, which is nightmare beyond nightmare beyond nightmare to try to find my stocking that I've had since a baby. No luck, but he found a ton of other stuff! One of those talking Elmo's that Jayden had as a baby that Ella now has fallen in love with. It's like Christmas for her! So tonight she's been going around pressing Elmo's hand so that Elmo will sing Elmo's World to her. He found tons books and their Finding Nemo movie... little did he know that I bought the movie yesterday for Ella. Now I have to take it back LOL.

I was going through some of the pictures that I took and found this one of Jayden... what the heck was going on with that expression? He is a crack up.

Pictures with Santa

We knew this is what kind of a picture we'd get this year. We already went to see Santa once and Ella was not very happy about him.

So, we let her scream and got the picture anyways...



It's funny, because we have a framed picture of Jayden's 2nd Christmas - roughly around the same age take away a month, and we were ALL sitting on Santa's lap, because Jayden too was not very happy about the situation. Back, then I was a first time mom and wanted Jayden to be smiling and happy, now I'm like.... OH YES! Picture of the baby screaming..... at least we'll have some good laughs about it one day.

I'm DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE with my shopping!!!! Feels so good. What doesn't feel good though is the fact that in my garage is a ton of presents that need to be wrapped. *sigh*

Ward Christmas Party - and more sewing talk

Last night was our Ward's 1st annual Nativity Scene Christmas party. We had a live nativity scene outside and it was beautiful! They even had a tamed turkey.

They had a buffet of soups and then right before the primary singing started Jayden came and told me he had an accident. Man! Right when I thought he was better. So, we had to leave.

To be on the safe side we didn't go to church today. Which kinda sucks because it is the Sunday before Christmas. Instead, my husband is out breaking the sabbath doing Christmas shopping and I'm sewing. We will maybe do a lesson together as a family tonight. Funny thing is, Jayden's fever is gone and he's completely fine today! The lab called though and said that Jayden's culture came back positive for strep, but it's not the strep that they worry about and treat.

I finished all the rows for my niece's quilt. I now get to sew them all together and I'm nervous about it! My Grandma said that this is one of the hardest parts. Gino's out buying me pins so I can pin the rows together. I never knew sewing could be so therapeutic and addicting! I think for my next project I'd like to make Ella a patchwork skirt.

Our first 3D movie!

Last night Gino came home from work and had stopped by Walmart to pick up more Tylenol for Jayden and a few other odds and ends. So, he comes in and wakes up Jayden with a surprise! Gino bought Jayden Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D!!! If you have a bluray you can watch it in 3D!! So, we all sat in the living room with our 3D glasses and Ella laughed at us and we all watched our first 3D movie.

IT WAS AWESOME!!! It really looked like things were coming right at you.

I can't believe that Christmas is in 5 DAYS! Where oh where did the time go? I had plans on taking the kids out today and getting my shopping for Gino done, but Jayden's fever is STILL lingering on. This morning it was at 99.9... so we'll see what happens with that.

Tonight is the Nativity Lighting over at the church. We've been looking forward to it for a while now, and Gino even has a friend that was going to come, and I'm scared that we won't be able to make it. I hope my Jayden starts feeling better soon!

Went to the doctors

I took Jayden in to the doctor's. Unfortunately, his doctor was gone for the day and Jayden had to see another doctor. I really didn't care for him. Jayden told him that I was going to take him to McDonald's to get some chicken nuggets (this is the first thing Jayden has said he's wanted in days) and the doctor told him that it wasn't a good idea and he'd probably end up on the toilet. Great! So, Jayden decided to listen to the doctor and not eat. So, I went to Dairy Queen and got him a banana, chocolate milk shake. He hardly touched it and has been sleeping ever since.

Ella's been quite the handful today. She's jumped on Jayden and has refused to leave him alone. Then when I'm at the sewing machine trying to practice she thinks it's her's. It's an issue. Tonight I heard Jayden start to moan (he was asleep... still is) and I knew Ella was over there buggin' him. It actually was so sweet. She had the thermometer and was trying to take his temperature, then kissed his forehead. I love how they love each other.

I started sewing my niece's quilt today. I practiced and practiced then decided - wth, I might as well just go for it. I did, and so far so good! I'm on the 4th row and pretty proud of myself.

Christmas Card - for my friend

I made a birth announcement/Christmas card for my friends today. I absolutely LOVE it and had to share it on my blog.

Day 3 of a sick Jayden

Today is Day 3 of having Jayden home. Today's the last day of school before his big 2 week Christmas vacation. He still has a fever, and I just feel so bad for my little guy.

Ella's saying cool now. I guess she's been saying it for a while, but it sounds so much like cold that I thought she was saying cold when she was saying cool. She still says cold, but about 5 minutes ago I put on Barbie Mariposa and when the menu came up she sat up and looked at me and said, "Cool!" *sigh* where did my baby go?

I'm doing the 15 minute house cleaning tip from Flylady today. I'm going to spend 15 mintues in the kitchen, then 15 minutes in the living room, then I'll take a 15 minute break and probably head over to Etsy and dream about the day I'll be able to make stuff like the girls over there. Then I'll continue on w/the bathroom for 15 minutes then folding clothes for 15 minutes. When I'm done with that...

I'm sewing. And that's how I'll be spending my Friday.... sewing.

I'm done with this DRAINING DAY!

Today I cut all of my squares. I built my quilt and they're sitting in a tempting little pile just waiting for me. I spent my evening trying to figure this machine out. It had me frustrated, but I must give a big THANK YOU to Rachel & Shannon for helping me out. I actually got it to sew tonight. I need to really practice and get comfortable with it, but at least I got the thing threaded and ready.

Jayden got sent home yesterday and has been extremely sick ever since. His fever got as high as 103.3 today and he has never had a fever over 101 before. I feel so bad for my little guy. I hope that tomorrow he's better. He's pretty upset because tomorrow is pajama day at school and take your favorite teddy bear to school day. He's been excited about this all week, and now he's gonna have to miss it.

I'm utterly beat for the day and am going to bed and praying that tomorrow is a better day than today was.

I GOT IT!!!!

And there it is. My new sewing machine. It's sitting on my table and I just want to sew something soooooo bad! My first project is going to be my sister's quilt for her baby. So, I have to start cutting squares. I only have 2 out of 5 of the fabrics that I need. I need to find some cotton Raiders fabric here in the valley and a cute white and gray fabric. The fabrics that I do have are sparkly pink and sparkly purple.... yeah I know it'll be really different.... but it will be cute!

I can't wait to get started! But before I even start cutting my squares I have to clean up my house and do some work things. Which totally sucks, because I'd rather say forget it all and play with my new toy!!!

Jayden never ceases to make me laugh!

Jayden told Gino last night that Spiderman wasn't real. Personally, I think this shocked Gino. Not because Jayden doesn't think he's real, but because Gino does think Spiderman is real. Conversation proceeded like this:

Gino: Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't real, Jayden.

Jayden: I know, Dad. I believe in Jesus and God, but I think Spiderman is a bunch of bologna.

World with the internet

Yesterday I was at Costco buying a sewing machine and using my phone to go online to make sure I couldn't get it cheaper anywhere else. On our way home I started thinking about how useful the internet is in my life and so many others. There's so much that we can accomplish just by going to Google and searching. You can find a cure for an ear ache or how to sew your own dress.

We used to be confined to our homes and have to use a dial up method to go online, and honestly it was frustrating and not very enjoyable. Luckily, we now live in an age where things have changed. They've changed so much that we can be driving in a car with our laptop and can go right online and do the things we used to be confined to our homes to do.

Most people go to a place where there's WiFi, so they're constantly searching for a signal. Or they have a really expensive internet card from their cell phone provider to get this access. If you live in the Portland, OR area, then you need to check out Clear. They have amazing home and mobile internet plans that will give the same speed as you're already using - at a more expensive price.

Snow Day Pictures

Yesterday we took the kids up to my Grandparent's property to get some pictures of them in the snow - so I could finally make some Christmas cards and get them sent off before Christmas. I can't believe how fast this holiday is creeping up on us. Next week is Christmas and I'm really not all that prepared. There's not 1 present under the tree (not because we haven't bought any, but because we have a very rambunctious 16 month old daugher) and it's weird. Also, this is the first year that Gino and I won't have surprises under the tree and that's kinda sad, but I'm happy that we're both getting exactly what we want. I'm getting a sewing machine! I'll pick it out and he can wrap it and I'll act surprised and excited.

Anyway... so, they had lots of fun in the snow. Jayden got sleds and went sledding down the hills on their property, and even sled right into Ella. It was so sad. So, I took Ella inside by the nice fire and had hot chocolate. I finished our Christmas card last night and sent it off to Costco for printing. I'm not going to post it on the blog until Christmas ~ I'd like everyone to be surprised when they get it.

I don't get it

How in the world is it possible for people to hate someone so much that they all get together in a little click and talk horribly about this person, and then all of a sudden they're nice to her face again and offering her support and embracing her again?

I hate clicks. I hate backstabbing and I hate DRAMA..... even online drama. And this is why I have stayed to myself and focused on myself and my family and ESPECIALLY why I have stayed away from most forums (not including the heart & photography forums).

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

and the fire we don't have would be delightful......

It has definitely has not felt like Christmas around here, but we finally got snow today. We got Ella a snowsuit and Gino and Jayden have theirs from last year - so expect great pictures.

Ella's been watching the snow fall through the window and puts her hand up to her chest and says, "Cold" I have no idea how this girl knows that snow is cold, but she does.

I can't wait until she wakes up from her nap so we can bundle her up and she can go out and play ~ if enough has stuck.

Now it really feels like Christmas in the Garibay home. We even baked Chocolate Chip cookies today ~ well, my attempt. I suck at baking and my cookies are always muffiny. I do EXACTLY what the directions say and they still don't turn out perfect. Oh well.... they're still kinda good.

Another thing to consume me....

I get involved with things that completely consume me ~ only for a little bit, then I move on. It's an issue with me, but luckily I have a husband that deals with it and goes on my adventures. My new adventure..... possibly sewing? Nothing serious here, but I would love to do little sewing projects for the kids. My friends got together the other day and made pajama pants.... how fun!

So, for Christmas I think I might be asking Santa for a new sewing machine.

A Baby Niece!!

I've been waiting a long time to hear these words...... IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sister is having a baby girl due April 20, 2009! I am sooooooooo happy for her and absolutely thrilled that all these cute baby girl clothes that I have are going her way! A huge congrats to my baby sister, Jessie and her little family ~ she now has 1 boy and 1 girl, just like her big sister!

So, current count is 1 Nephew, 2 Nieces & 1 one that's unknown right now. Who would've thought in 2 years my mom would go from having 1 grandson to 6 grandkids total. Pretty crazy stuff there ;) And one fertile family!

Nevermind... we're not like Brothers & Sisters

This morning at 5:38am Gino woke up and announced that his alarm didn't go off. He was supposed to be to work at 5:00am. Nothing sucks more for me than to be waken up in the middle of my sleep, because I SUCK AT FALLING BACK TO SLEEP!

I layed in bed and pondered on so much. My desk for work is in my room and I kept staring at it thinking about all of the things I needed to get done. Then I started thinking about my post about my siblings and how I referred to the show Brothers & Sisters in that post. Then I started thinking about how they all drink wine in that show, and how I really miss wine. Then I decided my family is nothing like that show, because I can't drink wine.

I miss wine sometimes. Especially the Principato Roseato from Olive Garden ~ the blush. Now that is some delicious tasting wine.

I'm over it.... I might have to take my friend Jen's advice that she gave on her blog and take ambien.

Christmas Traditions

Boy we haven't even decorated our Christmas tree this year, but I am getting really excited about the upcoming holiday. Today is Works for Me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer, and I haven't participated in a while, but I'm back!

Family traditions are so important. There comes a time when they stop believing in Santa Claus, and having special traditions for your children to look forward to make the holidays special to them. Hopefully they are traditions that they too will want to continue on with when they have their own families.

Here are a few of ours:

We used to allow Jayden to open up 1 present on Christmas Eve, since that's what I got to do as a child. We're changing this tradition this year to something that I think will be much for fun and exciting for the kids. I read this on someone else's blog and I wish I could give credit to whoever said it, but I have no idea. I will get a box and put stamps on it and address it to the Garibay Children. Inside the box will be Christmas pajamas, ornaments for the kids to put on the tree (somethng that represents them for the year), stickers, and a Christmas book. On Christams Eve I will have my neighbor ring our doorbell and the kids will go answer it and there will be their box. They'll have no idea where it came from, but it will definitely be something that they'll get to look forward to every year.

A tradition that Gino and I have started with our family is we buy all the fixings for an ice cream sundae. We all get to choose whatever ice cream we'd like to use, whatever toppings and we make big ice cream sundaes and snuggle up on the couch to watch A Christmas Story. This year, in the middle of us doing this the box will arrive.

We always get an ornament for everyone in our family each year. It's so amazing to pull out the ornaments every year and reflect on the past years we've shared together.

Of course we make Christmas cookies for Santa and Jayden leaves Santa a letter ~ I then enjoy the heck out of eating those delicious cookies.

I would love to hear what other's do for their Christmas traditions. So, please leave a comment and let me know what you do!!

Bathing in our condiments

That's what Ella thought would be a good idea to do yesterday. She's really obsessed with lathering her hands together and then rubbing her hair ~ she thinks she's washing her hair basically. Well, she goes around doing this throughout the day without anything on her hands. Her brilliant mother thought it would be the most perfect idea to put her in her high chair with a cut up corn dog and to fill her cup holder with a little ketchup to dip her corn dog.... she's a dipper.

I'm angrily standing at my sink washing dishes... not wanting to, when I look over at Ella to see her lathering her hands up with ketchup and proceeds to wash her hair with it.

Instead of freaking I grabbed the camera and then after I took my pictures, went back to the sink to continue washing my dishes as she made even more of a mess of herself. At least it was Heinz ketchup - right?

Siblings

I live in a very dysfunction family. I really do. I love my family to death, but sometimes I really wonder what's running through all their minds.

Have you ever watched the show Brother's & Sister's? It's one of my favorite shows, and sometimes I can completely relate to them. I even have the gay sibling. I have a brother who doens't want to grow up and face the babies that he makes in this world, and I just want to shake him. My sister is Mexican, but she's white. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but I guess she turned Mexican when my Mexican husband turned white. And I love it - I love her and I'm proud of her and the accomplishments she's making in her life. I have a 10 year old sister that I don't acknowledge too often. I need to try harder there, but it's just weird. Her mom is 2 years older than me. I have a 16 year old cheer leader sister who is like OMG so cOoL! She is probably the only one out of the 3 of my dads that I have connected with and have somewhat of a bond with. She's a sweet girl and I love her mom.

I have a total of 5 siblings. I'm very active in 2 of those siblings lives, and the other 3 scare the sh*t out of me. I don't know why, but I almost feel like I have to shut my heart off to the other 3, because I don't want to take any of my love from the first 2.

My gay sister and I have had issues. I don't agree with the way she's living her life and frankly don't want her lifestyle around my kids. But that's not fair. She is my sister. She wants a relationship with her only older sister. Other than me she has 4 younger siblings.

How do you just start relationships with these strangers who yearn for your love and acceptance? It's harder than you'd think. I've had to mend things with my father in order to even start thinking about his girls. I have honestly seen an answered prayer happen right before my eyes. I went to my Bishop and talked with him about my father and how I judge him and I got amazing advice from him. I was scared about making the first step in calling and trying to start up a relationship with him again, but I didn't have to make that first step. Literally 3 hours after my talk with the Bishop my dad called ME! He called just to call and to say that he loves me. In my eyes, that was Heavnly Father showing me that it's okay to have a non-expecting relationship with my father here on earth.

I now am gaining another type of sister here in Oregon. There's a girl here that has the same name as my gay sister, so this might get a bit confusing, but she's carrying my niece or nephew. Unfortunately, my brother and her do not get along at all, and this sucks. I think a few posts ago I was talking about him and my niece's mom, and here he has yet another baby on the way. I've told this girl that I will be there and even go to the doctor's appointments if she'd like, but I wish Mitch would snap out of this and step up and be a man. Gino's had some pretty intense talks with him, and hopefully one of them has stuck with him.

I don't know why God sends babies to sticky situations when there's so many wonderful, married couples out there that can't have babies. Or wonderful families, like ours that has lost babies. It's not fair, but we have to put faith in our Heavenly Father that there is a good reason for it all.

Jayden's A ward

On Thursday Jayden's school had an award ceremony, and Jayden got an award!! His award was for Written Expression ~ so he's considered a great writer. I'm so proud of my little man... isn't he getting so cute and so big????

My Dancing Fools

Aren't they adorable?

I knew it was coming sooner or later!

Situation last night went down like this:

Jayden laying in his bed, us in ours... our door is open and I hear...

Jayden: Mom, a kid at school doesn't believe in the tooth fairy. He says it's his mom and dad who give him the money.

Me: Speechless and heart literally dropping into my stomach

Gino: Do you believe him, Jayden?

Jayden: No... he's a liar liar pants and on fire. I believe in the tooth fairy! She needs teeth!

Me: Thanking God for keeping my little boy still little for a little bit longer.

Now, I know many parents have their own beliefs on this subject and it can get highly heated in debate forums, but I believe in keeping the excitement and spirit alive in my children. I think that it's exciting anticipating the tooth fairy or Santa or any other mythical thing. I don't want to take that away from my kids. I want Jayden to believe as long as he will. This will probably be the last Christmas that Jayden believes in Santa. I think what makes me the saddest about this is that he is growing up. I knew it had to happen of course, but it's kindof hard to face. I hope that the magic in his heart stays there for at least a couple of more years.