Christmas: Playing Catch up

So, of course it's the end of January, and this is just getting on the blog. Shoot me: I am a mother of a toddler. A walking toddler to be exact. Certain things have just become perfect for her to reach now, so life has gotten even more busy than it was before those cute, chunky legs started to become mobile.

photo: Katie Oborn photography

Each year Rand and I seem to be busier with the Holiday season. Both of our families have great traditions that we love. The Nelson side of the family has homemade chicken noodle soup in bread bowls with rainbow Jello. It includes grandma, parents, and boys, which makes for awesome company. We have always opened christmas PJ's to sleep in along with an ornament on Christmas Eve. Then it's off to drive through the local Christmas lights, and a little festive movie. Need I say more?

Our Sargent side always has a huge spaghetti-fest. Anything you can think of going with this meal, let's just say it's there. Rand has a pretty large family (7 kids & 26 grandkids). When we get together there is always great company. After we eat, Gary and Mary Lynne (the all-wise parents) gather everyone around. We read the story of Jesus in the scriptures while singing christmas songs throughout the story. This is one of my favorite things about the Sargent tradition. They then hand out goodie bags for the grandkids. This is always a hoot. They always find great gifts that entertain the kiddos for hours.

So you can see why we are so busy. We tend to want to hit everything. By the end of the night we are wiped out. This year, of course, Lula was the center of attention. See, she is the 1st grand-baby on the Nelson side, and the 26th on the other. On both sides she is the star of the family. All the kids and uncles love entertaining her. It is fun to watch. Getting back to the story: the Nelson side wanted us to sleep over with our little movie star, and we agreed. So we hit the Sargent tradition, then made our way to the Nelson's. Once there we were wiped out. We did presents, ornaments, and went to the lights. This was especially fun. Papa Nelson drove the car through the lights and held Lula on his lap. Her face was priceless. First, getting to drive. Second, all the lights. We tried to get some shots of her face, and of course driving with Papa. Needless to say, it was too dark and she was just so excited that it wasn't possible.

That night Grandma and Uncle Taige wanted to both be in charge of little Lula. Of course Rand and I didn't protest that. She did wake up at 3am. Uncle Taige said she wouldn't give up and fall back asleep. So G-ma Nelson took her and watched Toy Story. Now, what little girl would want to go to sleep watching that?! Not Lula, that's for sure! At about 5:45 a.m. they both came into our room. Little girl was wide awake. It took a bit but Lula snuggled in and fell asleep.

We awoke that morning to Papa coming in to see little Lula in hopes of her being awake. She wasn't. Kid probably would have slept until 10:00 a.m. if we let her. So once everyone was up and ready we woke little girl up. Slowly. She is like her mother in this way.

Lula was super fun this year. She has some of the best facial expressions any kid I know can offer. She was very spoiled. One of the continuous loves is this rocker. Lula can spend hours rocking on this if you let her. Oh and you must help her push the buttons, otherwise you just hear "uh, uh, uh, uh!" She can't figure out how to push the buttons hard enough for the music to start playing. Funny girl. She loves it. She has also loved her books she got. Cute girl loves to read. That is her Dad. They are both cute little book worms.

Another tradition in the Nelson clan comes after all the presents are unwrapped. We make ebelskivers. This comes from our Danish family history. I can't even tell you how many generations have been doing this. I hear more and more families have started this, which is great! Every Christmas morning I think of all the generations before us, who have sat together as a family and enjoyed this. I think that is best part. Lula really liked them, which just makes her my daughter. She especially loves them with butter and sugar on the inside, which is my favorite way to eat them. I forgot to get a picture of them: ugh. I will be better about taking pictures.

Overall we were extremely grateful for the many thoughtful presents we received. Not only presents, but the gift of the Savior. This is always something I need to remind myself of, especially at this time of year. It's not about the lights, presents, or how pretty your tree is. It really is about Him. His amazing birth. Amazing life. Amazing lessons that were taught. The fondest memories of Christmas as a kid, are those where we helped another family in need. I can recall so many times getting to go shopping, and being able to deliver those. That feeling is incredible. This is what Christmas is about. Service. Helping one another. This is something if I forget, He finds ways of reminding me. I appreciate this. As a parent I hope to teach Lula and our future children to give to others. To be of service. That would be the greatest gift as a parent. We are so thankful, and our hearts our full.



Here are some other pictures we had from the holidays. Thank you family and friends who were so sweet to us this year. Especially little Lula.

Lula and her Cousin Meg

Lula and another cousin Jack

This is Lula meeting Santa this year..... he was a HIT...Not

Lula Birthday

This little stinker turned One on December, 8th. Boy how the times flies. We had a fun party with family and friends. Lula got some great gifts, all of which were so nice for them to give her. Some aren't pictured but she made out like a bandit (not pictured: building blocks, darling book, a teddy bear, a fun button game.... and I hope that is all). 

She got this activity center... which she loves. Notice her 'cheese' smile. 

Miss Lula and her Uncle Taige. 

Her puppy. It teaches her to clap and dance... both of which she has down thanks to him.

Below is a play by play of her getting her first baby doll. She was so excited!

She also got her first soccer ball. She loved it. Still doesn't get the concept of kicking the ball. 

At her party I (along with her Aunt Amy) made these darling sugar cookies with polka dots on them. I had all my money betting that she would destroy them. I lost. She was completely dainty about it. Funny girl.

Over all the party was a hit. I forgot to take pictures of the set up..... ugh. It was all polka dots. So happy that its over. She isn't walking yet, which I can't figure out if that is good or bad. Either way she is close to doing it but just a little reserved. We love out little Lula-mon as Papa calls her. So happy that we have her in our lives. We cannot believe its already been a year since she entered our family. We can't imagine life without her. Happy Birthday Little Lula!!! 

! year ago...

One whole year ago Rand and I were blessed to become parents to the most beautiful baby girl! Boy how the times flies.... (I am already teary eyed writing this post, really Madison?! I know I am a total emotional mother.) Really though it makes me so bitter sweet to look back on those precious moments with our little girl. How sweet those first moments are when you see your child for the time. The spirit that feels the room.... words cannot describe. When two people who love each other, become a family of three... it is incredible and surreal. I am so grateful to have such an amazing husband who is always supportive, caring, sweet, thoughtful and such an amazing father. I still remember their first moments together, the tender look on his face. I will never forget that. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. Some days are hard and some are easy, but regardless I try to focus on being the best mom I can to my little Lu. She is constantly making me laugh, and be creative with her. She is super expressive, talkative, and a social butterfly. Sounds nothing like me, I know. Little Lula still isn't walking, which is okay for now.... she loves the stairs, her blankie, getting into my measuring cups and spoons, opening and closing EVERYTHING, dancing, talking, steal cut oats, and her Daddy. (I am sure I forgot many but that is the basics.) We love you little bean!

Surviving the wind...

As I am sure most of you are aware. Our area in which we live... (being discrete) had a terrible wind storm come through late Wednesday night and on to Thursday morning. Our small little family seemed to barely sleep at all. Then sometime between 5am and 7am the power went out (this I know cause I went to the gym). I found myself thinking how grateful I am for what I have. We have been incredibly blessed here in the Sargent household, especially this last year.

Since all throughout the night we were constantly up and checking on our house, when it came time for Rand to go to work I hated the thought of being alone in a storm like this without power. So, Rand dropped Lula and I off at his sisters home. On our way we were amazing at what was going on. Trampolines on the highway, completely demolished. Huge hundred year old trees ripped from the ground, on with they stood. Shingles and anything else not tied down was gone. We happened to get tagged by a white picket fence on our way over.....

Once there we found we had to be a bit more creative with the kiddos. Keeping them entertained at first wasn't terribly hard. It was later in the evening that things got a little harder. It was fun to be able to enjoy each other's company. Whether that was driving in the car to charge our phones, or eating dinner by candlelight. Overall it was nice to not have the distractions of life staring you in the face.

Here are some pictures of the carnage once we could leave!

Yep that is my Nephew going to jump on the the tramp....

This was our live savor!!! Oh gas fire places!

11-11-11 at 11:11

                                                                   

Pictures from my iPhone

That's right folks I remembered to take a picture of where I was on November 11th at 11:11am. Well... okay my friend Katie was there with me and it was all her idea so I can't really stake the claims on that. 

We were both crazy people and decided that it would be fun to go to the grand opening of H&M and Crate & Barrel at the new "IT" mall of Utah, Fashion Place. We were able to shop around for awhile before the store opened to kill some time and to get some Christmas shopping done. I was excited for the store since all my friends have been to the one in Vegas or Cali and I hadn't ever been able to experience it. Even Rand has been to one with out me..... I sent him there but he didn't come back with much..... 

Needless to say it was..... alright. It was so crazy, and there were so many mom's with strollers (we ditched the kiddos back at home.) that kept on hitting into me.... ugh. By the 7th time I was starting to get annoyed. Let just say Lula got some pretty sweet new outfits for the holidays. Oh and Tate walked away with some darling stuff as well. We on the other hand, bought some items but are planning on taking them back. Lets just say I will most likely stick to my Jcrew, its my love.  

Here is a video courtesy of Katie Oborn

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katieoborn/6343549154/ 

a Straw....

Miss Lula has now conquered the Straw. She is so proud of herself. Good job baby girl! 

A Sargent Halloween....

        Well lets just say this day was one of the longest of my life....Literally. 10 months old + trick or treating = long day for mama.  

        Miss Lula started the night off as a sweet butterfly. I was so excited to take her around and show her off. I made sure to get some paint on her nose just because I thought it was fun. After about two minute's of having it on, black was in a array of places. Hands, cheeks, hair, ears, etc... you get the idea. Bad idea. So the first stop was around the neighborhood with her BFF Drew. These two ladies know how to start a party. We decided to leave the girls in their strollers, because getting them out over and over appeared to not be the choice as we witnessed other moms struggling to get them back in. So after hitting the houses, and seeing many of the little's friends ( Nixon the monkey, and Ross as yoda) we went to hit up family.

        

Lula and Drew play-by-play....

Lula thinks she likes Drew's Candy better than hers

Looking at mom like what the heck.....

This is GREAT MOM! Drew is still caught up on the candy she just got.

Lula sees it and try's to steal it.....

Lula finally thinking her candy is alright.... its what my mom wanted anyway.....

Cute little monkey

Little Yoda.... 

       First stop aunt Amy's house. This is always a treat for Lu. She is most offend than not, greeted by her little cousin Ike rubbing on her cheeks saying, " Hi baby Lula!". Then up next is surely Miss Meg. She always can get a smile on Miss's face, if not, giggles seem to always fill the air. Then its Aunt Amy's turn. Hugs, kisses, and telling Miss how cute she is, while she just seems to take it all in, beaming with confidence. We had some yummy soup and bread. Then it was off to trick or treat around her neighborhood (we happen to know a lot of her neighbor's). On our way we saw some pretty cute costumes. The best I have to say was father and son Kick Buttowski's. If you don't know who he is... lets just say he is a cartoon dare devil on nickelodeon. They were hilarious! Their neighborhood is so cute and does hot cocoa, scones and a blazing fire in the street for all trick or treat- ers. Props on the great idea!   

       Next up stop off at the Grandparents. First the Sargent's. Lula got to trick-or-treat with her cousin Ike here. She thinks she is pretty neat to hang out with him. 

        She has discovered that the stairs are quite possibly her favorite new toy. I am not even kidding. I go up and down the stairs at least 20 times a day with her just at home. So of course when it comes to someone else's house its even funnier. So she got to climb on the stairs. 

Caught in the act.... look at her face

      We also had to change Miss Lula's diaper while we were there. Now this is even becoming a chore with a mobile little girl. Good thing face time on the iPhone was invented. It keeps her entertained for the most part. Otherwise we turn on the front facing camera... which is what happened here. She LOVES to look at her self in it. She could jabber to herself all night on it if I would let her. She isn't vain I swear. ha ha. 

       Next up Papa and Grandma Nelson's. She loves the stairs at their house. Pretty much she tries to sneak away to climb them. Any set of stairs that has open railing like this she goes crazy over. She tries to go up them sideways, while standing.... yes we are thinking of entering her in the circus. 

By this time of the night she was shot. We had many more families to hit and missed. We felt so bad but it was a lot of work to get her in and out of the car, with no afternoon nap.... it was a disaster. So sorry to the following;  Christensen's, Sargents, Dailybread the food storage company I used to work for, Ralph's, Young's,  Child's, Gold's, Whitaker's, Oborn's, Martineau's, William's, and anyone else I had on my list that I lost. We love you all!! Happy Halloween.