Pearly Whites

We did it. Well, kind of... At least some people in our family finally went to the dentist (gross I know). I plan on going as soon as we have our sweet little Londyn. The kids were troopers and LOVED it. Liam has to go back to get a cavity filled Layla is good to go. Layla takes the directions from the dentists to brush her teeth morning and night very seriously. The other night we forgot to brush her teeth she was just about asleep and said wait I didn't brush my teeth. I told her we would do a good job in the morning and to go back to sleep. She then jumped out of bed and said, "But the Dentist said morning and night!". So we brushed them and she pointed out how much her teeth sparkle. Liam was mostly excited about the prize at the end. There was something so darling about their tiny body lying in the giant chair. I couldn't stop smiling. I am so lucky!

Grandpa and Bryce

Bryce sure does love his Grandpa. The second Grandpa walks in the door Bryce grabs his finger and takes him everywhere. Grandpa has a way with understanding our sweet little Bryce. I am so grateful Bryce has that relationship him and has him as a role model. Look, Bryce will even cuddle with him.

Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was fun and very low key. It was just us. My Dad and Denise went to Georgia, April and the twins were in Colorado. We had fun opening PJ's and a new game to play on Christmas eve. After hearing Santa's sleigh bells the kids rushed into bed and went to sleep perfectly. Liam woke up a little before 5 and came into our room dissapointed that Santa hadn't come yet... He actually had, not sure how he missed that but we told him maybe it was because it was still dark outside and he should go back to bed, which he did. Me on the other hand couldn't fall asleep, I couldn't wait for the kids to see their present. So finally at 7:30 I went and woke my kids :) They ran into the room and unwrapped the air hockey table Santa got them. It was so cute. They were excited. They also went through their stockings. This was Layla's favorite part. She was so cute. Then we got dressed and went to church at 9am.  I was a little bummed about having church that early on Christmas morning at first but it actually worked out nicely. It helped make the true meaning of Christmas be our main focus. It was a besutiful day. The kids were angels and we loved spending the time as our little family. I love our home and the feeling that comes with a loving home. I hope Josh, Liam and Layla realize how happy they make me. That is the greatest gift, each other :)

Cutest Puppy EVER!

I am an animal person, always have been always will be. I grew up with horses, cats, dogs, birds, chickens, fish, rabbits, lizards... I believe that is all. We had the property and barn to make that possible as a child. It was one of my greatest memories of my childhood. There was something therapeutic about having pets for me. They were always a great source of comfort, love, and taught me responsibility. Daisy was a dog that influenced my life greatly. It is hard for people to understand but I truly believe she had a purpose in my life. I am so grateful she spent her last year with Colette and her wonderful family. She was loved more then she ever could of been loved. I cried hard when we gave her away. I was so grateful she was with their family and i was so grateful for the role she had, had with me and my life. I felt inspired to give her to them I know with out a doubt that was the right choice. I cried when I found out she passed away a short time later. My heart ached for their family and their loss. But I was so relieved she spent that time with them. I also believe that was her purpose. She was a special dog. I don't think I will ever have another one like her.
As many of you know we got a cat a while ago. She is outdoor and I love her. But lets face it, i have a special spot in my hearts for dogs. Panther, our cat, is perfect and sweet but the companionship that comes with a dog can't replaced. It honestly took me a few years to feel good about getting a dog. Mom, you understand what a big deal this is... you know how I loved coming home with animals (Biggles, Squirt, Daisy, etc.). I knew the time had come to get a dog. Layla seemed to grow out of getting a rash when she was around animals. I hated seeing that my kids didn't have a animal to love and tend to. Logically, most people would say first you have a baby then get a dog but I found it easier to train a dog before a baby comes. So we are happy to announce our newest addition the sweet and playful BESSIE... she started out as Bandit, followed by Zora and now has the name Bessie and it is sticking. We think she looks like a little furry cow. Bessie seems like something someone would name a cow. She is perfect. When I saw her on KSL I knew she was the perfect fit for our family. I loved her markings, she was less expensive because she was bigger (which I wanted with kids, not so fragile), she was a she, she doesn't shed and she melted my HEART! She is half Maltese and half shih-tzu. Josh was a trooper and gave into my begging and we went and got her new years eve. The kids and I are in love and I know she is growing on Josh.
She has a much different personality then Daisy. She is pretty floppy, tough and playful. She has done wonderfully at potty training. I think I have figured out how to train a dog, if i do say so myself :) Mom, I will help you if you consider getting one again :),  She LOVES Liam and tries to dominate Layla. The kids get a kick out of her and have done a wonderful job of taking care of her. I adore her. She fits in just perfectly around here. We love you Bessie! It feels so nice to have a dog back in the house :)

Nativity

We had our yearly tradition of the Nativity after Thanksgiving. I love how well my children know the story. We were lucky enough to have two Mary's this year. We start out the evening with all the lights off using only the fireplace and Christmas lights. Liam greeted everyone at the door dressed up by saying, "Welcome to our Bethlehem dinner please have seat". We laid blankets out and ate Gyro's (my dad swung by a place in Spanish Fork. They were Devinne!", grapes, veggies, grape juice, pita chips/hummus, and fig newtons (yes, I am pregnant and ran out of energy so I swung the dessert...). Followed by a video we watched on the birth of our savior narrated by a little girl. Then the show began. It was cute as always. I love these kids. I can not wait for next December to have our little baby girl there. I feel so blessed.

Drumb Roll Please....

We found out on Liam's actual Birthday what baby number 3 will be.... We are surprised and shocked to announce we are having a girl. Josh and I were SURE we were having a boy. We have been right with the other two so I guess we assumed the same would occur the 3rd time. We are just fine with the change and very excited. I was fine either way a boy or girl and Josh really wanted another girl. So it all worked out. Liam and Layla were little surprised. They also thought it was a boy and that is what they wanted. It didn't hit Liam until we were walking out of the doctors that it was girl. He said, "Wait, it is a girl. I thought I got to choose!?!?". Layla immediately started insisting she was not going to share her kitty cat room. On the way home I was telling Layla she could hold the baby and love the baby. She told me she didn't want to and that Liam can. Liam then shared with us that he only holds boy babies. I thought I would give it a rest. The next morning I told Layla she could paint the new baby girls nails. She smiled and got excited. She then ran to tell her Dad and Brother. Liam still, stood there frowning. I explained to him that he has fun playing with girls. Some of his favorite friends are girls like Kathryn, Elsie, Jessica etc. He then got a smile and while nodding he smiled and said, "I think it would be ok". We are sooo excited. Now just looking for name ideas. So far we have in mind Alea, Londyn, and Evelyn (Evie for short). We aren't asking the kids because from the beginning they have been going back and forth between the names Loving Child and Hollow Log.... Perhaps those can be nick names :) I didn't include the ultrasound picture. I think they all look the same and can't really tell what is what. Plus she was at a really bad angle and the Dr. couldn't get all the information he needed. I go in again on Jan 17. So not to sure about a picture.
What I do know is that I am blessed to have this little girl growing inside of me. I love feeling her move and can't wait to hold her and love her. How special she must be. I know the kids will adore her. Love you already sweet girl!!!
Please share any name ideas :) Also opinions don't hurt our feelings. So don't feel bad if you don't like a name. I understand :) We put a poll to the side if you are interested :)

Love, love. love this BOY!

I finally get it. Time flies when you have kids. I have enjoyed every stage and always look forward to the next. But then... it hit me... he could start losing those darling baby teeth. What if he stops calling me Mama?!?!? He is so innocent and pure. He spends all day everyday with me. I love this stage. It would be my specialty. Liam thinks I am so cool... he might be the only one :) what if that fades? Ohh dear.
Well, enough about me. Liam turned 5 yesterday (it was bitter/sweet for me, can you tell?).  He is growing so fast. We had a party the Friday before. He woke up to a room full of Balloons. The night before Josh and I blew up 80 balloons and put them all in his room. He woke up the next morning and wouldn't stop laughing. He kept running up to me hugging me and smiling. He would say, "Thank you so much Mama, this is the best day ever!". The day couldn't of worked out better. We had Josh's Parents in town, Auntie Phyllis and Uncle Grahm, Auntie Deniese and Uncle Danny, their kids and it was right before Josh, April, and my Dad all left town. I threw it to together. Liam didn't want cake but chocolate spinach pancakes. I was all over that. We had a brunch for dinner. It was a blast. I love family. Liam was so excited as always.
This past year was amazing. Let me just say age 4 rocks! I love it. It is like suddenly you can reason. They are independent but still dependent for cuddles and loves. They say such funny things. Liam grew to LOVE legos. Pirates never get old. He takes awesome care of his sister and parents. He is the happiest person I know. He loves, loves, loves to draw and create. I find his drawings every where. It brightens my day. He is pretty talented. He got an above average report card in every area and report in preschool. Mrs. Jackie said he is so helpful and does well with any kids in any situation. He still hates having his hair cut. He loves his grandparents and cousins. He often says this is the best day ever over the littlest things. He genuinely means it. My letter to Liam:
Happy Birthday Liam! You mean the world to us. You are always so cheerful and loving. I love watching your wrestle, I love finding your drawings, I love how excited you are about everything. I can't get enough of your freckles. You mean the world to me sweet boy. Thanks for introducing me to Motherhood, you couldn't of done a better job.  Not to mention you are an awesome big brother. I LOVE YOU!!!

Love,

Mama

Dino Time

We went to the Dinosaur Museum with Zyda and Samantha. It was fun as always. Liam told us on the way home he might like Dinosaurs more then Zombies, Soldiers, PIRATES, and even Aliens. This is a huge step for Liam. Layla was in heaven. She wants to go back. She has such a long attention span and would stay in the sand for hours if I let her. Can't wait to go back and the company was great!

. Sleep Tight

This is how Liam falls asleep. I am assuming it has something to do with him insisting every light be on his room. It is the only way he can block it all out. So cute!

Count Your Blessing

This past Thanksgiving I was filled with so much gratitude. How blessed this year has been. Josh's new job has been a huge blessing. It is through Josh's hard work and faith we have been blessed. I am so grateful for my improvement in health. This is huge for me. It was honestly one of the hardest things I have been through. I have never felt so helpless. But, once again through much faith and patience it has improved greatly. I am grateful for my family. Josh's family came to the rescue when I was at all time low. You really see peoples true character when someone is in need. They are amazing. I am blessed to be a Perriton. My sisters are still my rock. There is a connection there I can't put into words. My parents are my best friend. This includes my in laws. I am overwhelmed with love when I think of my amazing husband and my perfect children. Josh is loyal, he is honest, he is funny, he is extremely helpful around the house. He couldn't be more involved with his children. His priority is his family. Liam is pure joy. I could hug this boy all day. He introduced me to the most sacred calling in life being a Mom. He is chipper, he is easy going, he is funny, he always wants to do what is right. I am amazed at how much of his character has developed over the past year. This boy really is amazing. I love how tender he and his Dad are with our sweet little cousin/nephew Bryce. Those three belong together. Layla, has taught me so much. She is my best little girlfriend. I love how she does makeup with me every morning. I hope to be half the person she is. She is perfect in every way.  I love her sense of humor, her determination. She has taught me so much about being a mom and allowed me to grow in ways I never knew possible. I love my nieces and nephews. I am so grateful to have Kathryn and Bryce just minutes away. They have blessed our lives greatly. Bryce is such a special little boy. He makes everyone around him better. Kathryn is the definition of happy. She is never without a smile. I love all my nieces and nephews like they were my own. Family really is amazing. Lastly, I am so grateful for our newest addition coming May 13. We find out this month if we are having a boy or a girl. Josh and I are both sure it is a boy. How blessed I am to be a Mom, wife, daughter, sister, niece, Granddaughter and friend.

This year we went to Colorado for our Turkey Day. Colorado will always feel like home. Without a doubt, Colorado has the most beautiful mountains in the world. I spent a majority of my childhood wondering those hills with my sisters, dogs and horse. The sunshine on my face with snow caped mountains all around is what makes me feel at home. I miss the sunshine, the restaurants, my Aunt and Uncle. I miss my horse pack trips with my Grandpa through the Gunnison Mountains. But, I love my life in Utah. I have never met such amazing people. I have never had such true friends. I have never had so many family fun and clean activities to choose from. Not to mention the cost of living and conservative environment. It's nice to call both my home :)