Elle

"Her heart was too small and her love was too big, so she had to go back to heaven."

-Mattson

Shameless

In a shameless brag on Reed here's a link to what he just got back from doing:

http://www.whartonbiztech.com/keynotes.php.

Not bad for an ancient 34 :)

Overwhelmed

I think that sums up our weekend. The boys were overwhelmed with the thrill of seeing Santa. I was overwhelmed with shepherding 5 kiddos. (24hrs of it solo b/c R was in PA). Let's just say I have an entirely new respect for my mom who most of her life solo with 5 kiddos under the age of 7.

C was much too happy with Karen, gazing peacefully at all the christmas lights to be bothered with Santa.

I know no one's looking, but it's documented. Let's just say my standards were incredibly low.

Big Mouth Baby Frog

I love this big mouth baby frog and he loves his food and his brother (occasionally in that order :)

Holiday Flashback II

Not quite as far back as Halloween, but one last late celebration. Every year Reed is in Hong Kong for G's birthday, so they have a special night out together. This year it was a Hawks game and donuts. Reed has certainly met his match in this little man.

Holiday Flashback

I had given up on posting Halloween pics, but I finally checked them out and they're just too cute to pass up.

The clones and Stinky the Hut

Captain Rex using the force

Commander Cody using brute force

Down Diggity Dog

Proof that anyone can do P90x yoga if they try hard enough.

A year in the life

This past weekend Reed turned 34. In celebration he spent the day fishing the rivers of TN and GA and NC. I'm so blessed to be married to Reed. I've been privileged to know him for 13 crazy, busy, fun years. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so here are some pics (hijacked from his phone) from the past year that best capture Reed's life.

Laughing. How much do I love that Reed found this during sacrament meeting? How much do I love that he promptly sent it to multiple people? Finally, how much do I love that this is saved on his phone 6 months later?

Playing with his boys. It's truly astounding how many soccer games, school activities and random adventures these boys get to enjoy with their dad.

Schmoozing. That's right, on one of his travel's my hubby found 'my' flower shop and as a true mobile advocate sent me a text as a sign of his love.

Teaching his boys new tricks. I had been gone for less than a day when C mastered this one.

Going new places, meeting friends. 4 continents, multiple countries; always meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

I love you and I can't see what adventures you embark on next year.

Heaven Sent

This year we were in Utah for the anniversary of Elle's death. As strange as it may be, the boys love visiting Elle's grave. It may have something to do with the bunnies. The bunnies can be chased and occasionally caught (true story, I'll post w/pics when I get home). So, thanks to beautiful weather and in memory of Elle we headed down to East Lawn for a good hour of bunny catching.

You can't quite see, but there are approximately 12 bunnies by the far bushes. Completely unaware and unafraid.

G got close, but since our inside man "Fuzzy-Kick" was MIA we didn't get one.

Since I can't seem to get a good pic of all 3 at the same time, here are all 3 at different times :)

Happy, Happy Christian

Silly G

Pensive Matts
I must admit my heart broke a little when Matts' said, "Look Mom, all 4 of your kids are together right now". As Matts and Gray ran off after the bunnies I cuddled Christian close. But, before I slip too far into the past, or feel too sorry for myself I was called back by the sounds of bunny hunting. And that's how I know that Heavenly Father loves and cares for each one of us. He knows what we need and will provide. Be it bunnies, beautiful weather, or 3 wonderfully spirited boys to keep life busy, full and happy.

Grayson, Gray

Thanks to a happy turn of events Grayson got to celebrate his 4th birthday in Utah. It was his first taste of a family birthday party and I think he may have been a tad overwhelmed as he ran out of the room, embarrassed, during the Birthday medley. Don't worry we were able to coax our little treat monger back with the promise of sugar.

The Birthday boy making his birthday wish.
Even Miss Gentry joined the festivities to wish G a Happy B-day.

The cake(S). Battleforce 5 and "treat" cupcakes.

As the ultimate sign of love I took Gray to Chuckee Cheese. Yup, I'm totally smitten with this little man.

The coolest Birthday poster ever, compliments of Uncle Tom

The birthday boy with with birthday breakfast "cake". (Do you see a trend?)

Grayson, Gray; You are such a gentle, fun loving guy. Underneath your sweet exterior you are tough as bolts; independent, scrappy and determined. I love spending time with you, laughing with you, tripping with you, sharing treats with you and cuddling with you.

October

October was a blur of travel, costuming a la Star Wars, soccer, races, RS meetings and school. Honestly, every aspect of our lives converged into chaos. Maybe someday I'll be inspired and post pics. But for now, let's just say it was awesome, but I'm glad it's over.

Have I mentioned..

Have I mentioned I love having my sister 3 hours away?

During the boys fall break Reed had to do a lot of work and a little travel. So, we headed on up to the great state of TN for an excellent couple days.

Have I mentioned we have the easiest baby in the world?

Christian is just along for the ride. Sleeps, eats and smiles just about anywhere.

Have I mentioned my boys love their cousins?

Although Miss Izz can give Matts a run for his money the boys love having cousins to play with on a regular basis.

Have I mentioned I have the cutest nieces?

Nothing else to say. It's true.

Have I mentioned I have the coolest Grandparents?

First, how many other GREAT-Grandparents can still play with their greats? Second, of those who are able, how many are willing? Especially when it includes "tattoos"?

Apples, Apples

On our way up to TN we stopped by a lovely apple orchard and picked apples. I don't know exactly why; my kids don't eat apples...But it was a fantastic way to run around, climb trees and conquer the great outdoors.

Our attempt at a group shot...

quickly deteriorated...

but there were lots of trees to hide in...

friends to play with...

did we mention trees to hide in?

Precious Pumpkins

I hate to get all sentimental and stuff, but today I put Christian in the one item of clothing that all our children have worn. All I can say is that it's a good thing our "mold" is a good one.

#1

(Elle had to go into the cath lab on Halloween, but in the spirit of the season they let her wear her hat and socks throughout the procedure)

#2

#3

#4

My Boy

It's general knowledge that Matts is Reed's clone. But, I now have a glimmer of hope that he may have some Newell DNA in him.

Today at lunch we were reviewing their primary lessons. Sharing Time was taught by the fabulous Miss Celeste and was about prayer, specifically prayers of gratitude. I asked if we always say the same thing (a problem in our house, G is still praying for the people in Haiti, Japan and Chili) and Matts replied, "No, but I do have my prayer pattern."

Huh?

"Yeah, you know, on Sunday I say my special prayer, on Saturday I say my Saturday thank yous; Friday, my Friday thank yous...etc."

What can I say, we Newells love our Schedules. Now, maybe I should get him some post-its :)

My life

This is my life...

I love it.

Bible Belt

Today while I was playing w/G he was getting frustrated with his construction site and I gently (thankfully) reminded him to just relax and work it out.

"That's right mom, because a gentle answer turns away anger"

Over my giggling I heard "No, for real mom, it does."

Labor Day

Reed had to fly out to London on the Sunday before Labor Day. While I would usually dread going solo for the entire holiday weekend I instead got to hang out with my sister and her family. Have I mentioned I love having them in the south?

zoo - slide show

Plus, Scott helped me "surprise" Reed with a new kitchen table and chairs when he got home :)

Padawan

Yes, I'm now 4mths old

and

Yes, I know how to use it.

This little monkey is now 4mths old. It may be cliche, but time really does fly. C is such a happy, happy little (or BIG) man. When he got his shots he didn't even cry, he just did the tough guy grunt and went back to flirting with the nurse. What did I ever do to deserve this?

Dragon-Con

I'm not lying when I say that this may be the reason we're still in Atlanta (well, this and the donuts we picked up from Sublime on the way downtown).

Mock if you want, but it's pretty awesome and with 3 boys, what are you going to do?

dragoncon - slide show

Angel Cake

For Elle's birthday celebration we have cake and buy flowers because

cake+flowers =what every girl wants.

This year the boys helped me decorate the cake.

Don't worry mom, we've got it covered

Yep, I promise some of the frosting will make it onto the cake

The masterpiece. They definitely had it covered :)

Sweet Boys

Sweet:

"Mom, after we finish baking Elle's cake, can we build a ladder to heaven to take it to her?"

Boys:

"Mom, you know those super hard goobers in my nose? I think they're saying 'wow, we really like it here and we should stay in this super cool place'"

Happy Birthday Elle

Apparently I've used up all my wittiness for the evening. So for wishing our precious Elle a very Happy Birthday, I'll commandeer a song that has played throughout her life. While I was pregnant with her and cooking pancakes on Sunday mornings, while we attended Sacrament at PCMC, while I was alone in Denver, while we drove home after her death, while we closed her funeral and now while I sing Christian to sleep each night.

Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom

Lead thou me on

The night is dark and I am far from home

Lead thou me on

Keep thou my feet I do not ask to see

The distant scene one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou

Shouldst lead me on

I loved to choose and see my path but now

Lead thou me on

I loved the garish day and spite of fears

Pride ruled my will

Remember not past years.

So long thy power has kept me sure it still

Will lead me on

'Or moor and fen 'or craig and torrent till

The night is gone

And with the morn those angel faces smile

Which I have loved long since and lost awhile.