Did Santa Claus Find You?

He Sure Found Us! The kids had a great Christmas. This is how Gavin spent the morning. Snugglin' with mom!

Gage loved his Monster Truck, and Tow Truck. It was all he asked for. Carter got a V-Smile and all the painting and art stuff you could ever need!

Katlyn finally got a DS. She was so happy. Mike kept telling her that she was dreaming if she thought she was getting one. Surprise!

Here are the Christmas Jammies! My mom always let us open our p.j.'s on Christmas Eve, and so we are keeping up the tradition.

Thanks to Autumn the kids had cookies to decorate for Santa! Mike took charge of this project, and the cookies turned out great. And don't forget the reindeer. We had plenty of carrots for them too! We hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

More pictures of Gavin!

Christmas Outfits!

I am not a photographer at all but I wanted to get a few shots of the kids in their church clothes. Carter did not want his picture taken before church, but when we got home he decided he could handle it. Pretty cute!

It's Another Boy!

The Papa family would like to introduce to you the newest member of our family. Everyone meet Gavin Mac Papa. He was born on December 15th, just before 6pm. He weighed in at 6lb. 10oz. and was 18in. long. He took his dear little time getting here, mostly due to the fact that he was "sunny side-up," but it was all worth it. Somehow this birth was a little more emotional than the others for both Mike and I. Maybe because we knew it would be the last? I'm not quite sure, but it was amazing to see Gavin for the first time!

Most of you know that we did not find out the sex of the baby. We were not surprised at all that it was another boy, and although a little girl would have been great, somehow it all seemed right, and he fits perfectly. I highly recommend being surprised to anyone that can wait that long to know! It was a lot of fun.

We are very tired and very happy! I haven't been dressed in regular clothes but once since he was born, and I'm enjoing every minute of it. Mike was able to take two weeks off of work, and that has been a blessing. He has helped so much. My amazing mom also came and stayed for almost a week! I don't know what we would have done without her. Katlyn is going to miss being able to have someone sleep in her room with her. I believe that it is true when they say after three it's so much easier. I know that having our youngest pushing four helps, but the kids have been great with him, and are so gentle. Gage asks every day if we can keep him. I feel very complete and very blessed. There is nothing like bringing a little spirit into the world to put everything into perspective!

She sure makes me proud!

Yesterday, Katlyn Jordyn Papa bore her testimony for the first time all by herself! I cannot tell you how proud I am of her! I was just smiling away! Sacrament meeting was almost over, and she leaned over to me and said, "mom, does this sound good for my testimony?" She proceeded to tell me what she was going to say, and I said "Yes, that was really good." Then she said "o.k. could you move your leg because I'm going up there." It was so sweet to watch her walk really quickly up to the pulpit, and bear her little testimony. It was short, sweet and to the point. The way a testimony should be right. I wish I had her courage and simple, strong faith! She teaches me every day that I need to be more kind, loving, faithful, forgiving and more strong in the gospel. She and her brothers never let me forget that we need to have scriptures and prayer every night together, or Family Home Evening on Monday nights. (Even though both can turn into mass chaotic events sometimes!)

We also had tithing settlement last night, and Katlyn was able to say that she had paid a full tithe. The bishop talked to her about it and how important it is that we pay it to show that we are faithful, and to help the church have the things that it needs. She doesn't even question it. She just does it, because that is what we are taught to do. We were given papers showing our membership while we were there to make sure that they were right, and she also noticed that she was baptized 7 years to the day after we were sealed together in the Temple. She just thought that it was pretty neat that it happened that way even though we didn't plan it. She is such a large part of why we lived our lives in order to go to the Temple that day. I love her and her attentiveness to the things and people around her, and that she listens to the spirit and is so close to our Savior and wants so bad to do the things that He would have her do. I love you Katerbug!

Oh, The Excitement!

Every year on December 1st the kids get a big box from Grandma Colleen and Grandpa George. They are filled with wiggles and giggles cuz they know what's inside! They arrived on the day before Thanksgiving this year, and so they have been patiently waiting for tonight to come.

And the boxes are open! Katlyn was in the lead, getting hers out first, and Carter was close behind. Gage was a little more interested in Carters at first, but soon pulled and pulled until his box was finally empty!

This is what was inside! Grandma and Grandpa send the kids these amazing little gifts, one to open each day until Christmas. We hang them where everyone can see them, but the rule is no touching until it's time to go to bed! They look forward to it each day. Getting a present every day is so exciting don't you think? Carter and Gage got Motorcycles and Katlyn go a manicure set for day 1. We'll see what tomorrow brings! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for this thoughtful tradition. I know it takes a lot of time to make one for everyone, but we LOVE it, and we LOVE you too!

This is why we love going to Nana & Papa's for Thanksgiving

This is what it looked like outside on Thanksgiving day at Nana & Papa's house. The kids played outside all day long and loved it. There is nothing like being in Alpine while it's snowing, a fire going in the stove, and almost all of the family that you love all around you. We started off by having a Birthday Party for Mr. Bryson Cash, complete with a "Bindiana Jones Brown" cake, and homemade ice cream. Then we all stayed up way too late and had to listen to Papa and Uncle Gentry snore all night! Every morning that we are at Nana's, she makes sourdough waffles and homemade syrup. Delicious! We ate up, and the kids headed out to play while Brandy, Mom and I cooked away. We ate way too much food and made ourselves miserable. Then the boys went into town and bought a few guns, which has become a little tradition. Then they had to try them out. When they got back Papa taught all the kids how to reload bullets, which they all loved. Back at the house all the moms were sitting around the table doing a puzzle. We ended the day with all the kids sacked out on the floor, and all the adults regretting all the food consumption!
I always pack enough clothes for each day that we are in Alpine, but most of the time I spend every day in my p.j.'s. The best thing is that it doesn't matter, because we only see eachother. Alpine is for relaxing and enjoying eachother. I am so thankful for the families that Mike and I have and the memories that we make each time we are with them. I am so thankful that my children have so many cousins to look forward to seeing and playing with each holiday. We are so blessed! We all love it! We missed Amy and Misty and all their kidos but Christmas will be here soon! We hope to see the Woods, Papas, Larsons, & Curts before Santa comes! We also hope that Grandma Colleen & Grandpa George had fun in San Diego, and Grandma Debbie & Grandpa John had a blast on their Hawaiian Cruise! We LOVE YOU!

Indians, Christmas Trees & Wood

Carter had his Thanksgiving program today, and his class dressed-up like Indians. They sang a couple of songs and recited a little poem! It made me so proud to see his big smile!

Doesn't he make a cute little Indian?

We decorated the Christmas Tree for Family Night. Mike was very against it so he is on the couch in this picture. The kids had a blast though, and actually helped out a lot this year. I love having it up. I wish I could keep it up all year!

We went and got a few loads of wood on Saturday. They actually had smiles on their faces at 7:30 in the morning! We are still waiting on the pipe for the fireplace, but I can't wait until it gets here and we build our first fire!

I was glad that they were all ready to help when we got there, because it is getting hard for me to do stuff like that, but their excitement only lasted for about 15 min. and then they moved onto other things like carving branches and climbing around on the trees. Mike and I got a good workout, and I definately felt it that night and the next day. I think next time he's going to have to do most of the work!

I know it's pretty big!

I went for my check-up today, and I'm only 33 weeks and a few days, but my belly is measuring 35 weeks! It's pretty dang big! I am a little nervous that this baby might take after it's dad when it comes out. Mike weighed almost or just over 10lbs.! I am not quite sure what it was. I do feel pretty blessed that I feel really good still. Melinda and I walk usually about 4 days a week, and I know that it has helped. Her 5 month prego flat belly doesn't do much for my self esteem though. So not much longer and I'm not sure that I am ready for this! Wish me luck!

Mother-Daughter Achievement Day Party

Katlyn and I had our first Mother-Daughter Party last night at Sister Beck's house. I love these things, because I can remember going to them with my mom and being SO excited! We had so much fun! It was all about Native Americans and their culture.
We made this necklace together.

Katlyn got her hair braided by Sister Kelley, and she taught me how. I know it's sad, but I did not know how to french braid. Thats what my sister Misty was for!

We also etched and decorated this candle holder.

Sister Nez also came and told us about her family and the culture traditions for when a girl grows into a young woman, and the things that the clan does for them. It is pretty amazing at some of the similarities of the teachings of the clan and the teachings of the church.

I can't believe that my little girl is old enough for achievement days, but I am so glad that I was able to go and spend that time with her. I dread when the day may come that she doesn't think it's cool to hang out with me.

Things I Do After School By: Katlyn Papa

Here are some sneak peaks of some things I do after school. First of all, I like to do homework. My favorite subject is....MATH! I like a paper I get that has 100 math problems. I really really like handwriting. Homework is absolutely fun.
I will continue, I like to eat snacks after school. I really really like apples with creamy peanut butter spreaded. I also like bullet bars especially banana flavor. I love love love toasted toast with butter and strawberry jam. Just writing about it makes me hungry.
Also, this is the best thing I wrote about. I love to read scripturs. I really like it when my family reads together. I also like it that we read every night. And guess what every child reads one verse. Clearly, I like to do a lot of things after school.

(Katlyn's teacher gave this to me at parent teacher conference and I have been meaning to put it on here for her to read years from now if the paper doesn't make it! She is such an amazing little girl, and so creative and smart! Carter also got quite a good report from his teacher. He loves school and is learning so much. She says he makes her smile every day and is never in a bad mood!)

BOYS, enough said!

I made no bake cookies yesterday and Gage comes in and says "Awww mom, you made dog poop cookies. I hate dog poop cookies. They are dross." Then, Carter comes in and tells him, "No Gage, they aren't dog poop cookies, they are delicious. Here take a bite." Gage takes a bite and says "Oh, ya they aren't dog poop cookes. They are just chocolate cookies."

Carter was in the bathroom taking care of buisiness, and when he came out I asked him if he flushed the toilet and washed his hands. He looked at me totally serious and said, "Mom the Decepticon is going to come and break our door down to get us, and when he does he will smell the poop, and go CRASH!" Gage says, "Carter, that's a great idea!"

Gage and I walked out of the store today, and Gage runs to the truck as fast as he can, and when he gets there he says "Holy nuts that was fast."

EGGNOG
4 egg yolks
1/3 c. sugar plus 1 tbls.
1 pint whole milk
1 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 egg whites

In a bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 c. sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, and nutmeg and stir to combine.
Place the egg whites in a bowl and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 1 tbls. of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.

I have no idea what beating until soft and stiff peaks form, so if you do let me know. We just beat them for a while!!!! Mike says the stuff tastes way better than store bought, and we even just used 2% milk and it turned out great! The recepie calls for bourbon too, so if your holidays call for a little jingle in your drink you could add that too!!!!!!

Treats of Choice......

Mike and I both have very different treats of choice. He loves the winter season only for the eggnog! (nasty) However, it is so stinkin' expensive so last night he found a recipe online and decided to try it. He had to get a few things from the store and he has a little habit of bringing the kids and I back a treat EVERY time he goes by himself. The kids got hershey bars and I got Mint Chocolate Premium M&M's! If you have never tried these and you like mint, they are amazing! (Mike hates anything mint.) Mike's eggnog turned out great too. So he says. I myself will never touch the stuff! Now he can make it all winter long. So, homemade eggnog, and Mint Chocolate Premium M&M's have become our treats of choice this year, and neither has to worry about the other swiping their snack!

Cole & Paisley's Big Day!

This weekend we went down to the valley for Paisley & Cole's baby blessings. I was ready to get a break and see everyone because we haven't been down there for about 6 months. It was a lot of fun, but an exhausting few days! We helped John & Debbie move some of their stuff down to their new house, and did not get there until about 11 on Friday night. Mike and I spent all morning Saturday shopping for Christmas, because we won't be going down again before then. Thanks to Misty for watching the kids. Mike spent the afternoon helping to move things into his dads new house, and I went to see Ashley, my friend from Round Valley who just had an adorable little boy. We then spent the night babysitting for my sweet sister Misty while they went to the temple, and our good friend Rachel came to visit with her kids, making the grand total of children in the house that night to 10! It was a lot of fun. So, to bed at about midnight, and up again at 6 to make Cole's 8:00 baby blessing. Breakfast as the Wood's after, a little rest and then it was Paisley's turn to be blessed at 12. By the time they got done passing the sacrament the kids and I were all asleep! We ate luch at the Papa's and had a good visit with everyone, then drove home. We, or I guess I should say the kids and I were so excited to see snow just outside of Payson. Mike hates the snow! I told Carter & Gage we could put up the Christmas tree when it snowed, and so they were sorely disappointed when Mike put a stop to that this morning. (I would have let them put it up!) It was a crazy, busy weekend as it always is when we go down there, but it was a lot of fun to see everyone, and the baby blessings were sweet. Cole and Paisley's dads both did a great job.

WHY Does He Love Me?

I have been meaning to paint our bedroom for the last two years! It was the only room in the house that did not get finished before we moved in. I painted the whole house by myself, and by the time I reached it I was spent. A full week of painting stinks bad! So, this last week I decided to get on the ball and get it done. Mike had to help me tape up on the plant shelves because I did not want to fall off, and he wrote this sweet little message for me.
It just made me think a little bit. Why does he love me? Especially right now, at this point in our lives. He has put up with me for almost 8.5 years, and I'm pretty sure I get a little more hard to put up with as each day goes by. Right now I know that there are times that he would like to throw up his hands and then throw me in the trash! He tells me that I look SEXY, and I tell him to shut-up, because who feels sexy when they are this pregenant? He asks me how my day went and I tell him all the bad things about my day and a lot of times forget to even ask him how his went. He sends me sweet little texts almost every morning, and I will let you guess if I ever do it for him! He writes cute little notes on the wall while helping me paint, and most of the time I don't appreciate it. Don't get me wrong people, he is not perfect! He has an "unhealthy" obsession with his truck that those of you that know him can attest to. Not so much with the way it looks, but how much horsepower it has. EXPENSIVE! I would drive it off of a cliff and not care a lot of the time. And he is kind of a smart ass! That he comes by honestly! (Thank you John!) But what the heck, he can't be perfect. He used to tell me when we met in high school that he could not believe that a girl like me would like a guy like him. I would be willing to bet that his view on that has changed a little bit!!!! I mean lets just be honest, how many men do you know that would take on a wife and a baby at 17 and always provide and never complain? Not many! I love ya babe! I could not ask for anyone better, and wouldn't want them either!

Trunk Or Treat!

10th Ward Trunk or Treat 08'

Here we all are! Happy Halloween Everyone!

These are 4 you Grandma's and Grandpa's!

Don't they look so dang cute? Ya, I think so too!

Pumkin Patch!

I am in charge of the scouts in primary, and we had our pack meeting at the Pumpkin Patch Maze last night. The kids had a blast! It's fun for them to get to hang out with the older boys! I think Katlyn likes it too!!!! The weather has become a tad bit colder and so we froze our tooshies off, but it was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it to everyone.

This picture was when we got done with the maze. Right after this the boys got into a fight with their glow sticks and that was my clue that it was time to head home. At least we had one hour of brotherly love right? It was a lot of fun. The Willis' do a great job making it all so much fun for everyone.

I love the fall season, minus the wind in Snowflake. I love the leaves changing color, and the first time we start a fire. Wrapping up in blankets with hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls and watching a movie together. Trick or Treating! I can't wait for Thanksgiving and time with family! Then, the day after Thanksgiving the Christmas tree goes up, and I don't take it down until after New Years. I love the spirit of Christmas. Not the presents and shopping and all that, but just the feel of it, and the snow! I love this time of year!

Conversations before bed....

Last night while Mike was getting the boys ready for bed Carter and Gage had a funny little conversation that I had to write down. It went something like this.....
Carter: "Gage you have a big head, and I have a small head."
Gage: "I don't have a big head. I have a small head too."
Carter: "No you don't. Come in the bathroom and I will show you in the mirror."

They then headed to the bathroom to take a good look at their heads in the mirror...

Carter: "See Gage you do have a big head."
Gage: "Ya, I do have a big head and you have a small head."
Carter: "Ya, my head is small."
Gage: "Ya."

Book, Games, Snakes, and Birthdays....!!! What more could I want?

These pictures were just too good for me to pass up blogging and so I just compiled the last few days into one post. Katlyn and I read to the boys every night before they go to bed. On Sunday night she was reading a Scooby Doo book to Gage and Carter just couldn't resist joining in. I caught this just before she got done. There are moments when it's absolutely amazing to be a mom, wouldn't you agree?
I caught these two hiding from me behind the trash can when it was time for baths. They thought they were so funny!
Last night Katlyn ran into the house and informed me that Mike had found a snake in the garage that was so BIG! Looks pretty ferocious to me! Now the boys open the door every time they come down the stairs to search for the other family members of the snake.
Carter has a new hobby of making birthday cakes out of bread, marshmallows, sprinkles, bananas and whatever else he can scrounge up in the kitchen. Today he and Gage made this one for me. Nothing like having a birthday once a week right? The video is of them singing to me. (We always have to sing when Carter makes a cake!)

Soccer Season has begun.....

This weekend was our second set of soccer games with Katlyn and Carter. I got ropped into coaching Katlyn's team, and for those of you that know me know that I came nowhere near a soccer field when I was young! I think I might have played once when I was 6. Mike was strictly wrestling and football, and so he's no help. Plus he is not vocal at all and so he supports me from a chair! I got really lucky though and got a lot of good little players on my team! They pretty much know what to do and I just cheer them on. Katlyn is good at getting right in there with the boys! She's a pretty good little athlete. She was brave and wanted to be the goalie in this game.
This is Carter, Brady-boo & Gage warming up before the game. We are still working on him kicking the ball the right way and paying a little more attention to where the ball is, instead of waving and playing around!
His little team is so cute. He has patient coaches, the Shelly's who are so sweet and just cheer them all on. Wrestling is most likely in is future. Soccer, maybe not so much.

A Little Update....

I have not blogged at all about the large upcoming event in our family, and so I thought that I would put a little tid bit on here about it.
We are expecting our 4th little "ray of sunshine" at the end of the year. (At least I hope it comes before the end of the year.) Around March, Mike and I really both felt that we were done having babies. I have to admit that I had a few reservations with only having 3, but it's still a good number right? Then, just a few weeks later along came our little surprise! I was a little less than thrilled. Pretty depressed actually. I thought how can I do this again? Gage is 3 and now I have to start all over! I was a little grouchy with Mike, and that was mean I know, but isn't he the reason that this all happened in the first place? He even had to kick me out of the house one night until I stopped acting like a "crazy lady!" (his words) Such a sweet heart! I know all the rest of you are probably such sweet things when you're pregenant, but me, not so much!
Since then I have had a complete change of attitude. I know that there is a reason for this little spirit to come into our home. Our kids are so excited! Gage rubs my tummy a lot, and thinks the baby is going to come out of my belly button, and Carter says "mom your tummy is getting bigger and bigger!" He wants another brother. Katlyn won't be happy if it's not a girl, but I'm sure she will get over it. Which leads me to the next subject, we will not be finding out the sex of the baby. My sister in law Laura and my friend Rachel just did the same and said it was amazing to have that surprise, and so we are going to copy them.
I am a little scared about this crazy world that we live in today, and what all of my children will have to endure, and so I was telling my dad this on the phone yesterday, and he said "Leslie, this little spirit is so excited to come to this world and to your family, and knows exactly what it is coming to. It knows exactly what it is going to face on this earth, and still wants to come. And there is a reason why this spirit is coming into the world right now." That just put it all into perspective. Mike and I are both extremely excited, and although I am o.k. with the next few months going by a little slower I cannot wait to meet our new little baby boy or girl.

What is more relaxing than Lake Powell?

Katlyn and I were able to go to Lake Powell with my friend Rachel and her family this past week. This is the spot where we parked and spent the week. Absolutely beautiful.
Rachel has 2 girls about the same age as Katlyn that went too, and they found a treasure map out on an island one day!
They followed all the clues and it led them to these awesome treasure boxes with all kinds of pretty jewels, necklaces and seashells in them! They loved it! (Thanks Keith and Charayye!)

This is the only picture you are going to see of me! I did put a swimsuit on, but belive me you don't want to see! They always have a BINGO night at the lake, and everybody brings prizes. It is so much fun! We both had a blast swimming, sitting in the sun, relaxing, reading (I read Breaking Dawn while we were there) riding the jet skis, watching movies, eating a lot, and being with awesome company. Thanks to Rachels family for letting us join them!
The boys stayed home, and Mike was able to work it out that he only had to work two of the days that we were gone. They surprised me by being alive when we got home, and the house was still standing! The laundry was even done! How many women can say that they can leave for a week and come home to a clean house, and not have a complaining husband? I'm glad I got a good one! Now it's my turn! Mike left as soon as we got home to do some training in the valley, so it's just me and the kids for the next 4 days! Paybacks I guess!

Jumping off the top of the houseboat on the first day! It took her three days last year!
These 3 girls had a blast playing in the water and the sand.
Keith pulling the girls with the jet ski. Katlyn even fell off a few times. They were so brave!
Making seashell wreath onraments. Rachel's mom was so sweet and had a craft for the girls to do every day.
She even got to drive the boat!