Santa Clause is coming to town

Every year the Fire Department drives through the neighborhoods blaring the siren and handing out candy to any kids who come out to see. It was a lot of fun for my kids. Though, Luke is starting to get confused about Santa showing up everywhere when he is supposed to live at the North Pole. I hope he does't figure it out for a long time.

Ginger Bread House

This is our first gingerbread house. OK, so it came from a kit that we got on clearance at Linins 'n Thinsg and it doesn't really look like something you want to tear into and eat. But it was great for a 4 year old, a two year old and a mom who has spent more time IN doctors offices than OUT this month.

Olivia's Shiney Pink Rock Continued

Olivia's shiney pink rock has finally passed. After a visit to the E.R., two pediatricians, a pediatric gastroenterologist, and being admitted to the hospital to have it removed via endoscope. After she had been admitted to the hospital for the proceedure and waiting two and a half hours, the Doctor ordered an x-ray to see where it was before they nocked her out and started scoping. He came back in 20 minutes later and said that it had moved into her lower pelvis and would probably pass in the next day or two. We were free to go home. Mark is calling it a "Christmas Miracle". It saved her the scary EDG and us the huge medical bills. The rock found it's way through her system and it only took two weeks. We are thinking about mounting it in a shadow box or turning it into an ornament. I am glad that this chapter of our life is over.

One Small Step

The other day, the kids were playing by the Christmas tree and one of the ornanments got broken. Not a huge deal. I kind of expect one or two to get broken every year. When I went in to clean it up, Luke told me that Olivia had broken the ornament. Later that afternoon, he came to me and told me that he had told a lie and the he had really broken the ornament. YES!! Honesty! That is a great start. Luke has been a challenge since the day he came out (Screaming) so any small step should be praised and shared. Good job Luke, we are proud of you.

Olivia's Shiney Pink Rock

This is Olivia's x-ray that was taken last night in the E.R. She swallowed a rock a week ago. We have been waiting for it to pass, after all "what goes in, must come out." We went to the E.R. because she has had some diarrhea with streaks of blood that made us a little worried. Right now the Doctor has recommended that she follow the BRAT diet and get a series of x-rays every 24-48 hours to see if it moves. If it doesn't move, we will have to take her to a GI Specialist. Mark and Bryce Barton gave her a blessing tonight. Thanks Bryce.

Our Trip To Arizona

This one is my favorite.

While we were in Arizona we had some pictures taken with all of the cousins. Some of them turned out better than others. I love it when my kids can spend time with their cousins. It is amazing that they can become friends so quickly. They only see each other once or twice a year and when they get together they pick up right were they left off, as if they had just seen each other yesterday. There is something special about family.

Lisa has a big beautiful new home with a spacious kitchen that had enough room for all of us to help out without stepping on each others toes. My mom has her back to the camera, she never likes to be photographed. Hmmm sounds like someone else we all know and love.

Luke got a new cast, thanks to Uncle Matt. It is very nice to be in a family full of Doctors when my kids are as accident prone as then are. Wonder where they get it from? Luke's first cast was plain green, his favorite. But we thought the candy stripes would be good for the holidays.

Olivia was very glad to be out of the car, and ready to play with all of the cousins

The scenery was a little dull and the trip was long but the kids were GREAT!!

We drove from San Antonio, Texas to Gilbert, Arizona to spend the Thanks Giving Holiday with Heather's family. It was a long drive.