Christmas

I didn't get too many pictures of us actually opening our gifts because we were well...
busy! Both kids a ton of fun and Santa went all out this year.
I love that Ethan is getting old enought to understand Christmas and we tried

very hard to make sure that he knew that Christmas was actually for Jesus.
We'll see how well that indoctrination actually worked when next year rolls around.

The joys of toilet training...

Ethan is ready. I know he is. Somewhere deep inside he knows he is too. He has been out of diapers officially for two weeks now. He does really well going "Number 2" in the toilet but for some reason is struggling with wetting. He does really well one day and then pees everywhere the next. And by everywhere I mean just that. McDonalds restrooms (standing infront of the toilet), the hallway right infront of his bedroom (staring at the bathroom), kitchen floor, the basement. You name and it's wet it seems like.

Um very frustrated and trying hard not to show it when I have to change his clothes yet again. He is doing well though, really well I think. He wakes up every morning dry! And then walks in the hallway and let's loose!! Just another joy of parenthood I guess.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM THE BARKERS

How adorable are my kids. I love them to death

and hope that they have the most wonderful Christmas ever!

And to sweet, adorable Ellie - who couldn't love you!

You are so sweet and give the most amazing hugs I have ever had!

Ethan - you are the light in our house. Always ready to laugh and play games.

That cheeser smile gets me every time.

Time?

Where did all the time go? I don't know - don't ask me!

We have been oh so busy, doing what though, I know not. Here are a few pictures of our happenings though!

Our Ward had a Christmas Breakfast in the beginning of September. Santa was there! Ellie was happy to get up there and let him know how she felt about him.

Ethan did not cry. Which really suprised me. He is getting much better with Santa and is ver excited for him to bring him "helicopters and trains!".

After the Christmas Party we went to Walmart. Santa was there too! So...we saw him again.

On Saturday, December 12th, we had a monster of a snow storm. Ethan was excited that we had to go and shovel the walk. Since Jacob was at work it was up to the three of us to get it done. Ethan had a blast!

Ellie looked the kid from the Christmas Story. I had to prop her up against the wall for this picture, otherwise she would just fall backwards!

And yes, it was her birthday, so I did let her eat the snow! She had a blast. It was also snowing the day she was born and the day we brought her home as well.

Ethan was a big helper with shoveling the snow. He worked his little tush off and then took a wonderful nap

What a cute girl in her puffy pink coat!


And this picture captures Ethan to a T, I think. All his character!

On Sunday we had a little party for our girl. She has grown up so fast that I can hardly believe it. And no, I don't believe in having my children wear clothes! Actually, she had just gotten done with her dinner so....

She thoroughly enjoyed all her presents

Tinkerbell is her favorite

She wasn't so sure about the cake at first. I like how no one is paying attention except me!


She enjoyed getting messy but she didn't really eat any of it.



And then she chilled with Great Grandpa Youngberg. Both of my kids love their Greats because they know who to go to for the good stuff. Like cookies and ice cream.


What a cute girl ( I mean Ellie!)



And of course - she loves the bunny that she got from her Great Grandma Pow. It plays the same song that Ethan's puppy used to play before puppy became "well loved".

Santa!

Ok, all you fellow mom's out there. I need to find a Santa!

Here in good old Brigham City they set up Christmas Village every year downtown. And last year I was in the hospital having Ellie when Santa came to visit all the kids. My parents took Ethan last year but this is the first year he REALLY knows what is going on. So I checked out the paper and Santa is only coming once. Saturday morning after Thanksgiving. Which is fine, we will be home but...Jacob has to work! Jacob has never been able to see Ethan go see Santa. He said that I could still take him because he wants Ethan to see him for sure wether or not he can be there. Jacob's work schedule is pretty packed - he is working about 60 hrs. a week so I hoping that there is some Santa out there that is available. If any of you guys know where Santa will be - even if they charge to see him - please let me know.

We are willing to travel to Salt Lake so that Jacob can see! I also heard that Santa comes to Mantua but I can't remember when or anything.

Please HELP!

Yesterday the whole family went to I Street in Salt Lake to see Jacob and his brother Phillip mountain bike. We haven't been able to see him ride in quite a while because it is hard for the kids to not run crazy outside!

It was nice though. Ethan thoroughly enjoyed being outside with his cute little cousins and surprisingly, Ellie was happy for two hours in the baby carrier on my back!

This is just one of the many jumps up on I Street. The guys spend alot of time and energy to make the jumps.

Now here are three cute little kids! All watching their Daddy's ride their bikes and doing some awesome jumps.

Here is Jacob taking just one of the many jumps that are up there.

He just got this new bike and this was only his second or third time riding it.

He got the bike because he agreed to get his wisdom teeth out for a research study and therefore get paid for it - that is how he is paying for his new bike!

All in all - everyone did really good. Nobody crashed, we got some good pictures, the kids were happy to play outside, and I got to be outdoors for a little while!

Ok, yes I noticed I spelled Barker wrong!! No comments, that includes you Mom! I'll fix it later.

Now, onto the reason for this post. I added comment moderation. I have had some really weird comments (like links for Viagra!). So from now on all comments have to be approved first. I really dont want to have to go private so no more comments from stupid people!!