Kenyon Looses 2 Teeth!

Kenyon has had his first loose tooth for quite a while now. He wiggles it and plays with it occassionally, but yesterday it finally came out... followed by the one next to it! He pulled them both himself.

Demolition

Every year, the day after Christmas, Karl disposes of what is remaining of our gingerbread house in a very original way. He did this for fun the first year we made a gingerbread house and it has become something of a tradition.

Christmas Is Here!

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We started off the evening by sprinkling "reindeer food" in our yard.

Then it was time for dinner. Cheese balls and crackers, veggies and dip, fruit, and treats. We also had some yummy wassail and to drink.

Then we each opened one gift.

The kids always get a new pair of jammies and a book on Christmas Eve.

Then we opened a new game and played. This year it was "I Spy" card game. The kids loved it.

Finally it was time to decorate our gingerbread house. This is the highlight of the night for the kids. We definately aren't going for looks with our gingerbread house. We just put tons of frosting on it and let the kids do whatever they want. Then they eat it all Christmas day.

After decorating our house Karl reads about the birth of Jesus in the scriptures, we set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Then its off to bed. It's a VERY full night, but tons of fun. We love Chistmas!

Merry Christmas!

The First Day of Christmas Vacation...

...and we got hammered with snow. It was actually lots of fun. My kids kept disappearing in the mountains of snow. Mara was having fun until...

Then she was ready to come in. Just to clarify, when I said "somebody" I didn't mean Mara. The boys stayed out for quite a while longer. Oh, how we love playing in the snow.

A Name For Baby

Karl will be thrilled to see this. He has been pushing for this name for several weeks now. I really like it, I was just hesitant to commit myself to it because I could come across another name I like better. For the record, I really like the name Cole, but Karl was never really sold on it, so I have given it up. So, without further adieu, our baby's name will be... Koen Brent (unless I change my mind).

Early Christmas

Over the past few months our camera has been having some problems. They seem to be getting worse and worse, and we've been affraid that it was going to die. What would I do without my camera?! So, Karl recently found a great deal on a new camera. We talked about making that our Christmas present this year, but hadn't decided for sure. Well, today Karl surprised me by showing me our new camera! He ordered it last week, and it arrived today. I'm so excited. It is amazing how technology advances. Our last camera we bought when Kenyon was born. This camera is soooooo much nicer, and we spent way less on it than we did on the first one. Anyway, I've been having a blast today taking pictures and checking out all the great things that this camera does. I'm so happy!!

School Christmas Sing

Wednesday was the annual Christmas Sing at the kids school. Cruz and Kenyon each sang two songs. We were back pretty far, so the kids are kind of hard to see. The first two videos are of Kenyon. He is on the top row wearing the green lei. (Remember to turn the music off at the bottom before starting the video.)

The next two are of Cruz. He is on the top row in about the center. He is wearing a white shirt and tie. The boy next to him is very animated in his singing.

They both did such a good job. They were so proud of themselves, and I was proud of them, too.

Dr.'s Orders

Some of you already know that I have been having problems with having LOTS of contractions for quite a while now. I have them every single day and they come about 2 minutes apart. They last anywhere from 30 min. to 2 1/2 hrs. Sometimes they are just uncomfortable and sometimes they are extremely hard and painful.

So, the day I have been dreading has come. Yesterday the Dr. put me on "moderate bed rest." What does that mean? Well, the good news is that I don't actually have to stay in bed. I can do things and go out, but I have to take it easy. I can't stay on my feet for too long, I can't be out for too long, and there is a long list of "can't do's." Ugh, right at Christmas. What great timing. This also means more frequent Dr. visits - Yuck! He also gave me some drugs to reduce my contractions. I really am greatful that it is only "moderate" and not "full bed rest." At least I can still get out.

And for those of you wondering... YES! We are still on for Book Club tonight at my house. I need my monthly fix of girl time.

December Is Not A Good Time To Get Sick

What's been going on at the Schempp house lately? Not much, because everyone is sick with a cold. Mara and I have had it for about 2 weeks now, and can't seem to kick it. A few days ago Kenyon joined us. Somehow, miraculously, Cruz who is always the first one to catch anything at all that is going around, has managed to stay healthy. Karl also remains healthy - thank goodness one parent is. So, what has gone undone while I've been sick?

Christmas cards (if you usually get one, it will probably be a bit late this year - we haven't even taken our pictures yet)

Final Christmas shopping for the kids

All Christmas shopping for Karl

Mara's quilt she is supposed to be getting for Christmas

A princess dress for Mara's Christmas - it's still a pile of fabric

Neighbor gifts - haven't even thought about it

That's just the beginning of the list. How many days til Christmas? Yikes!

Letters to Santa

One of our family traditions at Christmas time is writing letters to Santa. In the evening we all sit down and write our letters to Santa. Then we put each in its own envelope and place them on the Christmas tree. Sometime during the night one of Santa's elves slips into our house and takes the letters from the tree to deliver to Santa. The kids are always so excited the next morning to see that an elf has been to their house and that Santa now has their letter. I just love Christmas and all the family traditions that make it so special. What favorite traditions do you have?

Karl's Blog

It has been brought to my attention that I never mentioned on my blog that Karl started his own blog, "Thoughts from a Thinker." It is listed in my "Friends and Family" on the sidebar, but apparently I overlooked actually posting about it. He's had it for a few months now. I love to give him a hard time about it, because he teased me mercilessly when I started my blog.

His blog is very interesting. He leaves blogging about the family to me, and he focusses on his interests. It's a great blog, so you should check it out, and while you're there you can give him a hard time about joining the blogging world.

Thanksgiving

I'm a little slow getting this post up, but better late than never. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We spent it with Karl's family at his sister's home in Pleasant Grove. She and her husband did a great job of hosting, so thank you Lisa and David. The kids love to help in the kitchen, so everyone got in on the preparations for our contributions to Thanksgiving dinner.

Mara helping to roll pie crust.

Cruz adding ingredients to the stuffing.

Kenyon stirring the stuffing.

I love that the kids enjoy helping in the kitchen. It is definately more work and time consuming that way, but it is so worth it to spend the time together and allow them the chance to help with the dinner. They feel so proud when they see the finished product of something they helped to make. We had a great Thanksgiving this year and hope you did, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In celebration of this day, here are a few of the many things I am thankful for:

My wonderful husband, Karl

My three beautiful children, and the one that hasn't made his appearance yet

My family

Karl's family

My savior, Jesus Christ

The gosple

My wonderful friends who I can relax and be myself with, even when I'm feeling silly

My home

My van

The large park behind my house that gives me that breathing room I need

Yummy food that I will eat entirley too much of today

I can finally put up my Christmas decorations

I am so thankful for all my many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

Family Fun Night at School

Thursday was Family Fun Night at the boys school. We got to go and see some artwork and writing that the boys had done. They both had such cute stuff hanging up in the hall. They did a great job. Then the Kindergatners did a performance. Kenyon was so cute up on the stage in his shirt and tie. He did so well singing all the songs and doing the actions. I was so proud of him because at church he won't sing at all.

They performed 2 songs and a poem. I was trying to record them, but they were each very short, and we didn't really get any warning when they would start, so I missed all but the last line of the first song and I missed the very beginning of the poem and last song. Here are the two that I mostly got. Kenyon is on the second row from the top right about center. Don't forget to turn off the music at the bottom before you start the videos.

Twilight Movie!

Last night a bunch of my friends got together for a Twilight party before we headed off to the movie. Jenn did a great job on party food and favors and Natalie made some great game prizes. So, thank you both. This is what I won.

Then we headed out to the movie in our matching shirts (Brittney and I were still able to stretch our shrits over our pregnant bellies, which was more impressive for Brittney since she's due next week) and headbands. We had a great time and I really enjoyed the movie. There were some really cheesy parts (sparkly Edward) and some overacting, but it followed the basic story line and was a lot of fun to finally see after months of anticipation. I was surprised by how funny it was. Were there any Oscar winning performances? Absolutley not, but it was entertaining and fun as long as your expectations weren't too high. I would see it again. The best part was getting out with the girls to have a fun evening, and we definately did that.

Tagged Twice!!

I've been tagged twice recently, well one was actually a few weeks ago, but I hadn't gotten around to it yet (sorry, Anna). So here they both are - two for one post. The first is all about me, and the second is all about Karl.

Tag #1
This is an easy one. You copy and paste the entire list below and put the ones you have done/experienced in bold. So here's mine:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

I tag anyone who hasn't done it yet.

Husband Tag
1.Where did you meet your husband? Arkansas
2.How long did you date before you got married? A little over a year including dating and engagement.
3. How long have you been married? 13 years
4. What does he do that suprises you? He likes to jump out from behind things and scare me. That ALWAYS surprises me.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His eyes
6. What is his best quality? He treats me like a queen
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Yes, and that's all you're getting.
8. What is his favorite food? steak
9. What is his favorite sport? Basketball and Football
10. When and where did you first kiss? In my living room.
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Anything at all that involves just the two of us and no kids.
12. Do you have any children? 3 1/2
13. Does he have any hidden talents? He's so reserved around most people that pretty much everything about him is hidden. I would say the one thing about him that most people don't know is that he is one of the funniest people I know. He is hillarious, if you know him well enough for him to relax and be himself.
14. How old is he? 37
15. Who said "I love you" first? Me, luckily I got the "I love you" return.
16. What is his favorite music? Metallica
17. What do you admire most about him? He is a wonderful Dad. He loves to play with the kids, and he plays just as well with Mara as he does with the boys. I love to see him playing football one minute and dolls the next. He is also a fantasic husband. He takes such good care of me, and totally picks up the slack when I'm not feeling well.
18. What is his favorite color? Purple, but from his wardrobe you would guess red - Go Utes!
19. Will he read this? Yes
20. Who will you tag about this? If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.

It's A...

Boy! Can you believe it? I can't. I was certain it was a girl. But the ultrasound is in, and it's most definately a boy. He looks very healthy. Everything looked just as it should. The technician couldn't get a clear look at his heart, so I get to have another ultrasound next month just to check that out. But the Dr. said everything looked perfect, and he was just the size he should be.

Now we have to start thinking of names. We have such a hard time finding names we agree on. It took us forever to come up with Kenyon's name. I told Karl we are never going to find another boy's name we can agree on. So, we need suggestions. Nothing too trendy or too traditional. We like names that are a little different, but nothing strange. Send us your ideas.

Jeremy

On Tuesday my brother, Jeremy, came to visit for a day before entering the MTC on Wednesday. The kids were so excited, and since he was here such a short time, I let them stay home from school. They had a great time playing with him.

The kids and I took him to the MTC. I guess I hadn't really explained what was going to happen to the kids, because when we left Cruz said, "Where's Jeremy?" I explained that he would be staying there to which Cruz responded, "Where will he sleep?" After I answered that he asked, "Will he get to eat?" I said he would and that after he had stayed in the MTC a few weeks that he would go to California. Cruz immediately asked, "Where will he live?" I had to explain that there was a place ready for him to live in. As you can tell, Cruz was a little bit concerned that Jeremy wouldn't be taken care of. Once I answered all his questions he seemed okay with what was happening.

I think it was a good experience for the kids. The boys and I were able to have a great conversation about what was he would be doing at the MTC and on his mission. It seemed to get them pretty excited about going on missions themselves someday. Everyday they ask me if Jeremy is in California yet. I'm sure once he gets there the question will be "when does he go home." This could be a long 2 years.

As a side note, Cruz said he wants to go on his mission to Arizona, Kenyon said Africa, and Mara said she wants to go on a mission to Princessland.

Christmas Is Coming

Okay, So I know I'm a little early with the whole Christmas thing, but I absolutely LOVE Christmas. The day after Halloween I'm ready for Christmas. Karl is adamant that nothing Christmas gets put up until the day after Thanksgiving, and I know he's right, but I just get so excited. So, I've been trying to be good, but I finally decided that I can do whatever I want with my blog. So here it comes, ready or not. Let me be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

YUMMM!!!

This is was we saw when we opened the freezer the other night...

Do frozen, dirty socks sound good to anyone? Yuck! They were Kenyons socks, and he had apparently got them wet, because they were frozen solid. We asked him if he had put them in the freezer and he said he wanted to see if they would get hard. What a funny kid!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

This is the sight we woke up to this morning...


And this is what my kids were doing at 7:00.


They don't have to start getting ready for school until 8:00, so they got a full hour of snow play in before school. Of course, I had to throw their mittens in the dryer so they would be dry in time for school. I don't think you're supposed to dry them, but it didn't seem to hurt anything.

Contrary to what many people think, I do like the snow. I just think there should be no more snow after Jan. 31st. But until then I will enjoy every minute of it - unless I have to drive. Yikes!
We've got about 6 inches or so, and it is still coming down like crazy. Can you guess what we'll be doing after school? Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow... hopefully it won't melt before then.

Halloween

Halloween was a VERY busy, but very fun day. First, the kids got to wear their costumes to school, so everyone (including Mara) got in their costumes first thing in the morning. At 9:30 the boys had their costume parade at school. Mara, Karl, and I all watched our cute little guys parade around the cafeteria.

At 10:30 I got to help with Kenyon's class party. That was a blast. I love to spend time in the kid's classes, but especially on fun days. Kenyon had a great time, and I think he enjoyed having me there.
When I got home, it was time to start putting up our scary decorations. I have certain decorations that I put out only on Halloween day, and they come back down the next day. It takes a little while to get them all up, but it's worth it.

When Cruz got home from school we started our pumpkin carving. We always do it on Halloween day, but with things getting more hectic as the kids get bigger, I think we may have to start doing it earlier.

After pumpkin carving and pizza, it was finally time to get the costumes back on and head out for some trick-or-treating. I couldn't believe what beautiful weather we had. I was in a light t-shirt, and Karl was in shorts, and we were just fine. It sprinkled on and off, but it was so nice and warm. Every Halloween should be like that.

Finally, going through the candy. The kids made quite a haul. I can't wait until the candy is gone and the constant sugar rush is finally over.

We LOVE Halloween, but I'm kind of relieved it's over. Now for Christmas. Oh, I guess there is a little something called Thanksgiving inbetween there. I just love all these holidays!

Hee Haw Farms

We finally took our annual trip to Hee Haw Farms on Saturday. We have gone every year since Cruz was born, and we always have a great time. One of the things that they look forward to the most is seeing Leroy. Leroy is a humongous pig. The kids call the farm "Leroy's," as in "We're going to Leroy's!" We usually go in the early afternoon, but this year we didn't get there until evening, so most of our time there was after dark. It was a completely different experience in the dark. I think I prefer the afternoon.

Going on the hayride. I've never done this when I was pregnant before, but I don't recommend it. I had forgotten how bumpy a hayride can be. UGH!

The boys went on the huge slide all by themselves.

Farmer Cruz

Tons of our pictures had these glowing circles all over them. It took us a while to figure out what it was. It was VERY dusty and I guess the flash on the camera was catching all the dust in the air. Weird, huh?

Our favorite things about Hee Haw Farms...

Leroy

All the animals

Jumping in the haystack

The hayride

The big slides

The Corn Box