Stratton's Christmas Delivery Service

Last Thursday, while Craig was home, we went around and delivered our neighbor gifts. I was way excited because I could finally bundle the boys up in the their new coats and boots- thanks to Grandma A- and take them out in the snow (this was before this big snowfall we just had. In fact all the snow you see in these pictures melted).

Baby M started to cry so Big H had to check on him.



When we got home the boys went into the backyard, all by themselves, to play in the snow.




Glad we're getting some use out of those winter clothes Grandma bought for us.

Our Christmas Festivities

The Reindeer at Thanksgiving Point

While Baby M was staying with my friend we took the boys on some fun outings. Last Thursday night we stopped at Thanksgiving Point to see Santa's Reindeer. I like to bring the boys to this because Big H loves animals. Sadly the reindeer don't like to come up and let you pet them, so the boys don't get terribly excited.

Last year we bought food so we could lure the reindeer over for the boys, and try to get a picture of it as well. Of course, as soon as the reindeer came, we were surrounded by children so a picture was pretty much out of the question.




This year we didn't have a quarter with us to buy any food. But a woman thought the boys were so cute she decided to share her's. Unfortunately they didn't get the idea of luring and they just threw the food in the pen.

Look at the nice warm fire!




We got there late so they were taking the reindeer out of the pen. I was excited for the boys to get a bit better of a view. Sadly I had to use the restroom so I missed it, and this is the only picture I have.



The Elves Gift Show

I had a coupon for this little event and, since everyone 2 and under was free, our whole family got in for five bucks. We took the twins last Friday. They had some awesome gift ideas there. Sadly we didn't have money to spend on any of them. My favorite were these knitted sneakers that had laces and everything. What a perfect slipper that would be for Little H.



The boys tried out these cool bikes. They're just two wheel bikes with no peddles. They help kids gain confidence and balance so they can just go straight to a two wheel bike- with peddles- without needing training wheels.

Big H did awesome with dad's help.



Little H didn't want mom's help, nor did he want to let go of his blankie. He was happier playing with some of the set pieces.



Finally Dad came up with this solution.



Cute Little H making sure his brother has his blankie. He is so thoughtful in that way. They both are.



The "No More Homeless Pets. . ." people had a booth. I so could have taken home a puppy if the adoption fees weren't so high- shelter animals make the best vacuums. I know they are low compared to what you would pay at a pet store, but they aren't low enough for this family.



They had fun scenes set up everywhere. Fun picture moments for mom.




The best part of the show was getting to see Santa- even if the boys didn't think so. I'll put those pictures up after we get Baby M's pic with the big guy.

My Many Thanks

I've really neglected to give thanks where thanks is due. So I'd like to share my many appreciations here.

Thank you to Mom and Dad Stratton for all the help you've given us. For coming up and helping out with the kids and for all the many other things you have done.

Thank you to Mom and Dad Andreason for keeping me company on the nights that Craig is at work. And for helping me go shopping and to ward activities. Thanks for helping me watch the boys so I can keep a little sanity. Thanks for everything!



Thank you to my friend Juleen and her Family. They watched Baby M for 3 whole nights. It was a wonderful break, and it felt so good to see the me that isn't frustrated and yelling all the time. You guys are amazing!



Thank you to the woman at the ward Christmas Party who held Baby M so I could eat my dinner.



Thank you to the other ward members that helped me at the ward get together the other night. I was glad I could join in the fun, but sad Craig couldn't come.

And thank you to the many people, I run into while I'm out and about, that have helped me in just small simple ways.

All of you have been an answer to my prayers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

We're Dreaming of a White Christmas

Our Boots are waiting anxiously by the door for some snow to go traipsing around in.

I have to say I'm rather sad that there is no sign of snow. And, yes, I even find myself disappointed with the 40+ degree weather we're having- it almost got up to 60 today. I love snow around the holidays, and the bad part about it being warm now is that it's going to be cold later.

But while we wait and dream of our White Christmas we've been keeping busy.

The boys learned how to climb into the crib. This doesn't bode well for wanting to move the baby down to there room one day.



We decorated the boys room. Thanks to Grandma A the boys have a tree that's all their own, and it's decorated with non-breakable ornaments that the can pull off and play with.




Little H became a career man and he's now ready and off to work- Fisher Price Doctor Play set and all.



Big H became a reindeer. This may be taking that love of animals to a new extreme ;)



I got the house all decorated.









Little H has been perfecting his biting skills.





We attended the Ward Christmas Party. My parents came along to help since Craig was at work that night.

This nice lady held Baby M for me while I ate.

The boys had fun running around and playing with the other kids. Funny how sometimes they can be so shy and other times they are so outgoing.

We've kept up our hygiene. Baby M loves baths.



And Baby M got a high chair.

Jack Frost I hope you deliver before Christmas rolls around.

My Baby Loves Babies!

My Little H has always been outgoing and adventurous. He finds trouble wherever it may hide, and he's always been a little stubborn. Big H is tenderhearted and easy going. If he gets in trouble it's usually because he joined in on the fun with his brother- or because he started to hit and throw a tantrum. Big H also had a love for animals- real and stuffed toys. I would have picked Big H to be my baby loving boy. But I was wrong.

It all started when my nephew was born in January. Little H was always looking in his car seat. Then came our Baby M and Little H wanted to hold him, feed him and give him his binky. He's always helping mom take care of him. He pats his back like he sees mom do, and he rubs his head when cries. On occasion you'll see him rocking the car seat.

It was then that Craig and I decided to ask Santa to bring Little H a baby doll for Christmas.

Well a few days later My mom brought some of my old toys over and Little H pulled out this doll. He carried it around all day. It even took a bath with him. I got tired of looking at a naked baby so I went and got a Preemie onesie for it to wear. It now resides in Little H's bed. Isn't that just the cutest thing you have ever seen?

Little H reminds me of my brother. Stubborn and hard headed, but compassionate to a fault!

The Stratton Family Christmas Letter 2010

“All I ever wanted, all I ever dreamed of, everything I hoped and all the things I prayed for couldn’t hold a candle to what I’ve been given. I’ve been given what I need.” -Constance, “The Forgotten Carols”Dear Friends and Family,

We have had quite the year here. It’s been full of stress, fun, family and love. We are so grateful for all the many blessings we have received and all the kind acts of service. We are surrounded by great people, with big hearts, who are willing to help in any way they can. We can not express how truly appreciative we are to those who have helped us in our time of need. Thank you!

With that said we would like to share our year with you.

Craig

Craig lost his job last December. It was a shock to all of us, and it was really hard to cope with at times. But in our time of need we came to realize we are as rich as kings when it comes to friends and family. We were amazed to see those we knew, and barely knew, reaching out and lending us a hand.

With the job loss Craig made a decision to return to school. He signed up for class at Utah Valley University immediately, and he got right to work making sure his family stayed a float.

During the summer Craig started a CNA(Certified Nurses Assistant) class with MATC(Mountainland Applied Technology College). He was gone every Saturday. We missed him alot.

Craig celebrated his 25th birthday this summer. He enjoyed having fun pool party and having his parents come up from Toquerville.

At the end of the summer Craig decided to switch school and attend Fortis College instead. They have a two year Registered Nurse program and Craig was really excited about all they had to offer.

In October Craig was finally able to attain another job. He work as a CNA at a care center in Salt Lake. It’s right by his school so he usually goes straight from school to work. He works 3 days a week and on the days that he works he is gone from 7:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night. It’s hard on all of us, but it’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.

We love Craig. He is a wonderful husband and dad, and we don’t know what we’d do without him. He’s a hard worker who is willing to do whatever it take to keep his family safe and secure. Thank you for everything you do for us Craig!

Tricia

Tricia had to return to work in December. It wasn’t an easy task, since she loved being a stay-at-home mom, but it was necessary. It ended up being a great decision for the family.

One thing that made returning to work hard was being pregnant. It wasn’t always easy to get up and go, but luckily her boss is a good friend and a very understanding person.

Come summer Tricia was happy to be home again, and was looking forward to having the baby in September. Tricia loved being able to run the household again. It’s a great challenge and it has just the right amount of motivation.

The fall found Tricia recovering from another c-section, and apparently a few other illness’. She got through them all, and is hoping to find her patience restored one of these days.

Tricia enjoyed putting together Halloween costumes for the whole family. Always a favourite tradition for her. She loves Halloween. Craig went as McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy, Tricia as Audrey Hepburn, Henry as a bear, Hyrum as a lion and Monty as a tiger.

Tricia also celebrated her 25th birthday this year. She was delighted to enjoy the company of so many friends and family, and is grateful to have shared that special day with everyone.

Tricia is always busy- chasing around three boys, cleaning the house, blogging etc.-which she both loves and hates. She has enjoyed spending being home with her boys and loves them more each day.

Tricia has also been trying to start up a cloth diaper business. Wish her luck.

Big H

Big H has grown so much this year. He celebrated his 1st birthday back in March- such a big boy. Big H loves to talk, sing and he is so good at repeating words mom says.

Big H learned so much this summer. He learned how to walk, climb, run, jump and spin. He’s always keeping his mom busy.

In the fall Big H became a big brother yet again. He didn’t know what to think of the baby at first, but he has since fallen in love. He is such a sweet older brother.

This fall Big H learned the art of using a stool. He drives mom crazy by dragging things around the house that he can stand. He uses them to reach light switches, the radio, the sink and more. He has also taught Little H how to do this.

Big H has been such a helper. He has learned how to get his own bib, how to pick up his dishes and how to wipe up his spills. His brother helped him learn these skills.

Big H loves to sing. You’ll catch him singing around the house sometimes, and at church he likes to hold the hymn book and sing with the congregation.

Big H is mom’s little sweetheart. I wish the world could be how he see’s it: as a perfect beautiful place that is full of fun, laughter, love and adventure. I wish I could keep all bad things from him because he’s just to sweet to ever have to learn of them. Big H is always bringing mom flowers that he picks outside, and he is also mom’s snuggle bug- well the closest thing she has to one. He loves to carry around blankets and stuffed animals for comfort. He’s such a big, tender hearted, little boy, and we love him.

Little H

Little H has grown so much too. He also celebrated his 1st birthday back in March. Little H loves to explore and figure out how things work. He loves to help mom around the house, and he loves to be the big brother to the baby.

Little H also learned how to walk, climb, run, jump and spin this summer- in fact he was usually the one showing his brother the ropes. He drives mom crazy because he likes to take of to the neighbours and play with the cars.

Little H became a big brother, for the first time, in September. He was instantly in love with the baby and wanted to take care of him. He is always looking out for him, comforting him when he cries and loving him when he smiles.

Little H has learned a lot this fall too. He loves to use sign language. He signs like crazy. He has just now started to say the words as well.

Little H is mom’s big helper. He loves to help! He helps unload the dishwasher, throw garbage away, put dirty clothes in the hamper, wipe up messes, get the baby it’s binkie and bottle, you name it. He’s been such a blessing in that way.

Little H has become fond of shoes this year. We can’t get them off the kid. He wears them every waking- and sleeping- moment. I finally got him to get in the tub without them. Because of this love of shoes he likes to bring everyone their shoes. He’ll grab your shoes, say, “shoes” and then sign it.

Little H is a wonderful little boy. He’s a go getter and extremely feisty. This can be good, but it also means that he is a busy boy and the sole biter in the house. He also has a big heart- just like his dad. He loves to take care of people. He is so friendly too. He says, “Hi” to everyone and blows them kisses whenever he gets a chance. He’s high spirted, fun and full of love. We love having him in the family.

Baby M

Baby M joined us late in the year. A scheduled c-section brought him to us on September 1, 2010. He weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and he was 19 inches long. Baby M has been a challenge for his parents. He has problems with acid reflux and that usually makes him an unhappy little guy. But when he is happy he is just the sweetest of babies.

He asks for so little. All he wants is for you to sit and talk with him and it makes his day. He also loves it when his brothers play with him.

Baby M has a tender little heart, and a very distinctive “You Hurt My Heart” cry. I think he may be even more tender hearted than Big H.

Baby M has a sweet spirit, and Craig and I enjoy the few moments out of the day that we get to know him. We hope one day he feels better, so we can have more time to get to know him. So far our attempts, to make him feel better, have been: gas drops, an acid reflux prescription, Maylox and Tylenol. Sometimes we have to use them all at once. We had to play the formula game with too. We went through all different kinds of formula and ended up right back were we started with Regular old Similac. We also started giving him rice cereal when he was six weeks old to help settle his stomach a little.

We love our Baby M, and we can’t imagine life without him. I wish he could have gotten off to a better start- and I wish his mom could handle it better- but we work through it and try our best to appreciate every little moment we have.

The Family

We made some financial changes. We switched to cloth diapers, and started using a clothes line. And Craig started to make our dishwasher, laundry soap and baby wipes. So far all these changes have worked really well for us. We try everyday to think of ways we can pinch our pennies, so that we don’t have to go head over heels in debt to put Craig through school.

As a family we’ve gone through a lot of changes this year. We welcomed a fifth member which was exciting and stressful. The boys have started to turn into toddlers which is fun but kind of sad- they’re not my little babies anymore. And our love for one another has matured and grown stronger.

Our family has gone through a lot, but it has brought us closer together. We are each other’s prized possessions and we try our best to appreciate what we all bring to the table.

We’d like to express again our gratitude to all those who have helped us out during these hard times. We love you all and we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

P.S. If anyone wants a hard copy sent snail mail- or hand delivered- just let me know.

Traditions!

I remember when I was little how exciting it was to wake in the middle of night and find that a snow storm had come to town. It was so magical to be the first in the house to behold the beautiful sight. Peter Breinholt even wrote a song about it which I'd share if I could find it. It is on one of my favorite Christmas Albums if your interested in hearing it.

Such was my giddiness at discovering the first snow fall

I decided to come up with a way to commemorate it- note that I was in high school at the time. So began the tradition of walking barefoot in the first snow fall of the season. The only rule to this tradition is that it has to be the first good snow fall that actually leaves snow on the ground.

Craig discovered the snow fall this year. He came and pulled me out of bed- I hadn't been feeling good that day- and told me it was time to go out walking barefoot. So Craig and I, in the middle of the night, walked barefoot in the first snowfall of the season.