On the Fifth Day till Christmas

My Parents gave to me...

Five Older Siblings

I have to say being the "baby" of the family, you have a little different perspective on life. You get to look up to and learn from your older siblings. And I have to say, I have the best older siblings. I love and appreciate every member of my family and I'm so grateful for all the things they've taught me.

My Sweet Brother Kimball

My dad has always called us the "bookends." Which is fitting, but even though we're several years apart, he is one of my best friends. He is so funny, so wise, and so much fun to hang out with. He always has a project and such an amazing outlook on life. Through life's ups and downs, his faith and testimony never waivers, he is such an example to me.

My Lovely Oldest Sister Kerry

Oh how I miss you. You are an amazing woman with such faith, determination and love for everyone around you. You taught me how to work, laugh, and serve. You made everything around you beautiful. Your love and example will always be with me.

My Dearest Sister Becky

She just makes me smile. The only goal in life is to get her to giggle, because her laugh is so infectious, you can't help but laugh along. She has taught me how to be a mother, a home maker, how to serve and love. And one of the most amazing cooks I know. Seriously. OK, so she's super-mom, I have a long way to go.

My Adorable Sister Kirsten

So she's known as the crazy aunt (not me, she's the crazy one) and the funnest person in the world. She has the most amazing strength and loves to serve her family and friends. She has one of the best personalities of any one I've ever known. She has taught me how to cook, how to be a mom, how to be more patient and how to love all without even knowing she was doing it. She's such an amazing woman and mother.

My Amazing Sister Missy

So talk about super-mom, my sister Missy is pregnant with her eighth child and doesn't know how to slow down. She is the perfect example of service, love and faith. She has taught me more than she knows. She is so dedicated to her family, friends and any missionary out in their neck of the woods. Her life is dedicated to her Father in Heaven and her example is never-ending.

I am humbled and amazed by the siblings I have been blessed with. Each and every one is my example and best friend, my teacher and confidant. I love and adore them all.

On the Sixth Day till Christmas

My children gave to me...

Six Quiet Moments

We live in a home with two five-year-olds and two five-month-olds. The boys love to play and the babies... cry...so we live in a... loud home. Which by no means is a bad thing, but there's a lot to be said for moments of quiet. Today being Sunday, we usually try to keep the peace more and the "disagreements" less, but today seemed to be a special day. The babies did not really sleep during church or the family dinner we attended, but they did eventually nap.

and sleep...

But I have to be grateful for those little moments throughout the day, where there is peace, calm and bedtime. It's now the evening, the kids are all tucked in (I can't say fully asleep, but in bed none the less), and it's my turn to snuggle up with my Stephen's Peanut Butter Cup hot cocoa (have you tried it? It's a limited time, so I'd advise you to stalk up), a warm blanket, and my current escape in the form of a good hard back novel.

So remember

Cherish the little things

On the Seventh Day till Christmas

My Babies gave to me...

Seven diaper changes

(per baby, per day)

(and that's just an average)

Aren't these the cutest babies you've ever seen?

So I guess that makes up for dirty diapers, wet diapers and spit up galore.

Can you believe those eyes?

I am so grateful to be a mom. I can't imagine life without Preston, Garrett, Talmage or Kirtlyn. They are such a part of me and are my absolute, utter joy.

On the Eighth Day till Christmas

My Husband gave to me...

Eight Amazing In-Laws

I have to say, these eight people are truly incredible. They absolutely crush the "in-laws" stereotype. They are amazing examples of love, work, strength, family and charity. I am truly blessed because along with me, my kids have amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to learn from. Thank you, for just being you.

Grandpa Field: Has the biggest heart, the best laugh and loves to play with his grandkids

Grandma Field: Garrett says he loves his grandma because "she's the best," simple as that

Aunt Haley: So thoughtful and caring

Uncle John: Best sense of humor

Aunt Melanie: So giving and loving to everyone

Uncle Steve: Hardest worker, so knowledgeable

Uncle Cameron: Coolest Uncle EVER!!!

Aunt Lauren: So funny and so willing to help whenever needed (you know that's right)

But...

I realize we have an addition coming (so this post should have been yesterday, I apologize) but here is our soon-to-be Aunt Ariana. Isn't she beautiful? Cameron is a lucky man!

Love you Ari!

I am so thankful for this amazing family who loves me and my kids. Eternity's not looking so bad being stuck with this lot.

I absolutely love you all.

On the Ninth Day till Christmas

My Three Boys gave to me...

Nine Belly Laughs

And then nine more...

They say laughing is therapeutic. Well I totally agree. And with three children in my home... (not including babies) there is a lot of laughing going on around here. I am so grateful every time I hear giggling somewhere in my home. That, and the uncommon sound of silence... but mostly the giggling.

Laugh, laugh and then laugh some more...

On the Tenth Day till Christmas

My True Love gave to me...

Ten wonderful years

I am amazed at the rate at which times flies. As a child, summer break lasted forever and you couldn't wait to go back to school. During school, summer break couldn't come fast enough. Right now... 2010 is almost over and I can't believe what has happened to our little family, this year alone.

Ten years doesn't come without ups and down, trials and successes and arguments and laughter. I am so blessed to have a loving husband who is a great father, great husband and my best friend.

Top Ten Lessons Learned

10. There will always be a rock in boy's pants that get washed clean - check all pockets before starting laundry.

9. There will always be one egg short for whatever recipe you are currently in the middle of - check all ingredients before commencing baking.

8. There will always be a superhero hiding in some household decor - don't worry, this is for your safety.

7. There will be a cup of "something" being frozen in the freezer - always throw away, do not thaw.

6. There will be one last ice cube that didn't make it into the cup - don't wear socks in the kitchen.

5. There will always be spit up when playing with baby after a meal - don't shake baby.

4. Do not attempt to "assist" in fixing things unless requested.

3. Do not be a backseat driver in rush hour traffic, or in a construction zone, or... ever.

2. Laugh as much as possible.

1. Always kiss good night.

On the Eleventh Day till Christmas

My Preston gave to me...

Eleven requests to hug a baby...

(every hour)

I have to smile every time I hear "Mom, can I hug _________?"

I am amazed at how the boys absolutely love their baby brother and sister. And Preston especially has taken on the big brother role and will help and do anything I ask if it has to do with the babies.

I wanted to take at least 11 pictures for the post today, but even with all my mad photog skills, I couldn't get every request in (cause there was a lot)

During this season of the year...

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