'Tis the Season

A couple mornings ago, I found Caden in his room digging through his "piggy bank" mumbling "Uhhh, I don't have any ones", so I said "What do you need ones for?" and with a cheeky grin he replied "I can't tell you".  I gave him the three dollars and didn't ask any questions  ; )  Now there's a present under the tree for Mom and Dad.  Too cute.  

I just love Christmas.  It's such a joyful time of year, especially for kids.  I have so many great memories...running around Christmas tree lots with my sisters in search of the perfect tree, coming home to decorate and singing my heart out to Mariah Carey's Christmas album, sitting in the living room after everyone's gone to bed and marveling at the lights and the smell of the pine tree....ahhhh.  It's the perfect setting.  Everything about it just makes you feel warm and cozy inside.

Now don't get me wrong, every Christmas season I walk a fine line between "Fa la la la la" and "Bah, Humbug".  The traffic, and rain, and crowds of RUDE people really test my best intentions to be Christlike and merry.  Not to mention the added stress of buying gifts for everyone.  I constantly have to check myself and make sure I'm still celebrating the real meaning of Christmas and not all the hoopla. 

And I can honestly say that I'm still amazed at God's incredible love for me.  That he would send His son to earth to ransom me, to give me the ultimate gift of freedom and true life with Him filled with peace, HOPE and love.    

Happy Birthday Jesus!  We love you!

Merry Christmas!

Yay for Christmas!

Halloween

Arf Trooper

Bub at the LB Aquarium on his bday : )

My Guy

My little man.  He completely melts my heart.  I can't believe he's turning 8 on Friday.  The years have just flown by.  Last week we celebrated Brandon and Ryan's birthdays at Mom and Dad's and Caden volunteered to pray for our meal.  He's never done this before and Michael and I were very proud of him.  

Caden - you are becoming such an amazing young man.  You are strong, courageous, smart, loving, helpful, compassionate, protective, hopeful, energetic, athletic, funny, sweet, charming, and faithful.  You have been a huge blessing to me for these last 8 years and I am so proud to be your mommy.

Happy 8th Birthday Sweetheart!

21 Weeks (but who's counting?)

We had our 19 week ultrasound 2 weeks ago and it's confirmed...we're having a BOY!  We are so thrilled and Caden can't wait to have a little brother.  So, here he is...our little man.

God is so good and so faithful.  He's growing perfectly.  Right on target.  I can't believe he'll be here in 4 months.  I've already painted swatches of color on the nursery wall, so we can start on the nursery soon!  It's so fun to dream about our son.


In other news, mommy is feeling great, but the doctor put me on pelvic rest until my next ultrasound.   I have Placenta Previa (which is a fancy term for when the placenta is blocking the birth canal).  Most likely it will have moved by the time the baby is ready to be delivered.  Please pray that that's the case!


I will upload a belly pic soon (yes Kendra, I said soon...I will have Michael take one today).


Little Baby Bair,
We are so happy you're here and can't wait to meet you.  You're moving around a lot inside mommy's belly (especially at night time), but daddy hasn't been able to feel you yet.  Your big brother talks about you a lot and is excited to teach you all kinds of things.  We love you so much already!

Back to School

My big boy started 3rd grade last month at TMA, and he's loving his new school (minus the tucking in your shirt rule)!  Here he is with his friend Jalen. 

12 Weeks!

We're officially 3 months and our little lime seems to be doing great!  I'm so thrilled to be entering trimester #2 soon.  The nausea has eased up a bit, and I feel my energy starting to come back.  Thank God!  I can't wait to find out what we're having!!!!

Confessions of a Complainaholic

I admit, I'm a complainer.  It's not something I'm proud of.  It just comes naturally.  I don't even realize I'm doing it half the time.  In fact, I don't think I noticed it at all until I got married ; )  And now, to make matters worse, I'm pregnant.  My hormones are going crazy, I'm tired, I feel nauseous all the time, I have zero energy, no patience, and extreme irritability.
My poor family. 
Thank God I have such a loving husband and thoughtful son.  You two are the best.  I promise to be back to my normal, only semi-complainy, self soon.  I love you both! 

Family Vacay

It all started with a New Year's Resolution to go on an adventure together.  We decided white water rafting would be fun, and it just so happens that Michael's good friend Jeff is a pro!  So, we headed to Montana for a visit.  

Montana was really beautiful and the weather was perfect.  We were so blessed to stay with Jeff and Lyndsay for 4 days.  They had an action packed weekend planned for us.  The first day we hiked up to a waterfall in the morning and then headed home to get ready for white water rafting.  Jeff took all three of us down the Galatin River on a two man duckie.  It was amazing!  I can't wait to do it again.  Michael had the hardest run and they both took a spill, but managed to keep it together and finish in one piece.  On the 4th, we rented a 14 ft. raft and floated down the Madison River.  It was really relaxing and peaceful, and Caden caught his first fish!  When we got home, we had our very own firework show, which I'm pretty sure was Caden's favorite part of the whole trip.  Jeff surprised him with a Grand Finale and he went nuts!

After we said our goodbyes to Jeff and Lindsay, we headed off to Yellowstone and on the way we met up with the Chop's.  We had a great time camping and touring Yellowstone together.

The last leg of the trip was spent in Vegas...but of course.  No better way to end a family vacay!  We stayed at the Hard Rock for two days and soaked up the sun, while Caden took full advantage of the water slide.

It was a great trip, and I'm so thankful that we got to go.  We'll remember it forever!

Oh yea, and we're having a baby!!!!!  We found out on our trip.  How cool is that?  We're so excited!!!!

Road Trippin It

WHOOHOO!!!! We're off to Montana for 7 days! Just Mom, Dad, and Snuggie. Can't wait for an adventure filled week!

Our New Little Nephew!

Jaemus Lee Bridgman
Born June 11, 2010
8 lbs. 15 oz.
20 3/4"

Lovely Lady Friends

We had the pleasure of spending last weekend in Pacific Grove with my girlfriends from high school and their families. It was such a treat to be with my girls all weekend in such a beautiful place. We even got to do a little shopping sans kids (thank you boys). And the weather was gorgeous!



Mark, Laura, and Jude


Craig, Janine, and Kohen


Jodi and Asher. Or is it Davis? I think it's Davis.
Husband Brant and baby Asher/Davis not pictured.


And last, but certainly not least, my cute guys.


I can't wait to do it again next year....I miss your beautiful faces already.

An Oldie but Goodie

I came across this video today and just had to share. Caden was 3, maybe 4, when this was taken. What a little stinker.