When I am baptized-

January 4, 2014

 I had no idea how stressful something like my sons baptism would be! I mean really- why is there so much pressure to do a HUGE thing after a kid gets baptized?  Why can't someone just do hot chocolate and donuts without the in laws freaking out?  Anyway...

We had been gearing Ty up for awhile for this day.  I knew I would be emotional and I was.  I really want nothing more then to have Ty follow the teachings of the gospel and to see him take the first steps toward that really made me happy.  There were two other kids (girls) that got baptized the same day but the one girl had like I kid you not like 75 people there for it ( and they decorated the gym like a super fancy reception with huge bows on each chair with a huge poster sized photo of the girl on display.  Really who does that?  Made my pizza and pop and the other room look like a was a horrible mom. I seriously felt so stupid) I am going to write the rest of this for Tyson-

When you got up that morning you were so excited Ty! I had to make you wait to put your white clothes on until after you ate breakfast because you were so excited. We had a little prayer meeting at the church first with parents and kids then we went in the chapel for the program. One of the girls mom gave a talk then I did the musical number.  Our neighbor LeDean Knowles played the piano for me while I played "did you think to pray" on the violin.  I was VERY stressed about it Tyson because I wanted it to really bring the spirit there for your special day.  When I sat down your cousin Sannette called out "oh Heather I'm so proud of you!" When Sannette feels something special is about to happen like you getting baptized she gets extra happy and silly.  She was for sure this day. After one more talk they let you go first.  They had a seat on the front row saved for me so I could for sure see.  All your little cousins and brothers got down in front so they could see too.  James kept trying to peek under the glass at you.  Dad baptized you and I cried. Both of your grandpa's were the witnesses.  After they took all of us into a room while you and dad got dressed.  While we were waiting for you our Bishop (Bishop Sanders) asked if anyone would like to sing a song.  Your cousin Laycee wanted to and our neighbors Ali and Alivia Brenchley got up and sang I like to look for rainbows.  Sannette got up from her seat and sang with all her heart with them too.  Then our primary president Sister Carling got Sannette to help her lead everyone in singing "I'm a child of God" about the time you and dad came in.

Dad and a group of other men gave you a blessing for you to receive the holy ghost.  In the circle were Dad, Grandpa Pack, Grandpa Palmer, Uncle Joe, Cory, Ron and our neighbor Cade Brenchley and Jason Seamons.  Also Bishop Sanders was in the circle.  I have written down some of the things that were said in the blessing but I won't write them here.

After we had pizza!  (that's what you wanted) and had fun eating with our family and friends.  You had a lot of people there to support you! On the Palmer said Grandma and Grandpa where there, Aunt Jenny and their whole family, Uncle Cory and his whole family, Becca, Lily, and McCall (Brad was home taking care of a very sick cousin Ava) And uncle Joe and his whole family drove up from Provo that morning so they could be there.  From the Pack side Grandma and Grandpa, Grandma Jenkins (Grandpa really wanted to come but he was sick) and Great Grandma Pack was there as well. Uncle Nate really wanted to be there but Aunt Sierra was due any minute with your cousin Daxton that was born only a few days after so they didn't dare come.   We had The Brenchleys family come and the Seamons family come as well to support you.  Three members of the Primary Presidency and your primary teacher and the bishop were there as well.  It was a full room!  We could have had many more people too because there are a lot of people who love you Ty.

I wondered if I should post this picture because Ty looks weird but I like it.  He was embarrassed to be in a picture with people he didn't know walking by at the same time. 

 A few pictures of the people that were there:

 About a YEAR ago (I kid you not) was started working on this quilt for Ty.  I am going to make one for every kid for the baptism.  He didn't know it was his but had seen me working on it.  I paid to have it quilted and my Grandma Jenkins helped me do the binding.  I need to mention my Aunt Jill helped A TON on it too.  She was a lifesaver!  Anyway I was really, really surprised how much he liked it.  He wants to sleep with it on his bed every night.  I really didn't think he could care much about it but he loves it.  Its HUGE! He should never grow out of it even if he is as tall as Bryan someday.

Tyson I'm so proud of you and I'm so grateful to be your mom.  I am very lucky to have a wonderful little boy like you to be my son.  How did I get so lucky??? I'm so proud of you for your decision to be baptized and I want you to know no matter what that I will always love you.  I hope I can be a better mom to you!  I love  you!!

-Mom

Happy birthday Tyson Toot!

My oldest turned 8 a few weeks ago ::tear:: and he had a lego birthday.  

 I stayed up until like midnight making the ninjago sign and decorating the house.  For the first time in YEARS we didn't get sick between Christmas and his birthday.  I think there has only been one or two other birthdays where this didn't happen.  I went to Ty's class and gave the kids treats and they sang to him.  Then he got to pick a game for everyone to play.  After we met up with my sister in law from Wyoming and her kids at the fun park for laser tag.  My boys had never done it and the LOVED it!  So glad we did that.

 The cake really did look better then that- I wish I were more talented but he liked it so that's what counts.  Can you even tell it's a lego?  I need to let the cake cool more before I put the frosting on it.

 I can't remember why he wasn't happy.  I'm thinking Bryan said something that made him mad.

Ty is a funny little guy.  He really does have the biggest heart.  He loves praise and to make other people happy.  He really is very smart but has a hard time focusing enough to learn what he needs to in school.  We are getting there but it's a LONG road.  I'm so proud of the little boy he is growing up to be.  I hope the next 8 years don't go by this fast!!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was totally crazy and not at all how I had planned.  It started at 6:30- this was the first year the boys got us up instead of me waking them up.  I like my kids to open a gift at a time to see what else their brothers got.  It ended up being the little boys kept opening everyone elses presents when I was busy watching someone else open a present.  We got through half our Christmas in like 5 minutes.  It was totally out of control.  After the little boys finally had a few presents opened they quit doing that.  It's hard for a 6 year old to have his presents opened by his little brother- lets hope next year will be better! 

 I can't begin to tell you how fun this little train set is for Stockton.  Nothing has held his attention for so long since he found star wars.

 Brett was good at opening the other kids presents but too forever to do his own go figure.

 He was posing for me.  My only kid that will do that.

 Everything went so fast that I never got a video of Tyson opening a present- he was my old kid I missed and it was totally on accident.  Total mom FAIL!

Merry Christmas from the Palmer boys! Christmas is so much better with kids!

Santa Santa HO HO HO

Both of my boys had class programs this year.  Stockton was really funny at Tyson's. It was just his class so we were in a smaller room with not too many parents.  After they sang rudolph the red nosed reindeer and everyone clapped the room was quiet so Stockton felt he needed to continue to sing the song so he started to belt it out.  Everyone started laughing and he thought it was great. Then he would get up and dance when Ty and the class were dancing.  I was glad when they invited siblings to sing jingle bells with the group because Stockton was chopping at the bit to go up.

Blakes program was with both afternoon kindergarden classes so there were a lot more parents there.  I ended up walking around the hall with Stockton and Brett for most of it but the parts I did catch were totally adorable.

We had our annual Palmer family christmas party at  my house this year.

I adore this picture of Sannette.  She was so happy to see Santa!

Brett wasn't as big as a fan.  But Stockton was.  He ran up and hugged Santa.

The older boys were happy to get legos.

All 21 Palmer grandkids.  With my nephew going on a mission next year and a few others going off to missions and college in the next few years I'm not sure how many more of these sorts of moments we are going to have! There is always that one kid that doesn't want to be in the picture and this time (and most times) it was Stockton.

What a fun tradition- my kids loved how Santa was in OUR house!

Today was the day-

I'll post more later but I wanted to write down a few things while they were fresh in my mind.  My little Tyson was baptized today.  It was seriously one of the best days ever as a mom.  My church is really important to me and to have my kids choose to be apart of it is a emotional experience.  Tyson really has a good heart and he wants nothing more then to make people happy.  I just want my kids to choose good things in this life.  I want them to try hard to help people and follow Jesus's example of loving others.  I hope he always remembers how he felt today and stays close to the church.  I know he will be a better man because of it.  I worry all the time about my kids having the wrong kind of friends or doing the wrong sorts of things and today just made me feel like Ty is setting a great example to his brothers.  I love you Tyson!  I hope you always make good choices!

My baby isn't so baby anymore

Brett is finally talking a little bit!  He wakes up saying "mommy! Mommy!" everyday and I love it. He is getting a little bit more independent and silly.    

This chair is is new fav.  He climbs in and out of it all the time.  

 While I cook Brett pulls all my pans out and "cooks" with me.  He gets pretzels and stirs them around.

 I let Brett paint with the other boys one day. He ended up eating a little and painting his face in the process.  He is also really into play doh and even kind of says play doh when he wants it.  He sort of colors but mostly eats the crayon.

 He is starting to do the "cheese"  face.  Stinking cute.

What is he doing in that chair?  He was just lounging around one day.  He is starting to play with the other kids toys a lot.  He likes to be where they are which is nice because he isnt' around my feet all day.  He loves books!  We read a lot- he loves books. He was all my boy now he really loves being with Dad.  It actually makes me a little sad but dad has more time when he is home to pay one on one attention with him I guess.  When I think about how little he was at this time last year it makes me really sad that he is growing up so dang fast.  Sometimes when he falls asleep in his high chair at lunch I sit and rock him in the rocking chair for a few minutes so I can cuddle with him.  Does anyone know how to slow down time a little bit?