Traditions of Love

December happened so quickly I can hardly remember it all. Fortunately, I have a few pictures that help me recall some fun things our family did.

Chandler and I created our yearly gingerbread house. We bought a different kit this year that included sanding sugar. Chandler loved this and it really did make the frosting sparkle like snow. Scott feverishly worked on snow bike business as we constructed and decorated.
We celebrated my mom's birthday on the 23rd. She is one of the most generous people I know. It seems she always has grandkids at her house. She gives of her time and talents freely, without any expectation of something in return. My mom really wants others ot be happy and have a good life and does what she can to make this possible.

Christmas morning was pretty calm around our house. Chandler isn't a big early riser so we all slept in until 7:30 or so. The red ribbon was in place and Santa had filled our stockings to the brim. We had a great, relaxing morning and then met with the rest of the family for brunch at Grandma Nettie's. One of Chandler's best gifts, a Flip, will come in really handy for me as I capture Watson's cuteness.

One of Chandler's other presents was a dream fulfilled for Scott, a great slot racing track. It seemed to entertain all of the boys for hours.

Where Was I?

I don't know when this happened...it looks like most of the people involved were having a good time!

Happy 4 Years to Us!

I can't believe it! Four years ago, I married Scott and got an instant family with him and Chandler. This last year has been full of excitement--having Watson, the snow bike business picking up, Scott's promotion, settling in with Chandler home every other week, slowing down with real estate--I'm glad to have been through it all with Scott. He really is my best friend. I'm grateful he wants to be a good man and really works at it. He is so introspective and it helps me to do the same. It feels like we are working together to make a happy marriage and home and I really couldn't ask for anything more than that.

Thanks, Honey, for a yummy dinner at Suehiro and your undivided attention! I look forward to the next 50 years together.

Christmas Fun

Last week my mom planned a special night for the Hoopes' family. We were treated to dinner at Blue Plate Diner and then headed to This Is the Place Heritage Park.
Blue Plate Diner was great for everyone. The kids especially loved to pick out songs on the jukebox...it was free so especially great. Elvis seemed to be the most popular among them. The menu for the diner included everything from burgers to breakfast. I thought we were going to miss the whole dinner scene. We locked our keys inside the house. How do you do that?, you might ask. It's called lack of communication between the spouses. Luckily, my mom saved the day and we made it in time.


Everyone had a great time at the park in spite of the below freezing temperatures. Amy was a bit envious of Watson's little fleece cocoon, but we managed to stay warm with hand warmers in our gloves and love in our hearts...I know, so cheesy but it seems to fit.

The kids were able to run around and we learned the Virginia Reel. Everyone danced, including Uncle Travis. And, we all had a good time! It was so cute to watch Paris & Addison run around and learn the steps too. I'm sure Watson was jealous and that was why he cried during that part.

The park has an old timey candy store. It was fun to see and taste some things that are a bit less commonplace at Target. Their dark chocolate toffee almonds are REALLY yummy.

Thanks to my mom we had a great time. It's nice to do something different and really contributes to great memories for our family. You're the best Mom!!!

I Can't Resist

Now that I'm getting back on track for posting news and such, I can't resist adding a few more Watson pictures. It makes me want to take more pictures of Chandler too--I've slacked a little on that. 3 month old boys are a lot easier to capture than 9 year old boys who don't really sit still. :)

Late but Thankful

I've been thinking a lot lately of all the things to be grateful about, partly because of the season and partly because I'm emerging from my "new mother" fog. First and foremost I am thankful for having the gospel in my life. It is really easy to forget how great it is and what it means for day to day living. I lose sight often of the eternal perspective of things but I know I can always find my way back to it once I take the time to be still and listen to the spirit. I'm grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who knows me and wants me to learn and be happy. I'm next grateful for my family. I feel very blessed to be married to Scott and have two boys of my own. It's ok that I'll probably always be outnumbered. Everyday has laughter and smiles because of them. My extended family is fantastic as well. I really think my post-Watson recovery would have been much more difficult and depressing without Challey and Amy's support and unconditional love. I love to spend time with my mom and other family and am so grateful to live close enough to have the chance to be together often...along with that I'm thankful Scott is patient and loving enough with me to participate too. I'm grateful to live where I do and know the people I know. I'm constantly amazed at the generosity of time and talent given by the people in my ward. I aspire to be like my girlfriends who are so accepting and constant. Yes, life really is beautiful and I want to be grateful daily.

Ode to Scott

My head and heart are thick with love for you

I don't think I could be married to anyone more true

Whenever I look into your eyes and smile

I can't think of anyone else of which I'd like to spend awhile

Talking and laughing and dreaming of days ahead

At the end of the day my love bank has been well fed

I'm so glad you are you and you let me be me

I expect to celebrate more of your birthdays until you are ninety-three!!

Happy Birthday and I love you!

Finally!!

I'm happy to report my blogging frequency will improve, starting now! Watson is over 11 weeks old and has been growing at a good rate so I finally feel like I can diversify my attention a little and incorporate a little of my old life back into my new life. It really is a new life. I was reading through my "Someday" post and realized I've accomplished each thing on the list. My yard isn't in the best shape but it is looking better than when I was 8 months pregnant. I've worn almost every pair of regular shoes since September 4th and feeling grateful for non swollen feet again. I've held my baby boy for hundreds of hours and am still amazed at his sweet little face. Yes, things seem to be returning to some kind of normalcy and I think Scott and Chandler are feeling a bit relieved about it. Yeah!!

25 Days and Counting

Watson Peter Carr...born on September 4th. He is all boy. I love him very much. We are learning together how to make life a little sweeter.

Sooner Rather than Later

I will soon post pictures of my cute little stinker. Watson Peter was born on September 4 at 8:04 am. We had a bit of a difficult time in getting him here in that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, this led to my getting a c-section. We are doing great, trying to figure out the nursing, sleeping at night, and balancing real life thing.
I have much to blog about including how fast Chandler is growing up and the new/old hobby of BMX racing Scott has begun again. All in good time, I suppose...