Ava Jayne is 3

Yesterday, Ava turned the big 3. I can't believe she is already 3~the time has literally blurred by. She was so tiny when she was born, but she's always been a character, ready to be part of the action. She has an imaginary friend-Angiewho-a little boy, that she will tell you is a "good boy" and takes many naps and occasionally will call her on her play cell phone to let her know he's driving to pick up his mom. She once pointed out Edward Cullen as Angiewho, but I'm hoping that was a fluke. She loves Dora and Barbie movies--cannot get enough of the dancing barbie movies that have music. She can count to 20, and her favorite number is eleven-teen. If you are counting with her, be sure not to skip it...or she'll quickly and firmly correct your counting. She knows several songs, ABC-twinkle twinkle-itsy bitsy-frosty the snowman-child of God-Stories of Jesus-yeah too many to name, and will sing them to Simon when he gets sad. She is a great big sister, and has to really fight not to squeeze her little brother several times a day. She has SO much of Chris in her looks and demeanor. She also got my sass and stubbornness...what a combo eh? She absolutely cannot resist cutting her hair if she comes across scissors, and if she could, she would paint, cut and glue all day. She's been potty training for 6-7 months now, and is really making great progress. If you are sad, she will tell you to be happy and that everything will be Ok, and immediately start being goofy to make you smile, or offer you some chocolate milk. She loves cocoa, but not hot. She loves to make up stories, and every event she will tell you about has occurred, will occur, or is occurring "yesterday." She can recite several Dr. Suess books--thankfully we've recently broadened our bedtime book collection. She is also learning the ABC in sign language, and loving it!
Aves has been the greatest most amazing blessing of my life. I knew about her long before she joined our family. Heavenly Father knew I'd need a few years preparation for her. She teaches me patience, kindness, and love in a new way. I hope to raise her and shape her to be as lovely a person inside, as she is physically. Here come the 3s....Heaven Help Us ALL! :) Hand me one of those...would ya?

so far behind on bloggin

I have a TON to blog, but I'll continue to procrastinate. Mostly, I just wanted to put out there, that we're pulling our house off the market. The last 2 homes that sold in our neighborhood went for $10-20,000 less than we were listed, killing our comps, so we're here to stay for a bit longer. Sorry folks, no Hilary Streaking in protest this year.

It's been more than 3 weeks since someone has come to look at our house. I have found it increasingly more difficult to keep things perfect around here, with the kids getting sick, and the weather so bitterly cold that they have no choice, but to play indoors. The last week or so has been a struggle to stay positive. sane. I hadnt' had my boot camp either, as a distraction and a way to get away from it all--which is a big factor in my recent depression. I went last night and got my booty kicked for 90 minutes. it hurts to type right now, that's how awesome of a workout she gave us. I love that it's just Lissa, me and the trainers. I know we're making great progress too. I came home to my home...and helped Chris get the kids to bed. I don't even remember falling asleep. Avas been sleeping better since she contracted pnemonia. She gets about 12 hours a night, and I'm hoping we are dilligent enough to stay in this pattern. She really needs the sleep--she's growing so quickly. Simon's first year is FLYING by....and soon Ava will be 3. Where is our life going?
We are reevaluating the sell of the house. We figure we'll give it a couple more months, and if it doesn't go for what we want it to, then we'll create a new game plan. Trying to figure out the Lords plan is like trying to understand your 10 month old's gabber. You can make out bits and pieces, but it's usually a couple of years before you really have comprehention of what is being communicated.
Sandi was kind enough to bring over the decorations she used to use on her kids tree. We're going to hopefully set ours up tonight. Finals are over. It's time to deck the halls.

pictures and things i should have been posting about

• We got new tile and carpet with the money from the insurance claim. It looks really nice. Brandon Stanger from our ward was our GC--awesome to work with and when we need stuff like this again...he's going to be the one we call for sure!

• We had a ton of snow a few weeks ago. Ava, Riley and Lana had a blast playing in it. Ava also got to have Hot Cocoa and has become a cocoa addict!

• Ava tried to shave her top lip in the bath and my parents house. It was the night of my Nana's birthday.

• Madison's 5th Birthday on Nov. 16th was awesome. Ava hit her first pinata. It was vitually indestructible. Lots of cake and food and fun. Angie made that cake. AMAZING!
• Simon is crawling all over the place. He says "that." and loves sink baths. he is getting so big! he thinks he's even bigger! he tries to eat all by himself already. He's a snugglie little guy and the light of my life for sure!
  

Christmas the Ramsey way

I haven't blogged in ages, but I love the Dave Ramsey Christmas article...so here it is for everyone to read.

No matter what your budget is this Christmas, remember to be thankful. Take a deep breath in the middle of all this craziness.

You might have a lot. You might have a little. If you are driving a beater, be thankful for that beater. You would rather drive that than walk, wouldn't you? There is always something to be thankful for.

That's what contentment is all about. When you understand and really grasp contentment, it becomes easier to save money and invest. Stress slowly disappears. Budgeting is easier. Relationships improve.

Be happy with what you have. More than three billion people, almost half the world, live on $2.50 a day. Sometimes we need a little perspective to become content with our current situation.

Without contentment, it's easy to be bitter and apathetic. Happiness is sold to us, especially during this time of year. We think if we can just get one more piece of stuff that "true" happiness will be right around the corner.

We say things like, "I'll be happy when I get that house!" or "I'll be happy when I get that new car!" But happiness cannot be bought. Sure fun—in the form of a house, a car, a new LCD television—can be bought, but fun is temporary. True happiness, or contentment, is lasting.

You can get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget, but until you realize that stuff doesn’t bring contentment, you will always feel stressed and unhappy. Contentment brings peace. And isn’t this time of year about bringing "peace on earth and good will toward men"?

Remember what this deal is all about. It's not about trees, lights, gifts, baked hams, and shopping malls. It’s about a little child who was born in a manger and grew up to die on a cross. It’s about peace on earth and good will toward men.

So if the Christmas frenzy is wearing you out, you've missed the point of Christmas. Make a plan with your money, and make a plan to get back in touch with the true meaning of this special day.