Why Grandpa Don is the best babysitter!

Sunday night, just before Mom and Dad left to go back to Texas, we were all busily doing our thing: Mike was in the kitchen making his famous pizza for everyone, the boys were off playing with their toys, Sam was playing with her new American Girl doll, Dad was watching a football game, and Mom and I were on the computer ordering pictures. The babies were on the floor in the family room with Grandpa Don,who was watching them, being super good and playing quietly. Well, after a few minutes when they started getting upset we figured out why they were so quiet...Somehow the babies had gotten a hold of one of the kids' M&M candy canes, had gotten it open, and had been eating all the M&Ms! No wonder they were so quiet - their mouths were full of chocolate! My dad only noticed something was wrong when they started getting mad that the candy was all gone. To top it all off, my dad's team lost the game! (Serves him right, I say. He left the next morning, and left me with all the fun diapers that resulted from the candy binge!)Oh well, we love him anyway! I guess we'll even let him babysit again...as long as there isn't a football game on!

A Christmas Party at Sunshine Preschool

The week before Christmas the boys preschool put on a cute Christmas program. The boys had been practicing for weeks both at home and at school and were super excited for the big day. Grandma and Grandpa Hansen even surprised the boys and were able to come and watch. After the little concert they had yummy treats and hot chocolate for the kids to enjoy. I really love their preschool and all the cute, fun things they do. Both Gavin and Kaden have been really happy there and I have seen them both grow so much in just a few short months.

Kaden and Gavin with their cute teachers, Ms. Julie and Ms. Nancy

Merry Christmas!

As a child, it seemed that it took FOREVER for Christmas to get here, and now, as an adult, Christmas comes and goes all too quickly! I can't believe that only a week ago, my children were still anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival and waking each morning excited to search for "Nicky", our family's very own elf, to see where he had chosen as his new hiding spot. They had that special sparkle in their eyes, that Christmas glow, that comes with the anticipation of what they will find on Christmas morning.
Even though I knew there was going to be nothing under the tree for me, I too have been filled with that special Christmas glow. This year was our first Christmas in our new house. I know I've said this before, but this house has truly been such an amazing blessing for our family. Every day I am so thankful for this gift, and as I watch my children I can see the joy this house has brought to all of us, from providing a bedroom for the babies, to having enough space for the kids to play, to giving Mike his own quiet place to study, and providing a kitchen big enough for me to entertain in, and prepare a holiday meal. This house has meant so much to us, and being able to enjoy our first Christmas here surrounded by family made this holiday that much more special to all of us.
My parents came last Monday to enjoy Christmas with our family. The kids were so excited, and for days kept asking when Grandma Ral and Papa Don were going to get here - and since they've left, I don't think a day has gone by without someone saying how much they miss them. My parents live in Texas, so unfortunately we only get to see them about twice a year, and having them with us for Christmas this year has been a highlight for the kids, since we haven't seen them since July.
One of the first things we did when they got here was to have a girls night out! Sami loves to hang out with just us girls, since she's the only one (as she keeps reminding me), so Sami, Grandma Ral, and I went to dinner and a movie - Tangled! It was such a fun night, and the movie was so cute. I think Grandma likes to spoil Sami a little to make up for all the boys she has to live with!
Next it was off for a visit with Santa! I know, waiting until the night before Christmas Eve is cutting it a little close, but we still made it in time. Besides, with our own personal elf, he was able to carry a few messages to Santa for us. We had big, grand plans of taking the kids to see Santa's village and petting the reindeer, but in the end we had to settle for visiting Santa at the mall, which turned out cute in the end. I'm just curious as to when going to see Santa became so complicated?
On Christmas Eve Mike's parents came down to spend Christmas with us, so we were able to have all the grandparents here for the holidays. It was so wonderful to have everyone here! Of course the kids were in heaven, and both Mike and I felt so blessed to be surrounded by so many of the people we love. The day was filled with cooking, spending time together, and of course tracking Santa's flight! That night we enjoyed a yummy meal together and each took turns sharing something we were grateful for, one of my favorite holiday traditions! After dinner we had a little traditional Bills Family Christmas Eve program (abbreviated of course due to small attention spans) where we all took turns sharing songs, stories, and talents. I love this part of Christmas Eve. It is when we slow down and take time together as a family to remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate our Savior.
Christmas morning was exactly what it should be - a full house with excited children who just can't wait to see what Santa brought them! Santa was very good to the kids this year, thanks to some help from generous grandparents and the kids were very happy and excited by their gifts. Of course my favorite part was watching their sweet faces and seeing them about to explode with excitement! I love the wonder, the joy, and especially the magic of Christmastime! It only lasts for such a short while, so I want to make the most of it for my children. I love their whole hearted belief in something so magical and special! I wish that feeling could last forever, but even now, I see the sprigs of doubt being planted in them from the outside world. I will help them hold on to that belief for as long as I can, but once the magic is gone and doubt takes over, I truly hope they will still be able to find that that special Christmas Spirit alive in their hearts.
Merry Christmas! I hope the magic and wonder was enjoyed in your home as it was in ours. We have enjoyed such a wonderful holiday and I am so sad to see it go. It was so fun for us have all the grandparents here together, and of course, there were tearful goodbyes when they left. They made this Christmas so special for our family, and we will have many wonderful memories to look back on and enjoy. We love you!

A Big Day for Taylor!

Well, I really didn't want to, but it had to be done.
I'm not used to having a baby with so much hair! Our babies are usually bald, Carter included, and don't need a cut until they are about two, but Tay is another story. He is our only child born with hair, and now at 15 months is in desperate need of a haircut. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but once they get that hair cut, they just start looking like little boys, and not babies anymore, and I'm just not quite ready for that yet! But, as I said it had to be done, so I reluctantly succumbed to the pressure, bit the bullet and took him in for his first haircut the other day. He was fine while she was getting the cover on him, but wasn't too happy about having to sit still, and definitely did not like it when she had to hold his head straight, but in the end we got the job done, and of course he looks adorable. My sweet boys are just growing up, yes I know, it's bound to happen, but I just wasn't expecting it to come so soon.
Lets, not even get me started on the fact that Tay will probably start walking any day now...

A Journey of Thanksgiving

I love this time of year! I love the smell of Fall in the air - even though it didn't last too long around here and winter is already upon us - I love the colors, the chill, and most importantly the feel of the Holiday Season! I love that we start off the Holidays with a gathering of family and friends to remind us of all that we have and are grateful for! This hasn't been an easy year for many, and although it's been quite a crazy one for us as well, we can't doubt that even with the many challenges we've had to bear, we have also been truly blessed and really do have an abundance to be thankful for! This year has taught me many things, but one theme that seems to have appeared quite often is the lesson that many of the blessings we receive come through sacrifice. I've thought a lot about this in my moments of "why me" weakness when all I wanted was for things to go exactly according to my plans, and for the most part, they never did. But, then, in my stronger moments, I realize that it is the struggle and bitterness of those sacrifices that make the blessings truly sweet. Yes, how fabulous would it be if we got all we wanted and life always went according to plan, but, honestly, what kind of people would we be? Thanksgiving would have no meaning, and because we knew no struggle, the blessing would be meaningless. So, yes, I am thankful for my struggles, I am thankful for my moments of doubt, weakness, and sadness. Those many moments have molded my life and have provided the way to so many amazing gifts and cherished memories that are precious to me.
This year we were able to have all of Mike's family over for Thanksgiving. It was a true blessing to have us all together since the opportunity doesn't come very often. My sweet friend Shannon came over and took pictures of the family, which I know will be a treasure for all of us, as health issues could possibly prevent many more family gatherings in the future. As I sat around our Thanksgiving table looking at our family, and listening to all the cousins laughing and enjoying spending time together, I was so overcome with gratitude for these wonderful people in my life, who have always been there to guide, comfort, and support us. Having the love of a family is another of life's greatest blessings. I am so lucky, and truly blessed to have a life full of love. No matter the pain that comes, and it always does, knowing you are loved brings great strength and comfort during those times of weakness.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and had the chance to reflect on the amazing blessings this life has brought you. I hope that attitude of gratitude carries you through this wonderful season and brings you peace and comfort through your times of doubt. There is so much to be grateful for, the pain, the joy, the bitter and the sweet.
Enjoy the journey!

Free at last!

Well, today was the day... after 5 weeks Gavin finally got his cast off! I'm not sure who was more excited, me, Gavin, or Kaden. They couldn't wait to see the "chainsaw" (as they kept telling everyone) that was going to cut the cast off. They both thought it was pretty cool, and it even tickled, but they were a little disappointed when the cast came off and they couldn't see Gavin's bone underneath. (I'm not sure they quite understood the whole process.) Gav is still babying his arm a little, and I think he is still a bit nervous about using his arm again, but I'm sure the novelty of the freedom will wear off soon and he will be back to his crazy tricks before too long. As for me, I'm completely content to be rid of his stinky cast, and will gladly trade it for a couple more weeks with a little brace. He was a super sport, and I guess having a broken limb is all part of the deal and a right of passage of sorts, but I am definitely in no hurry for the next one. Yes, I did say next one, with 4 boys unfortunately it's inevitable!

Free at last!

A Gift of Hope

I was looking at my sister's blog the other day and felt that I needed to echo her sentiments. She posted about a family in her area who had lost a daughter in an accident and had decided to donate her organs. (www.texaspetersons.blogspot.com) This family's story reminded me so much of what our family went through over 10 years ago when my own sister passed away. As a family, we made the decision to donate my sister's organs. In so doing, we have personally seen the life-saving effects of that decision, and have since become strong advocates of organ donation. That one decision we made so many years ago, has had many far reaching affects, not only for those who received my sister's organs, but also for my little family as well. Through Mike's job he has had the opportunity to become very involved in the process of, and education for, organ donation to both hospital staff and patients. He is the co-chair of a committee which involves establishing the process of organ donation within the Centura Health System of Colorado hospitals. Yesterday, he had the opportunity to be one of the presenters at a state-wide medical conference for hospital professionals where he discussed a standardized method to identify and treat a patient with brain injuries, in order to maximize the opportunity of organ or tissue donation after brain death. He has a deep passion for organ donation and is using his influence and personal experience to touch so many and ignite that same passion within them as well. I am so proud of the work he is doing, and know that it is truly important. He saves lives every day at the hospital, but through his work with organ donation he continues to affect individuals and families who are beyond his reach.
I am a true believer in organ donation. It is the gift of life and a gift of hope for so many who's lives literally depend on this one simple choice. How often do we say "life is precious"? Until you have lost someone you deeply love, you don't realize just how precious this life can be. The gift of life is not something to be taken for granted, and is definitely something we can all share. You never know, someday, someone just might have to share this incredible gift with you, or someone you love.

Kate Merlene Bills 1979-1999
Her death gave hope and life to 4 others:

A kidney and her liver to a young girl about her same age
Her pancreas to a male farmer
A kidney to a 30 year old woman
And a heart valve to a young child

You know things aren't going well when...

To just put it out there, Saturday was definitely not one of my better parenting days! Mike was working an extra shift and I was home with the kids, all of them, all day, by myself. Things seemed to be going well when I let them play in their new sandbox all morning. Yes, I had to break up the occasional fight, someone got put in time out for throwing sand, and of course there was some tattling involved, but we got through it. I was even trying to be nice and told them that instead of naps after lunch they could have quiet time while the babies napped - read a book, play quietly, color - whatever, just do it quietly. Well, the babies were having a hard time going down, so they were crying on and off. The kids were playing well with the Lincoln Logs until someone bugged someone else, or took someones block, or something else drastic occurred that required the all dreaded, "I'm telling!" By this point I was pretty tired of it all, tired of the fighting, the tattling, the whining, you name it, and once I heard Kaden come to me and say "Mom..." that was just about it. I told him to stop right there. If he was going to tattle that would be it and everyone would be in their rooms. Well, he decided to tattle anyway, so he and Sam, the two major culprits, got sent to their rooms. (Gav was being pretty good and keeping to himself so I let him keep playing.) Of course this was followed by the stomping, the huge stink eye looks, the hunched shoulders, and the infamous "You're mean!" For some reason, I've been hearing that a lot lately. Well, I went up to talk to them for a bit, and after I finished with Kaden, I walked over to Sam's room, and found this on the floor in front of her closed door:In case you can't decrypt her writing, it says:

Do Not Enter
even parents, including Mom and Dad.
For Real.
Because if you do you will be sent out.
Enter if you dare, because I won't come out for the rest of my life!

Just in case you were wondering, no the babies never did end up taking a nap, the kids never did play quietly, and Sam did eventually come out of her room. I guess the rest of her life was a bit too long to be cooped up in her room. Sad thing is, I'm pretty sure I was this dramatic when I was little.
Later, while I was talking to the kids about why they were in trouble and how they needed to help mommy out by listening and doing what they are asked to do, Sam of course pipes in and says, "Well, you are too hard on us!" Which the boys both chime in and immediately nod in agreement. Then later she tells me, "I wish I was Jordan." (her cousin) I asked her, "Why?" and jokingly said, "So Kari (my sister) could be your mom? To which she replied, "Yes." Well, thanks, thanks a lot kid! Of course she said that wasn't really the reason, and she was just kidding, but she never could give me another reason, so I'm just going to have to go with that one.

So, in short, you know things aren't going too well when your kids think you are mean, think you are too hard on them, and they want their aunt to be their mom instead of you! Like I said, not one of my best days.

Halloween Happenings

Its seems like the older the kids get, the longer Halloween seems to last! It lasted about 3 days around here - about a month if you include every day the kids ran around the house in a different costume! With how much the kids love dressing up, it's pretty much Halloween every day at our house, all we really need Halloween for is to get all the extra candy!
On Friday the kids had their school parties. It was pretty crazy running between 2 different schools trying to catch all the action, and of course, by the end of Sami's party my camera battery died, so I ran home to grab the other camera for the boys party, and when I got there, that battery was dead too. So, unfortunately I don't have footage of the boys party, but the boys had a good time playing games, eating tons of treats, and their cute teachers were all dressed up as crayons. Kaden even almost won musical chairs - Gav chose to be the gentleman and let the other kids have the seats - really I think he just wanted the play dough they were handing out when you got out. Sami's party was really cute with fun crafts and healthy treats, and Sam was super excited to see that her teacher was a witch - that way she could be here black cat!
That night our ward had the trunk-or-treat and chili cook off. The kids always love this activity! There is always so many fun games for the kids to play, prizes for them to win, and of course, lots of candy! After we ate dinner Sam was off with her friend and I didn't see her again until it was time to trick-or-treat, but the boys hung out with me while we hit all the games!
Saturday we finally had some time to start carving our pumpkins!
It's so funny to watch the kids get grossed out by cleaning out their "pumpkin brains". That night we had our annual Halloween party and buffet! The kids look forward to this every year and it's so fun to see a tradition that I grew
up with, be so fun and important to my kids. We like to have Mike's family over and since they like to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhood, we always do it before Halloween so we still get to see them. Then on Halloween we have the leftovers to enjoy before trick-or-treating!
Since our neighborhood isn't finished and there aren't too many houses around, we decided to take the kids to our old neighborhood to trick-or-treat so they could say hello to all their friends and our old neighbors. We didn't stay out too long, but they each still made quite a haul! A few years ago, we started having the kids separate part of their candy for the soldiers serving over in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since then, it has become a habit for them to come home and divide out their candy for the soldiers. It was so great to see them walk in the door, and sit down and on their own make two piles, one for them, and one for the soldiers. All on their own, Sami and the boys gave up half of their candy. I was so proud of them! They did it without complaining, and I was so happy to see how unselfish they were being with their candy. I'm so glad we started that tradition, and it's one I think I will keep around for a long while. Who we give it to might change, but I love the principle it's teaching them. Now I just need to get this big bag of "soldier candy" off before I eat it all! :)

Happy Halloween my little Monsters!
Stylish Black Cat

2 Little Ninjas!

Tiger Carts

Dragon Tay

Sami's 26.2 Mile Marathon

Sami's running club at school works in conjunction with a local program called Kids Running America. This program is all about encouraging activity among youth. The kids have to run/bike a total of 25 miles over a short period of time, then come together for a big final event where they run the last mile of the marathon. This year the final 1.2 mile run took place at Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver. Sami has been really excited about the program and has been working super hard to get all her miles. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning she has attended running club before school and has averaged about 2 miles per day. We have also been taking walks/bike rides around the neighborhood after dinner with all the kids to help her reach her goal.
Saturday was the final event at Elitches. Sam was so excited and wanted me to run the final mile with her. There were over 1100 kids participating in the marathon from various schools within the Denver area. They divided the kids into age groups and staggered their start times so the little kids wouldn't get over run by the older kids. The race started in the parking lot and wound all the way through the park, then finished back out in the parking lot so family and friends could watch the kids finish the race. As the kids crossed the finish line they were each given a medal for completing the marathon. Sam was so excited! I am so proud of her! She worked so hard for so many weeks and completed the marathon with a total of 28 miles. She definitely earned that medal and I was so happy to be able to share that fun experience with her. Way to go, baby!
After the marathon we were able to stay and enjoy the park with the kids. We had never taken them to Elitches before, so they were all super excited. Mike's parents were so generous in helping us and watched the babies while the rest of us enjoyed a day at the amusement park. We had a perfect day and the kids loved every second of it! I think we rode just about everything they were tall enough to go on, some even a few times. Of course their favorites were the little roller coaster, and "Ghost Blasters" - a ride where you ride around in little cars and win points for every ghost you shoot. No, I'm not all all surprised that was among their favorites! The park was all decked out for Halloween, so the kids loved the spooky decorations and creepy music. They even got to do a little trick-or-treating in the park. It was so much fun to unwind and spend a fun day with the kids after such a hectic couple of months. Thanks so much for the help, Grandma and Grandpa! We definitely needed that!

Because we just don't do easy

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later - I would have preferred later!

Saturday morning, at about 2 am, I was actually sleeping soundly and hadn't been woken up by babies, when Mike jumped out of bed and rushed to the boys room. I was oblivious to what was going on until Mike came into our room holding Gavin who was crying. When I asked what happened, Mike said he had heard a thud and then crying and found Gavin on his bedroom floor. Gav said his arm was hurting, Mike checked it out and it looked ok, but was just tender when we touched it. We tried to figure out what happened in between the sobs. Gav said he was out of bed checking on Kaden and he fell. Gavin sleeps on the top bunk of their bunk beds, so we were worried that he had fallen off his bed, but he said that he had climbed out of bed and was standing on the side board of Kaden's bed and lost his balance and fell. We were still confused and asked why he was checking on Kaden when he was asleep, and Gavin said "Because, he is my best brother!" Honestly, what can you say to that?
Well, there really wasn't much more we could do, we figured it was just sprained so we gave him some Motrin, pulled his mattress onto the floor, and put him back to bed.
That day was Sam's final mile at Elitches, and although Gav said his arm was still hurting him, he still wanted to come with us to the park. So, he didn't really say much that morning, but said it was hurting pretty bad just before we were getting ready to go into the park. We had some Tylenol with us, so we drugged him up and set out for a day of fun at Elitches. All day he favored his arm and wouldn't really use or move it, but he never complained and had a great time. Well, that night once we got home, it really started to hurt him so we decided to take him over to Children's to have it X-rayed. Yes, you guessed it, he broke his arm! No, not just one bone, but both bones in his left arm right by the wrist.

And let us pause to reflect on the awesome parenting! ... Yep, we took our child with 2 broken bones to an amusement park for a whole day, with no brace, no cast, just drugged up on Tylenol and adrenaline!

All I can say, is that is one tough kid! He came home from the hospital in a temporary brace looking good as new - I'm sure the medicine they gave him in the ER helped quite a bit too!Monday we were able to get him his cast, which he will have to wear for 5 weeks. It hasn't even been 1 week, and he is already the same crazy, fearless boy he always has been. The hardest part about all this is reminding him that he does have a broken arm and has to take it easy - yes that includes no wrestling with Kaden!He has been such a trooper, though, and both Sami and Kaden have been so sweet with him and are always helping him out. When I first told them that Gavin broke his arm, immediately Kaden started crying and saying "I don't want my brother to have a broken arm." They both wanted to stay up so they could see Gav when he got home from the hospital, and drew him pictures and notes to help him feel better. When the boys went to Preschool on Monday I was telling Gavin that he would have to take it easy, and Kaden that he needed to help protect his brother and keep his arm safe. I told Gavin that he wouldn't be able to play on the playground and Kaden said, "I'll stay inside with Gavin." Then Gavin said, "No, it's ok, I want you to go out and play." I love those sweet "twin moments"! It makes the difficult "twin moments" all worth it! Kaden will even help Gavin get dressed when he is having a hard time. They really do look out for each other and take good care of each other. I love that they are best buds - even if it leads to breaking a few bones!
I know this is just the first of many, really, with 4 boys how could it not be! But still, I hate to see my little man go through this. Luckily he is a trooper and such a good sport. I love you my sweet Gav!

Happy 1st Birthday Carter and Taylor!

My babies are 1! I can't believe it! Yes, I will even admit I have had my share of a few tears lately. It makes me a little sad to see how quickly they are growing. Knowing they are my last, makes me want to hold on tight to this special time when they are so little. It lasts for such a short time, and I'm just not quite ready for it to end yet. I feel like this past year has just flown by, and often times I wonder where I've been for most of it! I look at my sweet little boys and wonder where the tiny babies went. They have come such a long way from the fragile little 3.7 lb. and 3.12 lb. NICU babies they once where. They are now over 18 pounds each, chubby, sweet, and growing more and more every day! They are always so happy with smiles and giggles ready for whoever is around. Their older brothers adore them, and their sister just can't get enough of them. It is so fun to watch how everyone interacts together and to see how concerned Sami is for the babies. Sometimes she is more of a mother to them than I am! The babies absolutely love her too, and often save some of their best giggles for when she is around. Mike worries that they are becoming "mama's boys", but when I watch their faces get excited when they see me I think that isn't such a bad thing!
Saturday, the 25th was their actual birthday, but since Mike ended up working a night shift Friday night, and slept most of Saturday, we saved the festivities for Sunday. We had Mike's parents over, along with his brother's family for a little party. It's always so fun to get the cousins together, especially since we don't have the chance to see them that often with everyone's busy schedules.After a yummy barbecue, we let the babies open their presents. It was fun to see what caught their attention - the paper and boxes for the most part!
They definitely didn't keep still though, and wanted to see everything, even if that meant crawling on top of each other to do it! After presents it was cake time! They were so cute! I think I took a million pictures of them stuffing themselves with cake. Carter dove right in and got to business, but Taylor needed time to warm up before he really got into it. They both loved it though and had frosting smeared faces to prove it! We decided to put them out on the porch for the big moment, which was a good thing since there was cake everywhere! Mike got a little happy with the hose though, while he was cleaning up and decided mommy needed a wash down too! Oh well, it was all worth it to see these darling little faces!
Although the party was fun, I have to admit, my favorite part of the day was the little gift the babies gave Mike and I that night, and the night before - a full night's sleep! Yes, the night before their birthday, both the babies finally slept through the night! Our first full night's sleep in a year - oh, it was heaven! Thank you for the birthday present boys!

I just can't say enough how much I love these two precious angels! These boys are just the sweetest little things! I know the Lord had a hand in sending them when He did, because they were the perfect little spirits to come to our family at this crazy time. They are such troopers and are so easy going compared to our other 3 busy munchkins. Don't get me wrong, they are definitely Hansen's, always on the go and into just about everything, but there is a calmness to them that adds a sweet peace to our chaotic lives. I look at these two and just thank my Father in Heaven every day for sending them to us. It took many prayers to get them here, and now that they are here, I couldn't imagine our family without them. They are such a blessing to us and I couldn't love them any more! Happy Birthday my sweet babies!