2011 in Review–Partridge Edition

2011 has brought many changes and blessings.  With our recent travels and new baby we decided that this year a blog post review seemed a little more realistic then sending out cards.  If this is the first time to our blog, feel free to take a look around whenever you'd like.  Please leave a comment so we know who you are.  We truly hope that you have a wonderful Christmas filled with the love of Christ and family. There is no better way to think of the sweet baby Jesus’ birth then while I snuggle up next to our new sweet little addition to the family.  Such a perfect little being born in such humble conditions, descending below the least of men to save us all.  This Christmas is a new opportunity to be reminded of just how blessed we are and mindful of the Grace of God.  Merry Christmas to all and have a happy New Year.   

Here’s a little picture playback of what’s been happening with us this year:

Hyrum finished Joyschool and moved on to ‘real’ preschool this year.  He loves it and is currently learning to read his first two beginning reader books.   

We spent a good chunk of our spring/summer remodeling our kitchen from black to white and new countertops.  It was a time consuming learning experience for us and we were very happy with the results.  We also spent every day in our garden.  The boys loved the work and especially enjoyed the great rewards of their labors. 

           We spent some time in Hawaii with the Partridges.  It was such a fun experience to have with the whole family.  The boys loved playing with cousins, digging in the sand, eating ice cream, digging in the sand, swimming in the pool, digging in the sand, and riding the sugar cane train.  Dad had a blast scuba diving and swimming in the ocean.  Mom loved snorkeling and laying out in the sun. 
                              

We also had so much fun visiting our good friends the Snyders in Georgia.  We played, ate great food, got to see some of the amazing sites of the south, and even got to try out some real southern food.

We had a Rushton reunion in Utah.  It was great seeing the family (we did really miss Jeff, Jenn, and Lexi).   We spent time at a waterpark, playing outside, taking hikes, doing crafts, spending time on Temple Square, and just having fun.  We happened to attend church at the Joseph Smith Building with Elder Oaks and he was kind enough to chat with us and have a picture.    

Our greatest joy of the year was the coming of our newest little miracle. Owen joined our family on September 19th and has been such a pleasure to have as a part of our bunch.  He is the sweetest, most mellow baby we’ve ever had and we are so happy that he has blessed our family. The boys love him and give him kisses, hold him, ‘read’ to him, and play peek-a-boo. 

   Brett was hired by Adobe as the Team Lead over video analytics this year.  He really enjoys his new job and all of the opportunities that have opened up to him.  It’s a great company to work for and we’re excited to see where this company will take him.  They also have some great parties

We have our moments (and sometimes long episodes) of stress, chaos, clutter, crying, and tantrums, but looking back at the year we see happiness and a family attempting to do our best.  Just a few days ago we were holding hands walking on the temple grounds in Mesa, AZ looking at the beautiful Christmas lights and nativities.  Hyrum looked up at me and said, “We need to hold hands because we are a family and we love each other.”  It’s moments like that that wipe away every moment of sadness.  We thank our Father in Heaven for gifting us three beautiful boys and for the joy they are in our lives. 

                       

Adobe Christmas Party

No question about it I love playing dress up. . . some things just never change. Well, a few days before the big event I found out that the Adobe Christmas party was going to be 80s themed. After some crazy running around and searching I put together these awesome costumes. The party was amazing with everything 80’s: Delorean just outside the entrance, Mr. T lookalike bouncer, professional break dancers performing, live band, tons of games to play like Hungry Hungry Hippo, Candy Land, old arcade games, . . . basically is was awesome! We may not have won best dressed – bummer, but I definitely had the best hair.

Hyrum’s Christmas Program

Hyrum has been practicing with his class several learning songs and Christmas songs to perform at a special Christmas Program.  It was very cute to watch and he had a short speaking part that he nailed.  Singing the songs isn’t really his favorite thing, but we were pleasantly surprised to see him mouthing some of the words.  Right now in Pre-school he’s earned his second book that he can read all by himself and he can write his name without any help. I can’t believe how grown up he’s getting!

Cleaning House

The floors hadn't been cleaned in. . . well, a long time.  The boys weren't taking a nap.  I needed a moment of peace.  So, I taught the boys a new way to mop the floor.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

 

It was a lot of fun for a good hour or so.  They took turns pulling each other around on the towel and spraying the Eco-green.  Then out of nowhere Hyrum came out from under the table and he laughingly said, “Look Mom.  I’m all bloody.”  At first I thought he was joking because he was laughing still, and then I saw blood all over his hand.  I asked him where he was hurt and he insisted it was from Noah.  I looked Noah over and couldn’t find anything so I went back to Hyrum and found blood dripping from his hair.  Once I told him that I needed to wash his hair in the sink he started getting upset.  Not so much because of the blood dripping, but because he hates getting his hair washed.  What a strange boy.  It was a pretty good cut on his noggin, but nothing worth stitches.  He never seemed to mind or notice the cut.  The only thing that seemed to effect him was getting his hair washed.