Kaden's First Pinewood Derby

 Kaden got his derby car back in November. He made designs and Mike and Kaden talked about it. It wasn't until the week of the derby they got to work. They borrowed a scroll saw from grandpa and got busy. They went shopping a lot and found some good stuff. Kaden picked red and orange paint but the orange didn't work.

 The night before the derby Mike and Kaden were working on the car late. I had a hard time getting the other kids off to bed. Before the night was over they took the car to the post office to weigh it. Mike wanted to make sure it weighed enough before he glued the weights on.

The big night Kaden was very excited. He had invited grandma and grandpa out to see. Mike was just hoping the car didn't get last place. Surprisingly Kaden's car took 2nd place. He was very excited.

 

 Here is Kaden and all the scouts that ran in the derby. It was a lot of fun. The boy that beat Kaden is right next him in the picture. Mahonri is one of his good friends.

 Next year they might start working on the car a little earlier and try for first. It was a great surprise.

Christmas 2013

December wasn't a busy month but the time flew by. The kids were in school right up until Christmas Eve. It was nice in a way that I could get my shopping done but I missed doing fun things. With Elliot and Camden older they don't forget many things. I couldn't shop for them so we asked grandma and grandpa Wilcox to watch the kids one night so we could finish our shopping. 

Decorating the Christmas tree was such fun. The kids can put it all together by themselves. The only thing I am in charge of is putting the lights on and making sure everyone has enough ornaments to put on.

Years ago I had the greatest plan. We would act out the nativity. Well back then the kids refused to do it so I made a flannel board one. Since then I have decided it wasn't worth the prep and hassle to force the kids to things so I didn't. And behold they wanted to this year. All were excited except for one. Things weren't perfect, but we loved it. Elsie made the costumes.

Every year Aunt Michelle sends pajamas to the kids. They love these presents and Michelle does an awesome job of finding things they like.

All ready for Christmas.

 Chrismas morning.

 The week of Christmas the kids came down with the stomach flu. Thankfully Mike, Kaden, and me were the only ones not contaminated. Christmas eve Elsie was up all night throwing up. This is as excited as she got on Christmas. She was feeling better by the evening but didn't enjoy her toys until the next day.

This is an apron Elsie made Elliot for Christmas. She made it all by hand. Elliot loved it but since then it has fallen apart. We drew names this year for presents but Elsie still wanted to get everyone something.

 Grandma and grandpa O'Dell got all the boys some kind of tractor. They loved them and couldn't wait to take them outside.

Family Photos

Conference weekend in October we had our family pictures taken. My really nice brother-in-law did it all. The weather was sweater weather and a little chilly in the shade.The boys and I had searched for places to shoot and picked Wheeler farm. Since Adam isn't a professional photographer we didn't have to pay money but he does take awesome photos. When we got there many people were already doing pictures. About 3 minutes after we caught up to LeDawn and Adam, little Elliot ran into a ditch full of water. As you look at the photos you will see he is soaked from his tummy down. I had no change of clothes for anyone but did have an extra towel in the car. By the time we finished he was almost frozen. I kind of wish Adam had his camera out ready to go then to capture it all. It was a moment when I saw it happen and couldn't stop it. Funny because we couldn't believe it really happened yet frustrating because I couldn't change things for the better. I am so proud of this little guy for not complaining and still having fun.

Thank you Adam for doing this for us. We really appreciate it. And thanks to LeDawn for helping in every other way to pull this off.

Catch up

I know this is a little late but here is Camden's birthday video. I didn't get any Thanksgiving photos because I was busy in the kitchen. But we had a full house and lots of food. I was so happy my rolls turned out wonderful. We were so happy grandma and grandpa Wilcox came to dinner too. It was nice weather, great for deep frying a turkey.  I couldn't have done it without Mike's help and all those that brought food and helped get it all ready.

Kaden's baptism

Kaden made one of the most important decisions he will make in his life last weekend. He chose to be baptized and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kaden was so excited about getting baptized he hardly showed it. He was ready telling me we should go. 

Dad and the special boy.

We are so happy for this young man for choosing to follow Christ and do His work.

One day a few weeks ago I overheard Kaden telling his brothers he couldn't do something because he was going to be baptized. Another time Mike and I caught him reading his scriptures for fun because he is going to be baptized soon. He is a great example to his brothers and me that the promises we make are real and important.

Kaden asked uncle Brent to baptize him. It has been a lot of fun having Brent living close to us. We love when he drops by. He did a great job and is a great guy to have around.

Here is the whole family on Kaden's special day. 

Here is the happy boy after his baptism. He was ready to go have a family celebration. 

Kaden was so happy that day. I think he didn't want to do anything so he would stay so clean. Uncle Adam and aunt LeDawn gave him a custom made coloring pad that he started filling up the moment he got it. What a great present Adam. Thank you to all that could come to this special occasion and for those who participated to make it so much more special. 

Grandparents visit and Elsie's award

Elsie came home from school last week announcing she was student of the week. They have a little awards thing where they get something for being a good leader. Grandma and grandpa O'Dell were in town and were able to come see Elsie. She was really happy they could come.

This is Elsie and the substitute principal. All the kids thought he was great. Aren't all subs better than the teachers?

Grandma, grandpa, and Elsie. They got to see our school and a little about what the kids do.

So happy for Elsie for choosing to be a good leader.

Thanksgiving morning grandma asked to make breakfast. She made her dad's favorite tradition. Grandpa Fredrickson use to make swedish hotcakes Thanksgiving morning because that was a tradition in his family. Grandma taught Elsie how to make them and she loved it. Elsie loves to help in the kitchen.

After breakfast grandma made some Thanksgiving turkeys with the kids. They loved it and loved snacking on the goodies. 

Camden turned 3

This post is long overdue. Camden turned 3 the middle of November and I think it was the best day he didn't want to end. He couldn't get enough of being the birthday boy. Elsie helped get him dressed with his hair done and even a belt. Camden chose to get hamburgers that night. I don't know why because he barely ate it.

 Sadly, the night ended with an accident. Maybe all the excitement was too much. He chose a plain chocolate cake with sprinkles on it.

 He could have blown out the candles a hundred times and loved it.

Camden is not my baby anymore. Although he is my youngest he is constantly doing what the big kids do. He is growing like a weed. He has almost caught up to Elliot who is going to be 5 soon. This year Camden has come a long way with his speech. He talks so much now. As his mom I can understand 90% of what he says but others still have problems. Camden loves to help out. He likes to vacuum but doesn't get to because he ends up chasing his siblings. He doesn't like dinner but loves breakfast. Camden has grown a phobia to throwing up. In the summer he had a bad case of stomach flu and couldn't keep anything down for longer than 15 minutes. After that, every time his tummy hurts Camden thinks he is going to throw up when it doubt it is really from not eating dinner. Camden loves farm animals, especially horses. He asked for a computer for his birthday. 

3 Reasons I love Camden

3 I love how Camden is becoming independant and yet loves to hop in my bed, cuddle, and talk to me in the mornings.

2 Camden loves to play with all his siblings. He colors with Rylan, plays toys with Elliot, works outside with Kaden, and plays dolls with Elsie. I love how he gets involved with everyone.

1 Camden loves to show love. I love it when he comes up to me and gives me a kiss. Often times it's after he see's dad do it, but I'll take it however I can.

We are so happy to have Camden in our family. His smile lights up the room and his personality is so energetic. He is always moving and we love this little guy.