I dedicate this house to the Chappell Family Christmas

The pictures are out of order but I don't want to do this again, so oh well.  Evan opening his stocking to get his goodies.

"Helping" daddy with his stocking.

His new cell phone. 

Leap Frog Phonics magnets from Nana and Poppa Carpenter

Talking on the phone. Not really interested in the unwrapped gifts.

Playing on the xylophone from Santa

pulling the xylophone around.

With daddy before we had dinner.  He either looks like a lumber jack or a wolverine ("Red Dawn).  I can't decide.

Evan and I.  He's the cutest.

Clapping his hands for me.

Talking to me with some concern.

Surrounded by all his gifts.

trying to eat the camera.

This was from Christmas Eve.  Looking at the lights.  Doesn't care about the presents.

Christmas tree in the morning.

Evan as soon as he woke up.

Picking at the yummy breakfast I made of bacon, egg and toast muffin cups.

The gift piles.  Yes, Evan was completely spoiled.

So, the title of this blog post is from one of my very favorite Christmas movies.  Ever.  Anyone that knows that movie from the quote above, (substituting the name of the family in the movie with our family), kudos to you.  My family can't participate.  They already know it.

This was our first Christmas together in our own home, with only the three of us.  And, as much as I missed our families, it was so relaxing. I loved not having to go anywhere or travel.  Evan was spoiled by everyone.  I was spoiled by Rick and family, and Rick was spoiled by myself and our families.  Needless to say, we were all spoiled.

It's interesting that this has been one of my favorite Christmases ever, especially since we were quite frugal with our money this Christmas.  I guess it doesn't matter, as long as you have the "Chrithmath Thpirit" (same movie-translation is Christmas Spirit) in your home.  Plus, being frugal and not having as much money to spend means that you get to be more creative in what you buy for people.

Next year, Evan will be able to start playing with a lot more fun stuff though, and I really want to spoil him for that.  So, we're going to start a "gift fund" for all the birthdays, anniversaries, fathers/mothers days, Easter and Christmas so hopefully, we can spoil each other a little bit more during the year.

Overall, we had a great time.  Finally glad this was posted since blogger hasn't been working well for me the past few days.  Happy New Year!

Lately...

We've been recovering from the miscarriage, busy with our callings, tech school, and playing (Evan).  We're also recovering from the flu, so it's been a crazy month.  We were finally able to finish our Christmas shopping this week, thankfully.

I keep having to remind myself that it is the most wonderful time of the year despite the flu, traffic and major dent to our budget.  Oh well.  I can't wait to see Evan on Christmas morning when he opens his gifts.  Hopefully, I'll post some pictures soon of our Christmas decor.

Evan's getting a lot bigger.  He claps, waves hello and goodbye and gives high fives.

He's not talking very much yet, so I am a little concerned about that, but he does say "da da" and "ma ma" and "ya ya", so that's better than nothing right?

And he's a little boy... they're slightly more slow than girls.  He might catch up to girls his age, but I doubt it. :)

Holiday in the Park

Rick and Evan in front of Frosty. 

Evan petting the llama.  He needs a dog or something because he seriously loves animals.

Evan loved all the animals in the mini petting zoo that they had.

Talking to the llama. 

Distracted by daddy's flashlight.

They finally lit the Christmas tree.

It was freezing cold (well, for us it was cold).

In front of the Christmas tree... Evan was distracted by the lights.

Family picture with Evan actually looking!

Holiday in the Park was a lot of fun!  The Drum and Bugle Corps (Rick's the commander) performed some Christmas songs.  They had free toys for the kids.  We also got Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (now we just need to get movies 1 and 3!).  They fed us hot dogs and chili.  The petting zoo was awesome.  And Santa even came!  The line was too long for a Santa picture too.  No big deal---Evan's too little anyway. 

It was a nice way to relax as a family and have fun, and all for free!  It was especially nice since the pretty rough week were having anyway.  I love the Air Force because they take such good care of us. And I am so grateful that even though we're going to an army base, Rick is a part of the Air Force Wing there, so I know we'll be taken care of! 

Trials are in our best interests, right?

 Toward the end of October, the beginning of November, Rick and I found out that we were expecting a baby.  We were pretty surprised, so it took us a while to get over our shock and then we were pretty much really excited. 

I had no complications at all until Thanksgiving when I felt some minor cramping.  I wasn't worrying too much about it because I wasn't bleeding.  Then on Friday, I began bleeding and cramping.  We went to the ER on base where they stuck an IV in me (completely unnecessary AND painful), made me hold my bladder until I thought I was going to cry and then, gave me a couple of ultrasounds.  Both ultrasounds showed only a gestational sac and no fetal pole.  I was pretty sad to hear that because I've heard of these things happening before, and I've heard about misdiagnosis because of it being too early in the pregnancy.  They basically sent me home with antibiotics for my UTI, a diagnosis of a threatened miscarriage, instructions for plenty of bed rest and told me to come back on Monday for another blood test to measure my hormone levels and an additional ultrasound.

I spent the weekend being pampered by Rick while also being insanely jealous of Rick because Evan was all about daddy taking care of him and holding him (whatever, kid).  I really just relaxed and tried hard not to think about the endless possibilities besides remaining pregnant or having a miscarriage (totally freaked out about possibly having an ectopic or molar pregnancy).  Sunday night I asked Rick for a blessing of comfort.  I am so grateful for the power of the Priesthood and how it's been able to help me through this time right now.  I went in to the doctor's office today.  My H cg levels on Friday were around 3900.  It dropped down today to 600.  Then in the ultrasound, no gestational sac at all was found.  I am also happy to say that he didn't find anything at all in the lines of a molar or ectopic pregnancy.  So, I miscarried this baby.

 I took the news really well in the office.  I kind of had a feeling already about it.  Rick and I have been really calm and peaceful about the news.  We think it's been helpful that I wasn't very far along (about 7-8 weeks or so).  It also helps that I have a very busy 13 month old at home that is a walking tornado.  Then tonight, when I was trying to go to sleep it really hit me.  For some reason, this baby wasn't supposed to come right now. 

And then, I realized how devastated I really was.  It didn't matter that the little baby/tadpole was around the size of a black bean, she was alive at some point. I had already picked out a girl's name because I had a strong feeling it was going to be a girl.  And I thought of this little spirit right now and my first thought was for my grandparents to take care of her until we saw her again.  It was one of the most spiritual experiences I've had.  I know that we have trials for many reasons in our lives.  I know that through faith, Rick and I will be able to get through this trial and we will become stronger from it.  I always tell myself, "I wouldn't be going through this trial right now if Heavenly Father knew I couldn't handle it".  He knows all, and He knows what's in our best interests.

I am so thankful that this miscarriage resolved itself naturally (more blood tests to come just to make sure); I am thankful that  I didn't have an ectopic or molar pregnancy; I am so thankful for my little boy Evan;  I am so thankful for my husband, who is such a wonderful, supportive man for me;  And last but not least, I am thankful for Jesus Christ.  He has suffered the pains of the world, and he knows what I am feeling right now.  Trials are always hard to go through.  But how would we know the joy, happiness and everlasting peace in our lives if we didn't have some suffering?    My prayers are for all my friends out there, that they may be able to be optimistic about their lives, like Rick and I have learned to be, that you may always be able to look on the bright side of things, even when your life seems to be surrounded in darkness.

Emergency Room Trip

front view

Side View.  It's pretty bruised and swollen this morning.

Evan fell and hit his eye on the corner of our tv stand yesterday.  We went to the emergency room on base yesterday and he didn't even have to get stitches!  I am so glad I went though because I was totally worried that he might go blind or something!  Here are some pictures of my cute boy and his bandaged eye!

New Orleans

We went to New Orleans on Veteran's Day this month.  We were able to get in free to the zoo and aquarium there.  We had a lot of fun and it reminded us a lot of New York City.   We also met up with Rick's uncle Rob who is currently living in New Orleans.  He treated us to a really nice dinner and spoiled Evan with lots of attention and a New Orleans Saints paraphernalia shirt that said "Poo Dat".  Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures.  (left the camera in the car)  Yes, we had a ton of fun and I am looking forward to going back to visit, especially some historical sites?  I just know we won't be going after February!  Well, on to pictures, they tell the story much better than words!

The petting zoo.  He had so much fun!

Touching the dirty, yet soft animals. 

Daddy just making sure that Evan is being nice and gentle.

Get your hands off me!

Walking up to his next unsuspecting victim. 

my rock star enjoying the animals.

Sea Lion show--absolutely fascinated.

"hello, I'm a Aztec sacrifice.  Aren't I cute?"

Rick and I at the aquarium.

Evan loving the fishies.

In the "rain forest".

Loved how Evan was as big as the fishies. 

Evan and daddy on the jungle bridge.  lighting is off.

Feeding Evan to a shark. 

Sea Horsey.

Going down the slide.  Rick had as much fun as Evan.

Evan and mommy.  what a great face he has. 

Our little family.  You can even see the shark in the background.  And we were really tired by this time.

Smile for the camera. 

The following Monday at lunch with Daddy. 

I stand corrected...

Instead of moving to Hickam AFB in Hawaii, we will be going to Fort Meade, Maryland instead.  Not by choice, but Rick and I like to look on the bright side of things.

 1)  My oldest sister Sarah lives in Arlington, according to google maps about a half hour away from Ft. Meade. 
2)   There are a ton of things to do around the DC area, and most of them are free!  Plus, no need for a second car---I'm planning on taking the metro and bus everywhere (um... if I can!)
3)  Really close to the DC temple.
4) Excellent opportunities to travel all over the east coast, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and a chance to see church history and American history sites  (since I am a history nerd, this is important).
5) Getting a teaching certificate is really easy in Maryland and they have virtual academies.  Maybe I can be an online teacher?
6) Rick will be working with what might be considered an insignificant government agency.  They're called the National Security Administration and Rick's squadron works together with them.  Umm... good experience?  Yes, I think so. 

Anyways, we're excited to be going to Maryland instead of Hawaii.  For some reason, where supposed to be there instead of Hawaii, and we're okay with that!
 

Some of Evan's craziness

We had Evan's first year appointment at 11 months because we were getting our clearance to go to Hawaii done at that time.  Of course, we're no longer going to Hawaii, but that's ok.  So, I don't remember his weight, height or any of that stuff.  My doctor wanted us to come back for a 15 month appointment though.  Oh well.  I thought I would make a list of things about Evan that make him my very special little boy (and I don't mean in that way!)

                   -He always has the biggest smile when I come and get him from his crib in the morning.  He's even started jumping up and down when he sees me.
                   -Some of Evan's favorite foods:  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes, pretzels, gold fish (or the cheap whale ones I buy), chicken, beef, juice (not apple though), beans, green beans, corn, carrots, peas, and rice.  He eats everything though!  He's more than willing to give everything a chance.
                   -Evan now has 11 teeth.  4 on the bottom and 7 on the top, including molars that are coming in.  Maybe that's why he's been so bitter lately. 
                   -He's starting to give cheesy smiles whenever he sees the camera out. 
                   -He's starting to get really upset when things are taken away from him (already?!)
                   -He's now in 12 month clothes even though he can still fit into some of his 9 month size.
                   -He says "ma ma", "da da", "yeah", "ba ba" and that's about it right now.  We're trying to work on saying "hi" and "bye".  But he's really not that interested.  What can I say?  He's a boy, so he's a little slow!
                   -He started walking about 3 weeks before his 1st birthday.  He's getting really fast.
                   -Evan likes to go on walks with mommy, pulling mommy's hair, climbing on mommy when she's on the floor, bothering mommy when she's cooking and turning off the tv when mommy is watching arrested development.  
                  - Whenever Rick comes home, Evan runs to the barricaded gate area (where he can't get out of, thankfully!) and starts jabbering "da da".  He loves his daddy so much!
                 -Evan has the most beautiful blue eyes, the best sounding laugh, the cutest grin, the most mischievous smile, and it is the best feeling in the world when he has his head on my chest cuddling. 

I just love this little boy and I can't wait to see more and more of his personality come out! I couldn't have been more blessed with this little guy that Heavenly Father sent us to raise!  What a wonderful blessing and love being a parent is!

Lynn Meadowes Discovery Center

This children's museum was so fun.  We got in for a good price and went here the day after Evan's birthday instead of going to New Orleans (which we went to on Veteran's Day).  Evan had a blast, and I really think he would have enjoyed even more if he was older!  So much fun! I think we're going to go back sometime because it wasn't too much money and we all had a lot of fun!