Merry Christmas to the Horsleys!

This year was one of the best Christmases that we have ever had. We enjoyed the 3 days of Christmas with family. Christmas Adam with Ben's family was very good. Ben's mom worked really hard to make it a great evening. She planned a great meal, a luminary activity, 12 days of Christmas, and gifts for everyone. It was a great night.

We always go to my parents house for Christmas Eve for our "Festival of Foods" which we did this year. It was the best food we have had in a long time. We had crepes (sweet and savory), Chicken Tiki Masala, Southwestern Eggrolls, Sushi, Summer sausage with cheese and crackers, Brazilian cheese balls, and so many other yummy things. Ben even made homemade Lasagna with pork and bacon sausage. It was really good, I will admit I was surprised. Let's just say, he doesn't cook much. We usually spend the night so my parents can watch the kids in the morning, but as not to overwhelm my poor mom this year we went home. Christmas morning with just us was great! I really enjoyed just doing our own thing. 

Adam got a turtle and named him Melman...although we still don't know if it's a boy or girl.

Noah woke Ben and I up at 7, but none of the other kids were awake so we took him down by himself. This is him and I waiting for Ben to get the camera ready.

Jo Jo loved all the toys, boxes, wrapping paper, and bows everywhere. He was so busy all day long because we didn't clean any of it up.

Noah and his stash!

Seth with his loot!

My favorite gift was this book. Ben took my blog and printed it in a book for me. It was wonderful!

Jo Jo got a blow up car ball pit toy. Everyone is loving it!

I didn't think I would enjoy going to church on Christmas, but it added something special to the day. We are so blessed, and it was a great day to celebrate our Savior's birth and remember all that he has done for and given us.

To poo or not to poo? That is the question.

As all you moms out there know potty training is a hard time of life on a kid and a mom. Mostly the mom, because it's one thing that you have absolutely no control of. You can provide stickers, charts, candy, promises of toys, and dinners out, visits to parks, play lands, grandmas house, the list goes on and on, but you cannot do it for them.

For the kid because I can only imagine they are thinking, "you want me to what?" "I don't think so mom." "That just confirms that you are crazy mom."

After working with Seth off and on for about 4 months I think he's got it! For the past 2 weeks he has consistently used the bathroom by himself. I rarely have to ask him, "do you have to go potty?". I haven't cleaned up any messes, and I don't hesitate to take him to the store, a restaurant, or anyone Else's house. By George, I think he's got it!

Now I am going to post a picture that Seth made me send to Ben last week because he was so proud of himself. Don't be offended.

Noah...my 9 year old

No one would ever believe that Noah is 9, but he is. He was so excited for his birthday party. Of course he chose to have his friends over and play football out in the freezing cold. If you can believe he asked me if he could play barefoot because he gets better traction. My answer was simply, "uh......NO!" Ben was a great sport and played with them. Then they ate pizza.

opened presents

played a trivia game to see how much his friends knew about him

had cake and ice-cream

Brock, Kelby, Cole in the back

Adam, Stanton, Noah, Jacob, and Ethan in the front

and played more football. The highlights of the evening were 3 of his friends gave him a football. 

It was funny to me that his friends all know what he needed. His old one was in pretty bad shape. I made a cake that looked like a pokeball. It was not my best work, but good enough for my gracious son. 
I am so grateful to have Noah as my son these past 9 years. I can remember when he was born. I love how kind and thoughtful he is. Especially towards me. He always observes my moods and is the first to ask, "are you okay mom?" He is an awesome student, a great friend, and a wonderful big brother. He just adores his little brothers. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH! We love you so much!


p.s. sorry some of the pictures are fuzzy, it was really hard to get all these boys to hold still for a picture.

Family photos 2011

We had new family photos taken this past couple of weeks. I felt really bad because Josh hasn't had professional pictures taken since he was 2 days old. Now that he is almost a year old I felt it has been long enough. It is so hard to keep up with that 4th child. I hear people say that all the time, but it is so true. The more kids you have the less pictures you take, scrapbooks you make, new clothes and toys you buy, new recipes you try, nice decor you buy for your house, restaurants you go to without a play-land, and and what was I talking about. Loss of memory goes with it too. Here they are.