Nativity Story

By request, here is last Christmas's family film.

Presenting...
A Nativity Story

Quick Trip to Utah

The week of our move, Samantha and I headed down to Utah for a very quick trip. She had an appointment with her neurologist. There were a lot of people that I wanted to catch up with, but our time was really short. Lori -- THANK YOU for letting me stay with you and use your car -- was a lifesaver. And it was so fun to catch up with her. Lori, I didn't get any pictures of us together! Grrr Dumb Jenny. We stayed up way too late watching Grey's Anatomy and talking talking talking, but it really was a fabulous short trip. (And, I learned that trip that I think I want to buy some Proactiv. Does anyone else out there use it? I want more testimonials from people I know. I used it one day and felt like I saw a difference. One day? Is that possible?)

Me and Arielle before the appointment

The day of the doctor appointment I caught up with some freshman friends. That was 10 years ago! Yikes. I was already in SLC, so we met up at Marci's place. It was so fun. I love these girls. You know those people that you don't see forever, you don't have a conversation with in forever, but when you see each other, it's just like the good ole days? Yep. These are those girls.

Reagan, Me, Marci and the gang after the appointment

After I went to the doctor, I met up with the ladies at the zoo. The Hogle Zoo isn't really anything to jump up and down about, but it was a whole lot nicer than when I went 10 years ago. I'm impressed. They've really worked on this zoo. And the kids loved it of course. Thanks Marse for the zoo pass. It was fun.

After a few too many late nights and a trip to the zoo, Sammy was pretty tired on the way back down to Provo...but even with her eyes half shut, she still has a little grin. That's my little sweetheart.

It was also fun to be in Provo to see Bryan. He's a busy man but made time for his #1 sister-in-law and Sammy. (Annie, you're a really really close second...and my feeling is at Christmas you'll pass me up. Heads up Bryan, our gift for you isn't too hot.) Anyway. It was fun to hang out with Bryan. I met Bryan before Marcus and I were dating. I felt like we always clicked -- maybe he just has enough social intelligence to make me feel that way. But either way, I just like being around him. Even though this picture looks a little vampire-esque, I think it's darn cute.

Goodbye to Friends

Somethings I won't miss about Spokane...namely, the snow. But I will miss my friends that I made. I will miss the Knighton's house. I loved going over there, though I didn't do it enough if you ask me, and having Samantha and Callie play with Jacob and Anna in their yard. I loved that they had a yard! I loved that they had a garden with a small plot of dirt set aside for the kids to play in, and Callie would regularly put handfuls of dirt (unfertilized) in her mouth. I loved the swing that they had on the patio that Samantha loved. And I loved this meal that Amanda and Holly put together for us. It was yummy,and it was just a fun way to say goodbye.

Looks like Sammy was playing in that dirt too!

Me, Amanda, and Holly

Jacob and Jaden. Love these little boys! I love that Jacob was always so excited to see my car pull up and to play with Sammy and Callie. And I love that whenever Jaden saw me, he'd say "It's Jenny Green." So cute!

Callie was on a huge watermelon kick around the time we left. I learned something new: watermelon can stain. I had to oxyclean it and use bleach (thanks Holly)

Goodbye to Therapists

Leaving Spokane was sad, but one of the hardest things for me was saying goodbye to Sammy's therapists. They were just so great! We are still waiting to see if we can get Sammy into some therapies here...so I'm still praying we'll get some good ones like we had in Spokane.

April (OT), Sammy, and Carly (SLP)

Shawna (CST) and Sammy. For a couple years now we've been doing what is called craniosacral therapy. It's categorized as "alternative" but I'll tell you, I love it. And Shawna was amazing. She didn't take our insurance at first, so we only met occassionally. But, she wanted to be able to make it so we could see her more and she could work on Sammy, so she went through the process of getting our insurance accepted in her place. It's a long process, and she did it for Sammy. She had just recently bought the place, opened a new one in the valley, and then went through the mess of insurance. I love her for so many reasons. She is great! If you are in Spokane, her place is Synergy -- they do OT, PT, and massage therapies as well.

Cute Callie. I just love this picture. When we ask her to smile, this is what we get these days. It's a little devious, but I think it's sure cute.

Sammy and Callie Meet the Dentist

Here in Washington we have what is called ABCD. It's a pediatric dental program which allows for so many dental appointments, flouride treatments, etc. I decided we better see the dentist before we leave Washington's amazing programs, and so, Monday I took the girls to their first dentist appointment. It was a huge success. The dentist said they had wonderful teeth -- he said Callie's were perfect!

I love pediatric dentist offices. They are so kid friendly.

When I tell Callie to smile, this is the face I get these days.

I couldn't get a picture of Sammy or Callie in the chair as I had to hold them during the checkup. It was no problem -- rather easy which surprised me. But, this is a picture of Callie, looking a bit fish-like with her mouth gaping open like that, as she waited for her turn with the dentist. What a fun trip! Hope we find a fun dentist in California too!

Last of the Physical Therapy

One of the saddest parts of us leaving is leaving behind some of our fantastic therapists. Today was Sammy's last session of physical therapy. As you can see, she has some new leg braces on her legs which we will be purchasing. They are knee splints. As her knees are locked, it forces her to move differently, to use muscles that she refuses to use. So, to Echo and Leanne, thanks for all the physical therapy. This past year has been amazing!

Hair

When Callie wakes up, she generally looks something like this:

I don't want that for the poor child. She really does have beautiful hair, I think, but this...well, this just isn't beautiful. It's something in the crazy category. I've been told by a few mamas out there that what I need to do is braid her hair after I've conditioned it and it's still wet. "Do it right there in the tub." So, in an attempt to manage the mane, I braided it after conditioning and while she was still in the tub. Callie was pretty compliant, more than I thought she'd be. I think it's actually pretty cute. Just another alternative I suppose. All the women said I could leave the braids in all week. No. I can't. I did and last night was WWIII. So, next time, I'll just leave it for a couple days like I do with the pig tails. One day I'll get it. Poor Callie.

Trip to California

A couple weeks ago Samantha and I went to San Jose. We were on a mission. I had decided I was going to get everything set up for her before we got there...or at least get the ball rolling. I heard a lot of "Wow Jenny. You're so prepared." "Wow Jenny. You're so proactive." Those were all very nice, but when I got there, it was nothing like I had planned it out to be. I didn't get anything done that I couldn't have done through the mail. All my plan fell through. And my number one reason for going -- getting her pediatrician established -- fell through. I got to the appointment, and extremely long story short, he didn't see Samantha. It was a very stressful few days, and made me think "Wow Jenny. Maybe you should just take it easy and just roll with things instead of trying to take control." Not that I was trying to control things -- I was just trying to take care of things. Oh the frustration.

Our flight was delayed. While we waited in Seattle, Samantha had a fun time keeping herself occupied. She was squealing and "talking" so loudly that she was echoing off the walls. I didn't even attempt to stop her. Maybe I should have, but I was tired, and there weren't too many people around.

When we got to CA, it was pretty late, somewhere around 11 pm-ish. She was not giving any cute smiles as much as Colin and Analisa tried to get them out of her. But, the one she did let slip out was pretty cute.

BYU v. OU

In case you missed it...here's a pretty good highlight clip. It takes a little bit to load, so give it some time. It's worth it!





We couldn't be happier over here in Spokane.

We're Moving on .... Out

That's right. We're moving on out...to the west side. Some of you know, to some, this will be news. But, after a year in Spokane, WA -- a year filled with massive amounts of snow, great friends, and a great internship for Marcus, we're headed to San Jose, CA where Marcus will work on finishing his dissertation. We feel blessed to have had this time in Spokane, and we feel blessed to have the lucky opportunity to live with his parents while Marcus works on his paper. "Lucky opportunity" you ask? Living with your in-laws is a lucky opportunity? Why, yes. I'm not stupid, there will be challenges for all of us...but it will be great because I just happen to love my in-laws. I truly do. When we adopted Callie, I was able to live with my parents for 3 months with Samantha and Callie. It was wonderful. I loved being close to my mom and dad. I loved seeing them with Sammy and Callie. And I loved their help with my new baby. And now, we'll have the opportunity to do that with Lee and Peggy. I'll get to know Granny and Grandpa (Marcus' grandparents) better, which I really have been wanting to do. We'll be around a lot of extended family. We'll have Scannie (Scotty and Annie), and Dandrea -- or Anvid, not sure yet which combination I like better -- (David and Andrea) close by. Colin and Chris (bros-in-law) will be here. How great is that?! My aunt, uncle, and cousins live not too far, and Ted and Peggy (brother's family) live not too far away in the other direction. Yippee.

So why California? Marcus will be working on his dissertation. He will need to travel to Provo, most likely, a couple times. 1) Washington -- we'd have to pay rent with no income. Travel to and from UT is a little more expensive than from CA to UT. 2) Utah -- not as many resources for Sammy and we are concerned about her therapy, etc. Furthermore, we'd still have to pay rent with no income. 3) Michigan -- way too expensive to go from MI to UT a couple times. 4) California -- $80 train ticket from CA to Provo and services are here for Sammy Sam Sam. #4 is the winner. Plus, when we prayed about it, we felt good about it.

We're sad to say goodbye, but the closer it comes, the better we feel about this decision. We are looking forward to the transition. So, at the end of the month, we'll be packing up and moving on out. (I hate packing. Grrr)

First Day of School

I love that Samantha is now in school. Just the idea of it makes me happy. I'm not sure why, but I think it has something to do with how she is just so small, so little...and to think of her in school...it just makes me smile.

Sammy all ready for her first day of school.

With Daddy on the side of the school -- where her classroom is.

Waiting with Mommy at the teacher's desk.

Ready to play and learn!

Callie's First Surgery

On Friday, Callie had surgery on her umblical hernia. It was a rather simple surgery, but I got a little emotional as we waited. We had done surgeries before with Samantha that were more serious, so I was a little shocked at my reaction. Before we went back into our room, Callie was really excited to play with the cars.

In her little hospital gown. At this point, she knew something was wrong and started to get really clingy. She wouldn't let me put her down and kept a tight hold around my neck. She was a trooper though. The surgery went well, and an hour after sending her off, I was able to go back and see her. When she began to wake up, she let out a croaky "Mommy" and then "owwie." As soon as the pain medication went into her IV, she was better. It worked really quickly on her.

When we got home, she was pretty tired and worn out. Callie never sits still, and she never is interested enough to watch tv. But, I put Beauty and the Beast on. She sat on the couch and watched it. Initially, she was sitting upright. She slowly slumped over and didn't bother moving to be more comfortable.

Watching Beauty and the Beast.

By the end of the day, she was feeling better.

Friday -- Coming Home

Friday was our last day in Disney World. It started off great with breakfast at the Ohana -- a restaurant in the Polynesian resort. It was delicious food and it gave the girls an opportunity to meet more Disney characters.

Grandma and Grandpa with all their grandkids. Thanks Mom and Dad for the super fun trip!

Grandma, Brayden, Ian, Grandpa, Samantha

Hunter, Jackson, Alex, Callie, Lindsay

Some of my extended family was also in FL at the time. They had just gotten back from a cruise and drove up to see us. It was fun seeing them.

Peggy, Marilyn, Ashley, Callie, Bonnie, Geri, me, Samantha

These massive Toy Story guys were in the corridors of our hotel. Pretty cool stuff.

So, as I said, the day began off just fine. It was as soon as we hit the airport that we began our troubles. We left the hotel at 1:30 pm for a 4:30 flight. We had plenty of time, but we had to go with the shuttle service. We waited around the airport, but it wasn't too bad, until...

a flight attendant insisted Sammy sit in her own seat because she is 3. What?! You've got to be kidding me. I was clearly irritated, but I grudgingly complied. The flight attendant then come and told me that I really should have brought a car seat because it's safer. Thanks. I'll make a note of that. So, Sammy pretty much hated sitting in her seat alone. She cried for about an hour. Then, she somewhat got used to it. Those around us were really annoyed, but what can you do.

When we arrived to Denver, we were planning on a 3.5 hour layover. We weren't thrilled about it, but we knew it was a part of the deal. When we landed, however, we were informed that our flight had been delayed. Our 3.5 hour layover, was now a 5.5 hour layover. That meant we would be getting to Spokane at 1am. That's 4am FL time, which we were all used to. We set up shop by a tv with a football game. We got some food. We investigated every terminal. And we waited and waited and waited. The girls were exhausted, and it took them so long before they'd fall asleep.

We finally got on our plane, and almost made it home before Sammy woke up and puked all over. Poor girl. Luckily it wasn't too messy, but I do think that it ruined my shorts. Sad since they were brand new before we went on our trip. Then she threw up in our friend's car. Then she threw up in the middle of the night. It was not a perfect ending to a fabulous trip, but oh well. You can't win them all.

Callie making a mess while she eats. I just thought it was pretty cute.

Callie found a new game. It took her awhile to figure it out, but by the time I decided to take the video, she had it down.

Sammy was completely out of it, but she smiled for Callie.

Thursday -- Magic Kingdom

Fourth day of our trip, second day of the Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom and MGM had been great (we loved the Aerosmith rollercoaster in MGM and rode that a few times), but it was the Magic Kingdom that had the most for the girls.

Sisters first thing in the morning.

Love that smile!

This one's pretty cute too.

Callie watching the cars pass on the speedway.

Callie with Iradessa (however you spell her name). It was a little disappointing that she was afraid of her, but at least she didn't cry.

Sammy with Tinkerbell.

Marcus and Callie sitting on Minnie's chair in her house in Toon Town.

Sammy trying to climb up the pole on the monorail.

Callie and Hunter became really good friends. Hunter couldn't get enough of "Cawie" and watched after her like a big brother.

We had wanted to do a half day at Epcot. When we got there, we found out our pass didn't get us in. You can't park hop. Too bad. But we did take pictures. This is Ted (brother), Peggy, Hunter, Jackson, Brayden, and yes...Callie got into their family picture. Notice Hunter holding her hand. They were really cute together.

And our little family picture.

While Marcus and I rode Thunder Mountain, my mom and dad watched the girls. Callie was having fun at this little water attraction, so I took her clothes off so she could get as wet as she wanted. She loved it. One of the best parts of this clip is that, at the end, she bends down towards the water and signs "more." Just then the water comes up. See, all you have to do is ask.

And though it was a great trip, there was definitely lack of sleep and a lot of this.