Photos

Our power cord stopped working to our laptop so I haven't been able to turn on our computer. I've also been super sick. So if you can imagine - I have a lot of ground to make up. Here's a taste of what our family has been up to lately...

The ZOO with Branson's Preschool

I got to go to the zoo on a field trip with Branson's preschool. He and his best friend, Andrew, were adorable. They liked chasing the pigeons just as much as seeing the alligators!


Why go see the giant ostrich when you can climb on the cement elephant? Boys are funny.

HOME: Our Favorite Place
This is a familiar scene. When Branson is especially tired during dinner, he likes to curl up on the floor and doze.


If Irelynn notices a chair that hasn't been pushed in, she sprints for the table! Here she not only made it to the table, but she discovered the Costco adds. Our kids love getting mail.


LOVE
The kids got to celebrate Valentine's Day the Friday prior to the holiday. It was a day to dress in red!


They brought home the sweetest Valentines that they made at their schools. But I like all of their daily creations. They know it doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to express their love. I like getting Valentines any day of the week.


RED ROCK
The kids were restless. It seriously felt like they were trying to get into trouble. I told them to grab their jackets and put their tennis shoes on. We left for Red Rock Canyon.We went to the Visitor's Center. They liked learning about desert animals.


And climbing on them.


Branson thinks this looks like the cactus that Lightning McQueen landed on when he soared off the dirt track. Yikes.


Midway through our hike, we rested on a rock overlooking the wash. We laugh at this picture - all three of their expressions are pretty unique.

There was quite a bit of water at the seasonal waterfall. The kids had to cross the wash on stepping stones to get all the way back here. Natalya slipped and fell in. She couldn't stop laughing. (I think she liked the attention.) Red Rock was the perfect solution to a stir-crazy day.

DAD SAID, "LET'S GO BOWLING"

We have had too many busy Saturdays. In fact, with Brian having to work most Saturdays lately, they haven't felt like Saturdays at all! That's why our house cheered when dad said, "Let 's go bowling."

When the ball rolls as slowly as it does when Branson pushes it down the lane, the anticipation is killer.


I'm a terrible bowler. I barely beat the kids! But I didn't have bumpers. (Like that would have made a difference.)


Irelynn didn't have much of a desire to join in the action. We bought her french fries from the snack bar. She was happy.


Our camera officially kicked the bucket

Brian bought me a new camera for Valentine's Day. Buying a new camera was a necessary evil. Our old one only took pictures 30% of the time, and sometimes they turned out white and fuzzy. When the basic function buttons stopped working we knew it was time for a replacement. So although a camera is the most romantic Valentine's gift one can think of, it made me SO happy. I couldn't stand the fact that the kids were growing and changing so much every day and I couldn't get the darn camera to work.

The picture quality is beautiful! Brian took this picture of Irelynn while we were cleaning out the garage.

Her eyes are honey - just like her hair.

Her GAP pose. I love this little sweater dress. She's seriously so so huggable.

Irelynn and Branson love each other. For some reason, he is comforting to her. When she's upset or scared, she finds Branson and sits in his lap. He'll just hold her until she's better. Several babysitters have mentioned that she clings to him.

Branson is so protective of her! He is first to jump to her aid. He's everything a big brother should be - and she loves him for it.

Random Cuteness

And now that I have a camera that works and a power cord for our computer, I can put a lot more random cuteness on our family blog. Yay!

It Works!

On the back cover of, Christlike Parenting it reads, "IT WORKS." Today I put it to the test. While I was cooking dinner, the kids were playing with blocks. All of the blocks. The Duplo blocks, foam building blocks, and Branson's stash of Hot Wheels. (They were making houses with garages.)

Before reading this book, I would have said something like this: Natalya and Branson - Please clean up all the blocks before dinner. Today I used the words, "responsibility" and "expect". I told the kids that it was their responsibility to clean it all up before dinner and that is what I expected them to do. Then I told them how much I loved them. I didn't say, "I love it when you clean up." I just reminded them that I loved them. Then I walked back to the kitchen and continued cooking. Once the casserole was in the oven, I noticed that my kids were done building houses - Natalya had moved on to reading books, Branson was playing with a remote control car and Irelynn was following Branson around the house. They had not bothered to clean up the blocks.

I cooly reminded them of their responsibility. They said, "No, we're playing with these toys now." Instead of countering with, "Well no one gets to eat dinner until you clean up all the blocks. Please do it now." I tried, "I am so glad you guys know what I expect. I realize that it's hard to do what we're supposed to all of the time. Even I don't feel like doing all of my responsibilities sometimes, but I do it because I know I should. I'm so glad you understand your responsibilities. You are such good kids!"

Then I calmly finished filling our glasses with water. A minute later, I saw Branson drop his cars and sit by the buckets. He was cleaning up. Then he said, "Natalya, you should do your responsibility." Irritated, Natalya shot back, "Fine! I'll clean up." Branson used his sweetest voice and said, "Natalya, Mommy did not teach us to talk like that. You should use a nice voice." Natalya immediately changed her attitude and helped Branson clean up the blocks. They didn't complain once. When the blocks were put away, Branson picked up his cars. Natalya picked up her books. I didn't even have to ask! They finished cleaning the entire living room on their own.

I beamed at them. I gave each one a hug and a kiss and told them what good, hardworking, helpful kiddles they are.

It worked! Here's why: First, I briefly stated my expectations using instructive rather than prohibitive language. Second, when my kids said, "No, we're playing with these toys now," I didn't become reactive. I just restated my expectations. Third, I used empathy and understanding when reminding them of their responsibility and I left it at that. Thus creating an environment safe from threats, scoldings or force - and my kids complied.

Doing things as Christ would do them, gently, with love, patience, persuasiveness, long-suffering and without coercion (criticism, threats, pleadings, anger, logic, reason, judgements, etc.) produces amazing results. I always thought of myself as a good parent. I'm patient, respectful, and loving to my children. But I also realize that I use some forms of coercion when trying to get my children to comply. There are so many small adjustments I can make that will make my parenting far more effective.

Dr. Latham said: Before we can effectively teach our children what Christ would teach, we have to teach them as Christ would teach... We must literally be as Christ. When we teach that way, we are safe to be with. We are attractive to our children, and we attract them to us. Our words are believed, our actions are emulated, and our values tend to become their values. They begin to identify with us.

I always knew that. I figured that it was a golden rule of parenting. Treat your kids how you want them to treat you. But then, under extreme frustration, I have said, "Do you want a spanking?!" What a stupid question. Would they say, "Sure, Mom. I love being spanked. And because I'm getting spanked, I'll be happy to do whatever it is you ask."

Like Dr. Latham counsels, I want our kids to behave well because they enjoy the pleasant consequences of doing so, rather than to avoid the unpleasant consequences of poor behavior.

Be of Good Cheer!

I recently started reading a book called, Christlike Parenting. The main focus of the book is on improving the way parents interact with their children through a simple combination of Christian principles and behavioral science.

As a parent I try to reinforce our children's good behavior by simply acknowledging it. When Natalya finishes her homework I tell her, "Great job! Thank you so much for finishing your homework!" Dr. Latham, author of Christlike Parenting, reminds us that it's important to take our verbal praise one step further by recognizing the value that they illustrated. That means that after saying, "Great job! Thank you so much for finishing your homework!" we should follow with, "Your commitment to hard work makes me so happy! You're a dependable little girl. Thanks tons." This simple act helps her to see herself as not only a doer of good things, but as a good person who does good things.

The theme? Love. Parents should maintain a Christlike countenance regardless of their children's behavior. Here's my favorite quote so far (taken from another book titled, Glimpses of God's Love.)

"With all that we as Christians have to be thankful for, we should never stop smiling in our hearts. And those heart smiles will often erupt onto our faces, giving us a special radiance resulting from feeling the joy of Jesus deep in our heart."

I like being a happy parent so much more than being an angry one. In everything we do in life, in every way we conduct ourselves, I hope we remember the counsel to Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer.

Let Me Count the Ways

Today before church began, our young men's president approached me with a request to help him with a lesson he was giving to the youth. He handed me a piece of paper and a pen. He wanted me to write down some of the qualities I saw in Brian when I realized he was "the one". I gave him a short version (just a few to-the-point sentences) of the following:

When I was a teenager, I recall wondering who my future husband would be. I wanted him to be smart. Really smart. I wanted him to be handsome, funny and talented. But most of all, I wanted him to have a good relationship with the Lord. I wanted to marry someone who served a mission. Someone who honored his priesthood and was worthy to take me to the temple. I hoped he had a good relationship with his family members - especially his mom. (I think that a man will treat his wife with much the same respect as he treats his mother.)

I hope he was reading his scriptures, like I was. And then I realized that all the characteristics that I wanted in a future spouse, were traits that I needed to have, too. With this new awareness I began saying my prayers more fervently, studying the scriptures rather than just reading them, and working harder to get to seminary ontime. In fact, I started looking at life a little more seriously. I grew up that day. I wanted to be more like the type of person I was hoping to one day marry.

When I met Brian, I found everything I was looking for - and way more. He was incredibly smart. But he didn't just skate through school on his brains alone, he worked hard and earned every one of his grades. He was ambitious, self-driven, confident, and hard working. He was very handsome. I first noticed his great smile. I loved his smiley eyes and his happy countenance. We worked out a lot together while we were dating - he was so strong. (And he still laughs when I tell him how hot I thought his calves were.) Brian was really fun to be around. He made me laugh - every day. I was so impressed with how talented he was. He could sing, play an instrument, and was an exceptional athlete. Brian was good when it came to communicating. He could relate to almost anyone and had no problem speaking in front of an audience. Wow. What a man.

It gets better. His relationship with the Lord was solid. He loved the Lord and it was apparent. Brian exuded the joy that comes from being faithful. He served an honorable mission in Brazil. He served in his elder's quorum presidency. Brian was a positive example to all who came into contact with him. I could tell that his priorities were in order. He had a wonderful relationship with is family - and he treated his mother with the utmost love and respect.

It didn't take me long before I realized that he was "the one". He was too perfect for me. I only hoped that I was good enough to be his wife. I love that after almost 8 years of marriage he has not only maintained the characteristics that I fell in love with, but I continue to discover more and more reasons to love him.

Two Kids in School?!

I have a different kind of "baby blues". Our kids have grown up in the blink of an eye! They're not babies anymore! I am in awe at the fact that Branson is a little preschooler now. And to rub salt in the wound, he was SO ready for school that he was counting down the months. Here's our "Big Guy", our "Toughy", our "Handsome Branson":

One of the highlights of Christmas was when he got his first backpack. He thinks it's so cool.

Outside "Smarty Pants" preschool. His teacher runs her school out of her home - but you wouldn't know it when you step inside his classroom. It looks awesome!

After I dropped Natalya and Branson off, I was down to one kid. We had some shopping to do. (I guess it's nice that I have a few hours here and there to grocery shop, etc. without three kids hanging on me. I never realized how easy it is to take care of just one.) :)

Miss Kristy is a fantastic teacher - and perfect for Branson's first educational experience. She has created a happy, loving environment that is both structured and fun. After school he tells me everything he learned, the songs he sang, the crafts he made, his snack, his outside playtime, circle time, and the list goes on...

I am so proud of him.

Lounging Around

Here's Irelynn watching morning cartoons. She didn't seem uncomfortable at the time. I couldn't resist taking a picture.

We love PJ's

I found the cutest pajamas at Costco for the girls. Natalya loves to match her baby sis. Even Irelynn recognized that they match. She said, "heart" and pointed to the hearts on her legs. Then she said, "heart" and pointed to Natalya's legs. Since the weather has been cold and rainy lately, we've appreciated having warm pajamas, socks, and heavy blankets. Tonight I'm going to make hot chocolate...

I can't believe how BIG our girls are getting!

A Holly Jolly Christmas

I feel like I'm a ball that starts rolling around Halloween quickly gaining momentum with every passing day. By the time I reach Christmas I'm in a full fledged panic to get a million things checked off my list before December 25th. Like every year, I had high ambitions to accomplish 90% of Christmas before December 1st. Hmmm. Maybe next year.

Christmas tree? Check. Christmas card? Check. Christmas lights? Check. Christmas picture taking, shopping, decorating, visiting and home teaching, caroling, pre-Christmas baking, menu grocery shopping, stake fireside planning, party attending, cleaning, wrapping... check, check, check!

Oh yes, and among all that we had to find a way to feed and bathe our children, do homework, change diapers, and reinforce to our children the true meaning of Christmas. (That last one was actually my favorite part.)

Amidst all the hustle and bustle that December brings, we managed to truly enjoy each other's company. Brian took some time off work and we took advantage of every minute. We loved having Christmas music fill our home all day every day. What can I say? We spent most of our time just being happy.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...
After slowly placing each ornament on our advent calender Christmas tree, and our kids celebrating each new December morning as "Christmas Eve-eve-eve" until it was only one "eve", the night before Christmas could not have come any sooner! The anticipation was slowly killing our children - and me. I may have gotten just as excited for Christmas as they were.

We were lucky to share Christmas with family. Nana decided to spend Christmas with us this year - and we felt so blessed to have her here! I think it made it even more special for our kids knowing that "Nana Clause was coming to town."

Like every year we had fondue for Christmas Eve dinner. It's such a fun and unique tradition - and the kids really enjoy skewing their steak and watching it sizzle in the pot. Judging by her smile, I think Irelynn enjoyed eating Cheese Puffs the most.


We discussed The Last Straw, one of our favorite Christmas books, and talked about how we can serve others. Then we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. But this year instead of reading our traditional book, we received a special 'Twas the Night Before Christmas from Grandad and Granny Kim. The kids got a kick out of the book - because each page was a vocal recording of Grandad and Granny Kim reading them the story.


Natalya made sure we didn't forget to sprinkle reindeer dust (oatmeal and glitter) on our lawn so the reindeer could see our house from the sky. We were also sure to leave Santa some sugar cookies, eggnog, and 9 carrots - one for each reindeer.

I love this picture because I told Natalya and Branson to say, "Cheese!" when Irelynn cut in front of them for her closeup.

On Christmas Eve we let our kids open the gift that they bought or made for each other. This year dad took Natalya to find a gift for Branson and I took Branson to find something for Natalya. It was sweet to see Branson run up and down the toy isle pointing to everything he thought Natalya would love. Once he settled on a gift, keeping it a secret was the fun (and excruciating) part. They felt so proud to have wrapped the gifts themselves. I loved watching the gift-giver's expression when the present they chose was being opened. Branson opened a mini Buzz Lightyear and Natalya opened a Fur Real kitten.

The, "Thank you, I love it," kiss.

The, "That was a wet one," face wipe. She must have really liked it.

Yep.

A Magical Christmas Morning
Irelynn awoke at 6am jolting Brian and I out of bed. (We didn't want her to wake the rest of the house before we were ready.) While Brian entertained Irelynn, I ran downstairs, flipped on the Christmas tree lights, started the Christmas music, called my parents to inform them that our house was waking up so they could arrive before kids came downstairs, found our Christmas bell and was done right when Branson woke up. We kept him upstairs, too. Then my parents and my sister, Ellen, arrived just before 7:00. The only one still sleeping was Natalya! I rang the Christmas bell and once she came out of the grogginess and realized it was Christmas morning, the kids zipped downstairs. Here's what they found...

Branson kept saying, "Santa came! He came!"

For a minute they didn't want to touch anything! That didn't last.


Sure enough, Santa had the cookies and eggnog. There were only cookie crumbs and half-chewed-up carrot pieces remaining.

Opening stockings was fun - but after a minute Branson decided to just dump it all out on the floor. Smart guy.

Santa left stockings for everyone.

After stockings and gifts from Santa had been opened, we sat down to breakfast. We had homemade cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit with fruit dip.

After breakfast it was back to presents under the tree. We stretched it out as long as we could - finishing up around 10:00. The best part was sharing the morning with family.

Some of us still in our pajamas, we had a beautiful spread of food prepared for Christmas dinner.

My kind of sugar plums.

What's Christmas without 20 feet of bubble wrap? You could run on it. Dance on it. Poke it with your toes, fingers. Jump on it.

Do a cartwheel on it.

Wrap yourself in it. Roll on it. The possibilities are endless. :) Any way you pop it, it's a whole lot of fun.

Bellsnickle

Bellsnickle has been the Freebairn family elf for generations. He's a magical elf that checks on us throughout the year, especially around Christmas time. He determines whether or not we deserve to be on Santa's Nice List. Then about a week after Christmas, Bellsnickle returns to our home to refill our stockings with anything that Santa forgot. (Sometimes it's batteries for a new toy, or a container to keep a toy's small pieces, etc.) And if you haven't already taken the Christmas tree down, Bellsnickle will do that for you, too. The kids get just as excited for Bellsnickle to arrive as they do Santa!

What a week. Despite all the stress that naturally accompanies the holidays, I remembered why this is my most favorite holiday and I could truly feel the peace of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all- and to all a good night!