Traditions

Growing up, I knew there were always things that I looked forward to at Christmas time. For me, and all other little kids, this was one of the most exciting times of the year. Being married and having my children a little older, and able to understand things, has made me reflect on the traditions I had growing up. In my mind, my parents never skipped a beat, but maybe it was at the force of their children. I don't have Christmas photos from when I was young, so I decided to post some of the pictures of the things my family has started doing. I've thought about some of my favorite things growing up, and decided I'd post about them, so if they don't get handed down, my children would know some. My top, most awesome, tradition I had growing up was a tie between my mom making Christmas candy for all of our neighbors, and getting woke up before the sun was up to open presents. The close second, which was a simple tradition, was calling my Aunt Nancy's family to wake them up. Ohhh, how I loved that my dad would call and do this. Maybe it was because we "thought" we were waking them up to excitement, or maybe they were all really annoyed... Who cares, I loved this. I also really loved eating shrimp Christmas Eve. I suppose this was my dad's family tradition growing up, and he had passed it down to his family. Either way, I looked forward to this meal, who cares about turkey or ham?!?! I was about the shrimp. Looking back, I truly had it made growing up. Did I get everything, and then some?? No. In fact, my mom had talked about how some Christmas were "tiny" or scaled back because of a funeral or money. Here's the thing, had you asked me, I thought I always had it all, and that everything was great. With Christmas two weeks away, and the rush of making everything perfect, I guess I should really remember that it is about making my kids Christmas as great as I had it growing up... And that is what they are really going to remember. Binghams. We're crazy, at least for the Alan Bingham family. I wouldn't trade it for the world. As siblings we all have our place, and our roles, and it adds to the enjoyment of being with each other. I hope some day, my children will be able to sit around laughing, and reminiscing about the traditions we had, and how much fun they were.

One tradition we started this year was we presented the kids with "Golden Tickets". It permitted them to go on a ride to see the lights around town. They were also granted popcorn. When we got home, there were cookies and hot chocolate waiting for them. How I love Christmas, and the extra special time we get to spend together!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Princess!!

In the midst of Kara being sick, my other baby girl turned 3! I wanted her to have a great birthday, and though it didn't turn out like I had imagined, she still had a great time. She decided she wanted a princess party. And that is what she got.

Don't look to close... I am still learning and by the time I was ready to decorate the barbie, I was flustered and just threw some frosting on.

Cami is such a delight! She has just enough of me to not question that she is mine. But Cami loves to dress up and is into all the girlie things, like painting her nails, and getting her hair done. Cami is by far my most laid back child. She's easy going, and likes to go with the flow. She loves, LOVES, nursery and playing with other kids. I am amazed with her, because she loves to introduce herself to everyone. I am so glad she came to my family!! I love you Cami Joanne!!

Trick or treat

Grant really wanted to be "bones" for Halloween.. But we figured he wouldn't fit into Mark's dragon costume next year, so he excitedly wore his daddy's costume from when he was a little boy!

Halloween was a good day for us! I filled in for Copper Queen Hospital for 2 weeks, but Grant's kindergarten teacher had also approached me about being their classroom mom, and if I would be willing to plan something for them to do. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it work, but everything ended up working out. I had some games planned out, and also pumpkin painting. I think that for the most part, everyone had fun. I had gone to the school a little early to have lunch with Grant. I am so blessed to be able to do these things, not only with Grant, but also my girls.

After we were done with the party, we went to pick up my cute princess and bumble bee. We headed to Grandma Maroney's and had our annual hot wings dinner... Which of course did NOT disappoint!

After which, we headed out to trick or treat. Cami insisted that she ride on the stroller to EVERY house. I have been waiting to hear the "trick or treat, smell my feet", and I thought it would be from Grant... But it was Cami who learned it first!! Crazy! Overall, we had a great time and there was plenty of candy to be had!!

My Poor Punkies

You know that moment when you think, "MAN that had to hurt??" My poor Kara has had many this past month. It started the last weekend in Sept. Kara had been playing at an Aunt's house, and I guess she fell... Resulting in her (and really the 1st of her siblings) first black eye. I felt horrible! It looked like it hurt. Not even a week later, she was running around with Grant, and had a PVC pipe in her hand. She, of course, tripped and it jabbed her lower jaw. Resulting in a round scab. Then, yes THEN, the following weekend she had been playing outside and came into our chickens poop. We thought we had cleaned her up, but Tuesday night she became really sick. Sick, as in, really sick. I had a bad feeling and so I got her in to see the dr first thing. By this point Kara wasn't eating or drinking, and had a temp of 103. I had mentioned that she had come into contact with the chicken poop, but the Dr didn't really say anything. But she mentioned that if she didn't get any better in a few hours to take her to the ER. So we waited. And I kept having that nagging feeling, to take her in. I called Mark and he met me there. I have never, EVER, had such horrible services. We were told it was by priority, and that I should expect to wait. We waited for 4 and half hours. When the dr finally came into the back, he told me I shouldn't have brought her in and forced liquid down her, like the do in 3rd world countries. By the time she was pretty dehydrated, and it took 2 bags to get her back up there. They had to drip blood from where the IV was to get blood for her labs. I was SO not impressed by these people. But they told us that she was fine, and released us. She continued to be sick until that following Sunday. On Wednesday, my peds Dr called to tell me that they had received her bowl labs back, and she had salmonella poisoning. 7 days later, she is finally back to my punkies.

Last Wednesday, she also had an appointment with a pediatric GI specialist. Since the very beginning, she was spit up really bad. A few months ago, we switched her to soy milk. While this helped a little with her spitting up, her bowls still remained not normal. She is also lower that 25% for her height and weight. Anyways, they had to put her on special formula, and are now running some pretty crazy test. But I can tell you this. I look at her, and my heart goes soft. She lights up our whole house, and is just my little punkies. Her personality is so big, and she makes us all laugh. I am lucky to have her!! And I am so in love!!

Skunks.

(Grant LOVES taking pictures... this is his self portait) This has been a difficult week and a half. But I can honestly say that they have been extremely huge teaching moments. It first started with the death Nick Ivie. If you've known me since I've moved to Sierra Vista, you've know it's been hard for me to be out going and make friends. However, Christy (Nick's wife) befriended my earily on. She has always been thoughtful of me, and what I might need. So when I heard of his death, it stung, and I hurt for her. I quickly just broke down into tears after learning of what had happened. Grant came in, and asked what was wrong. I told him that someone I knew had been killed. That was enough for him for the moment. A day or two later, he noticed that the flags were half massed. He asked why they were. I explained to him in greater deal why it was a big deal. That there were two little girls that were without a dad, and that he was in Heaven, and not coming back. He asked who had killed him, and I explained (at the time it was believed that they were illegal drug runners) some bad guys had done this. In a soft voice he asked me how bad people are made. I was able to talk to him about temples, and how we choice right from wrong, and that people decide to be bad... Unlike the super hero shows he watches. Fast forward to yesterday. We were coming into town, and he asked me why did Heavenly Father EVER make skunks, because they smell so bad! I laughed, and I was able to explain to him again that the animals didn't start off like this. And I told him the story of Adam and Eve. He loves asking questions. More than that, I love that he wants to learn more about the gospel, and really has a desire to be more like Jesus. He is my example. I now know why they say to be more like a child. Meek and Humble.

Tractor Fun.

We have lived in our home almost a year. Our goal, early on, was to borrow a tractor from one of Mark's friends. After nagging Mark enough, he went and picked it up. It was short lived, because the tractor had to go back the week we got it. So every night Mark made the best of it, and tore out at least 10 trees!! We have a few more up front that need to come out, so that we can put a circle drive in, but I am stil happy!! And of crouse, Daddy can't work on it unless Grant is with him. They had a good time just pulling tree's out =)

Kara LOVING the dirt. FYI, I do not let my children run around outside without clothes on. I had ran out to take a picture of the boys, and she quickly escaped!

Cami does not like loud noises. She kept clear.

This is one of the few reasons I love Sierra Vista, and why I love living where I do!

Trying. June.

Seeming how I haven't sat down and blogged in well over three months, I am not sure I could possibly catch up. Quite honestly, it has been nice not blogging... with a little guilt because I know I have family who doesn't live nearby that would like to see pictures of the kids. But the truth is I have had one of the hardest summers of my life. I can only think of 2 others that sucked more than this one. I won't go into details but, I haven't been in the best place mentally or emotionally. However, I continue to push on. So, in my effort to get caught up, here I am. So where has our life been while MIA?? June. Well that is a blur. At the beginning of the month Mark had his tonsils removed and his nose repaired (he had a deviated septum). So for two weeks he was under the weather, and was not allowed to pick up anything over 10 pounds. It was a hard task on me. It gave me a greater insight to what Grant went through a year ago.

The kids started swim lessons, and both did well. Grant was semi-swimming by the end of the 2 weeks, and Cami... Well, she isn't afraid of the water, and the teachers wished they could have put Velcro on her bum to keep her put. But it was fun for them, and I'm glad they were able to do it.

Cami also went to see a special optometrist. Her left eye was becoming lazy (although, only her Dr and I could see it). Her right eye is slowly becoming stronger and in return, her left eye is starting to "wander" and the vision is getting weaker. Now she gets to wear an eye patch for 3 hours a day, and she has glasses. This is hard to do!! She likes to take her glasses off and give them to people, or she'll lose them. But overall it is working and hopefully she'll only have a little longer doing this.

In the midst of this, I turned 30. I looked back on my last 10 years, and I see so much wasted time, and a lot of hurt. It only added to my ever spiraling out of control depression. But regardless, my life is where I always imagined it would be. It just took a little longer, but I learned a lot of important lessons along the way. So here's to the next ten years!

The Maroney Gene

Last week I was trying to get every thing and everyone ready for Morgan and Spencers open house. I left the kitchen to go get some thing out of my room, and I returned to this.... I am pretty sure that with each kid I have, they climb earlier than the last one. Which can only mean one thing... I must be done! ;)

It's summer, all over again!

I put the two older kids in swimming lessons this year. Again, taught by Mrs. Karen. Grant loved it and did very well his first day... Cami drank the water and tried to get out of the pool many, many, times. Both teachers remembered her name by the end ;). Here is to the next 2 weeks of swimming!!

Summer Fun

With summer approaching, I started thinking about what to do with Grant. I didn't want to spend tons of money, but I didn't want to sit around doing nothing. A few months ago I was talking about this to my older sister, Kendi, who gave me the idea (before I saw it on pinterest) to put idea's in a jar and each day, let Grant pull something out, and we do it. With that in mind, I counted out how many weekdays we have until school starts again, and I made a list of things for us to do. Some cost little or nothing to do them. Some are short and require just doing something around the house. Some things require going places and little money. Either way, it gives Grant some thing to do, and some thing fun to remember. We made some rules. He has to clean up before we do them, and he has to be happy. All I can say is that I am extremely excited for this summer, and I hope it works out!

Today, Grant pulled out one to play sports outside... However, the weather wouldn't permit this... so I let him draw again, and it was to paint with fruits and veggies.

I suppose they have you use veggies and fruit, so the kids can eat while they paint ;)

We also made fresh strawberry scones... As you can see, they must have tasted pretty good because we have to make another batch so Mark can taste them =)

10 months later....

Wow, today is Grant's last day of preschool. I am excited for our final summer before he goes to school. But I can't help but look back on this past year, and be amazed at how far he has come. Grant can say, and write all of his letters and his numbers. He cuts and he glues. He can say all of the letter sounds. He colors in the lines. He is able to retain and remember so much information. He loves to solve problems, and thinks ways around things. But it is so much more than that. Grant emotionally has grown. I watch him, and am amazed at the handsome young boy he is becoming. Most of the time, we are able to reason with him, and he comprehends things. Two weeks ago I was able to go to his preschool, and after the aids were talking to me about him. How much of a helper he is, and how he helps (& tattles) with his classmates. He wants to be a friend to all, and cares about everyone. At age 4, this kid can say the best prayers. He remembers those that are hurt, and prays for them. He truly is an amazing boy. And I'm proud he is my son.

He still loves to be affectionate with us. He loves to hold Cami's hand, and give us all kisses. He tells me all the time that he loves me. He will still kiss me before getting on the bus, and as soon as he is off the bus, he holds my hand. I am fearful that starting school will hurt this part of him, but I know he is a chosen spirit. He was chosen to come to earth now, and he will help many, myself included. Oh dear Grant, I love you, and am so excited for our summer fun to begin!

She's got... P... Personality...

Out of my three children, Kara, is my most strong willed. That's not to say my other two don't voice their opinions... However, we cannot make Kara do anything she does not want to do. She is a fiery redhead, and has the temperament of one too! Her latest is she wants to be held, all of the time. She crawls around the house with her whimpering cry, as if she's saying, "Hold me mommy, PLEASE!". I know this phase of her wanting me is short, compared to the rest of life.

Kara has the biggest personality though!! I love to watch her with the two older ones. She will scream (not cry) at them until they come over. She is Grant's biggest fan, and loves when he pays attention to her. She is also very sweet, and loves to cuddle (briefly). She also gives the biggest, wettest kisses!

I just realized Kara is 10 months old today!! Wow, time flies. Before I know it, she'll be one, and walking/running around the house with Grant and Cami!

YAY!!!

For about a month now, Cami would come to me and say she needed to go potty... And I'd remind her that she was wearing a diaper. So, again, for the second time, I set out to potty train her. I figured she was old enough to understand rewards. But I didn't need to use them. She has had a few accidents, but for the most she has done great! And two and a half weeks later, she is still in underwear!

HORRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess what???

Someone has two brand new teeth!! I think and HOPE she is cutting some more, she is awefully cranky! Almost time for a steak =)

Big Brother

Growing up, I didn't have brothers that were nice to me, or even looked out for me (usually it was them who teased me the most). I always wanted that "big" brother person, someone I was close to. This is something I watch my son do, and something that brings me happiness. I love that he cares, and watches out for his little sisters. He never wants to leave Cami out (Kara is still to young). If he gets something, he wants to make sure Cami gets the same thing. It makes me so happy to watch him, and know I am trying my hardest to raise him right. Today, we were getting ready to go outside to play. I was looking for my shoes, and I came into the kitchen and found this.

Only one word can describe this: JOY! I am so glad my boy loves and takes care of his sister!!

Conference Weekend

This was the real first time that I sat down to watch conference with Grant. I wasn't sure how he was going to hold still... But much to my surprise he did really good. In fact, it humbled me to watch him. Did he listen to all the talks Saturday afternoon, no, but he did pretty good.

They were saying the opening prayer. I glanced over to grant and saw this!! The sweetest thing ever!!

He was disappointed that he couldn't go with Grandpa Bingham and Dad to the preisthood session. In due time Grant, in due time!!

Strep

Monday morning I woke up with a sore throat. I looked at the back of my throat and knew, I had strep. After a confirmed Dr's visit, I took Grant in, because he had a runny nose and some spotting on his throat too. Case #2 confirmed.

Tuesday we all took Daddy, Cami and Kara in, and all three were confirmed. I am glad we decided to have it all at once, and not stretched out.

What do you do when everyone has strep??

We hang outside, and enjoy the beautiful warm weather!! Grant climbed up on the lawn mower and decided to "lay" there while dad worked on the metro.

Which....... He got running!! YAY for saving gas =)

Happy Valentines Day!

YAY!! Mark finally got me my valentines day present... I love it!! I'm praying that I can keep it alive now =)

My very, VERY, busy little pea

Wait!! She's only 8 months, I'm not ready for this ;)

A first for a 2 1/2 year old

Cami's hair has grown SO much! So yesterday I decided that I was going to get it cut, no matter how hard it was on her (& me!). The thought that she wouldn't have the natural curl, just broke my heart... But as you can see, it needed to be cut!

I was so worried she wouldn't hold still. I have cut her bangs before, and she has the hardest time with it. But she just sat there, and let the lady cut it. The entire time she was getting it cut, Grant would say, "Cami are you so excited?? It's your first hair cut". When she was almost done, he told her in front of all the ladies, "I am so proud of you Cami, you're doing it!!" Yes, he is a great big brother, and he does love his sisters!!

The finished product... It's growing on me! I will have to get use to her not having curl. But I am proud of her!!!

We love you Aunt Shelby!

The end of Feb was Shelby's birthday. I had envisioned this great gift idea, of the kids holding signs that said, "We Love You". I sooo badly wanted her to have something to have around to make her smile...

This proved to make me not smile, as it became clear that the kids did not want anything to do with it... Maybe I won't leave it to the last minute next time! I'm sorry Shelby!!

Cami, again, was not having any part of this!

So Grant took over to get it done, so we could leave!

We love you Aunt Shelby and promise you a better picture for that frame!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!