Is it Christmas yet?

Do you ever feel like there's a lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I do, especially this year. I don't know what my deal is. It's not like we're not busy with the kids, presents, attempts at crafts, church callings, and everything else that's been filling our time, but for me, I just can't wait for Christmas. Thank goodness it's almost here. Kimball was a little excited to wear her hat and gloves.

We finally gave Jack a haircut. I was a little traumatized at first because it made him look so old, but I'm getting more used to it, especially as it grows out. As you can see, this is one of their new play rooms. Along with Jacks new hair cut, I'm trying to work on new ways to curl Kimball's hair. I never thought I'd love to have my cute girly girl so much, who says "thanks mommy" after I do her hair!


Baby Tod has already been helping me out tons this season, with a great case of "prego-brain." I find that I am even less able to make a decision than normal, which helps tons with present shopping. My favorite prego-moment so far is when Jason and I had both of our cars at his parents house. He took the kids home with the diaper bag that I had put the truck keys, my wallet, and cell phone in. So, I had plenty of time to finish a project, and poor Susan (Jason's mom) was really nice to chat with me while I waited for Austin to make it to my house, get the keys, and deliver them to me. I hope Susan enjoyed the chat as much as I did, and THANKS Austin.

Oh, and tonight, I almost turned Jack in to Vincent Van Gogh and cut off his ear while I was trying to trim around his ears with some scissors. I felt so bad, but thank goodness, he got over it real quick. Sorry little guy!

Either way, I'll quit whining and try to enjoy the last nice weather we have here before we head up to the "winter wonderland" of Midway, UT. But, just to show all the winter people what they're missing here... this was Jack and Jason enjoy a great PB&J at the park today. A beautiful 68 degrees! This is when I love Vegas.

Beds, Brine, and Blessings

It's official, Kimball is officially out of her crib. She, of course, is still a little reluctant about giving up her crib. We made the mistake of starting this new arrangement the night before Thanksgiving. We thought she was going to be totally okay about getting a big-girl bed, but we were very wrong. It took a lot of convincing (and various baby dolls and mickey mouse) before and during the night (2:30am-4am) to get her to stay in bed. Now, she doing okay, every once in a while she'll ask for her crib, but we show her that it's "broken" and take her back to her bed. I love how small she looks in her bed now.


Jack, on the other hand, is still loving his crib, and exploring as many different positions possible. This is one of the newest, but his old favorite is falling gripping on to the rails while he's dreaming.

For Thanksgiving this year Jason volunteered to cook a turkey. He had been watching Food Network all week, and learning new tricks and recipes. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that Jason really likes trying new recipes and cooking more than I do. If I don't know how to do something or never seen it done, I hesitate to even try. Jason, however, loves a good challenge at a new task...which may have something to do with him marrying me. Anyways, he saw a recipe for a brine to soak the turkey in the day before cooking, and got all excited. He did it almost all himself, and the turkey turned out fabulously. I love how excited he gets to try new things.

Thanksgiving itself was awesome. It was the Hafen Reunion this year, which meant 90+ Hafens all coming together for food and games. We had to have dinner in at a church because no house can hold us all now. The spread was amazing. It took up 3 long tables (with a separate 2 tables for desserts).

Here's a random shot of what this crazy-huge family looks like when we're together. And this picture doesn't show most of the kids all running around outside.
I do miss my family when we don't get to see them for holidays, though I am very thankful and blessed to have married into such a great family.

Of course during Thanksgiving, it's nice to reflect on what we are thankful for and I can't help but think of my own growing family. For Jason, Kimball, Jack, and baby Tod (whenever he gets here). I once heard I man respond to "how are you?" by saying "better than I deserve." For a lack of creativity, I'll copy him and say that I have been blessed with more than I deserve. I am very thankful for the Gospel, and for the chance that Heavenly Father gives us to learn and progress through challenges. Sometimes He must look down at me and just think - "Rookie...she still has so much to learn." And don't I know it. But somehow, in all the learning experiences, He finds ways to let me know that He knows me and loves me... and for that, I am most thankful.

Now, before I get too sentimental or cheesy, here are the token videos of our kids making us laugh.

I don't know why this particular bite of apple had such an effect on Jack.

Jack loves the camera, either to look at or head bang.