Christmas Traditions

Being "great with child" this season, we stayed close to home and tried out our own family traditions. Uncle Steve was here on a business break and was game for all the festivities. We made gingerbread cookies (with Red Hots and sprinkles, of course), Tom recited the Christmas story scripture chapters by memory, Jared illustrated the Christmas story with felt cut-outs, we cooked a delicious ham-and-all-the-trimmings dinner, Jared and I made and folded the "Christmas Napkins" (complete with candy canes -- maybe we won't do that with a hungry 3 year old next time), and had fun getting ready for Santa. In the morning, Jared didn't realize there were presents out in the living room -- he woke early and walked right by them to read books on the couch (thank goodness) so we just took him back to his room and told him it was Christmas and did a "re-take". These Star Wars figurines in his little stocking were a big hit. His pirate presents will wait until his birthday since he had no interest in anything else after seeing his stocking loot. I definitely believe in small stockings.

Next year, I want to remember to do the Pajama Tradition, where we all get a new set of pajamas for the year and open those on Christmas Eve.

Why Kathryn doesn't go to the mall

On December 22nd, my first rainy-day "mall" outing of the season, we lasted all of 25 minutes. Here is Jared's "Food Court Injury". He was so excited to see his cousins there. Jared and Kayden were literally running in tight circles around each other, laughing and giggling when BAM! He didn't look where he was going and ran face-first into the sharp edge of a wooden chair, busting a hole in his lip and bruising the underside pretty good. It was bleeding a lot, of course, and looked a little gaping, so we quickly took him to the Kaiser building where we met Tom who could give a pre-diagnosis before we went in to the doctor. The good news is by then, after 15 minutes of direct pressure, the bleeding had stopped and it was obvious it wouldn't need a stitch, so we went home and had a popsicle. Jared did not cry much, but the sad look on his face on the way home... I don't think we're meant to hang out at the mall. The park is safer.

Mommies Love Their Babies

I have clear memories of something Mom would do when we watched movies or TV shows together. When there was a touching moment on screen (usually a tear-jerker moment), Mom would lean over, hug us and say, "Mommies love their babies!" And kiss our heads. We would roll our eyes and say, "Moooommmm!" But...it looks like the next generation will hear that a lot, too! And secretly they like it.

We love grandma & grandpa!

We loved having Mom and Dad here in California for Corbin's baptism. Any extra moments we could spend with them were thoroughly enjoyed. Here is Jared enthusiastically kissing Grandma Stephanie's cheek -- he wouldn't let go! We love and appreciate them both so much.



P.S. Another "Thank you" for the new crock-pot, mom! We are enjoying homemade split pea soup today. Mmm.

California Winters

December 12th
Jared with friends at Altisima Park. I'm amazed that he is (A) looking at the camera, and (B) is smiling naturally. Trips to the park are never to be underestimated in value...

Quick baby Pearson update

As of this morning, I'm 3 cm dialated, 70% effaced and, in the doctor's words, she "would be surprised if I made it through another week pregnant". All very encouraging words for us parents hoping for a 2008 delivery. The size estimate is 7 lbs. with another pound or so expected to add on by the time of birth -- but keep in mind the estimate was made by poking and prodding my tummy and guessing, so who really knows? Of course, Baby Vuka (aka baby banana) may have other plans, but everything still feels and looks on track for a good-sized healthy little girl. That's the best gift.

Latest Picture from the Mission

Dear family,
Nancy Henrie, the mother of Elder Henrie who is serving in the Baytown area with Kenneth, emailed me and let me know "our boys" are in the same mission and that Kenneth is in several photos her son sent to her. She was so nice! She sent some digital photos of Kenneth's district for our family to enjoy. She has a blog for Elder Henrie we're invited to look at, too, http://natehenrie.blogspot.com/ Kenneth mentioned the car accident in an earlier letter - and there are pictures of that, too. We might see more of Kenneth in the Henries' blog in the future.

I'M ENGAGED!!

I know you all know, but I thought I'd make it official and post it on the family blog. Cyrus and I are engaged! The date is still being decided, but we are leaning toward May 22nd. It's Memorial Day weekend so it might make it easier to have everyone come out. We're going to get married in the Nauvoo temple on the 22nd and then have a reception in Champaign on the 23rd. Here are some pictures of the hike Cyrus and I went on where he totally surprised me at the top with a proposal.

Corbin's Baptism!

We are so proud of Corbin and were happy to celebrate his big day with lots of family and friends. Here are some of our favorite pictures (from Marcia's downloads - thanks!). We're sure more are coming...it was a good day!

2nd week of December...

Kara Morrow Family GIVES TO Kathryn Pearson Family
Kirk Price Family GIVES TO Kara Morrow Family
Kathryn Pearson Family GIVES TO Krystle Thiel Family
Krystle Thiel Family GIVES TO Kendra
Kendra GIVES TO Kirk Price Family
Missionary Kenneth GIVES a letter to us all
Everyone GIVES TO Missionary Kenneth, Mom & Dad