Our Christmas

Christmas Eve night we drove down to Vancouver to Ryan's Uncle Joe and Aunt Joann's house to spend the evening!! It was fun. There were 25 people there and they usually open all their presents on Christmas Eve, hence the large pile of presents around the Christmas tree. It was crazy when it came time to open all the presents!! But lots of fun too.
Before all the presents could be opened we had to have dinner, but while waiting for dinner we all played lots of games. Ayden got expert instruction on Chinese checkers from his Great-Grandpa Ralph!!
Ayden and Meysa had fun learning some new games like connect-four and battleship!! What a fun evening it was, except for Lauryn not feeling well. We drove back to Lacey that night and got to bed about 1 am. We woke up the next morning to finish opening our presents and to see what Santa brought everyone. Ryan's brother and his wife stayed with us and it was so much fun!! The kids loved having Andy and Teresa stay with us. Everyone was so generous to our family, we were really spoiled this Christmas, so thank you family. We love you!!!

Ayden's Christmas

Can you see the pure happiness on his face? This is the ONE thing that he really asked for this Christmas. Star Wars legos. He couldn't wait to start putting this one together!!
He also got his OWN drawing paper so he will leave my scrapbook paper alone and the other Playstation 2 star wars game. He loves it!!
And last but certainly not least. His headlamp from Papa Chip and Grandma Kristie!! He doesn't know how he has done his legos without it all this time. We also found him reading by it until 10 at night!! I think the batteries that came with it are already worn out!! He also got two remote control helicopters that he can't wait to fly with his dad!!! He had a good Christmas!!!

Meysa's Christmas

Well of course Meysa got horses for Christmas. This is Meysa we are talking about here. She also got a pair of bright PINK cowboy boots to go along with her PINK cowboy hat. To say the least she was in heaven!!
Her other exciting gift was a bike from Santa!! She has outgrown her other bike by about a year and was ready for a big girl bike. Grandma accessorized by getting Meysa a Dora bike helmet and pads. Doesn't it match the boots just perfectly!!
Testing out her ride at Papa Ralph's. He has the best driveway for riding bikes. It was FREEZING cold outside and of course a little rainy so she didn't last too long but nonetheless the bike got it's first test drive!! Thanks Santa!!

Lauryn's Christmas

Well the look on Lauryn's face pretty much says it all. She didn't feel well at all this Christmas. She had both of her bottom eye teeth coming in at the same time and she didn't like it!!
She did get some good books to read, all rip proof, which is a requirement for Lauryn!!
She also got a little people school bus that makes all those wonderful noises and sings those wonderful songs, over and over!! She loves it though. She also got a little people house with a tea party!! Oh yeah and Santa brought her a puppy dog, stuffed of course!!! Maybe next year she will feel better!!!

Santa Came Early!!

Yesterday afternoon, we went to Dad's work on base and had a Christmas party!! Lots of good food and a "suprise" guest for the kids!! They were so excited because Santa had a small present for each of them!! Ayden informed me today that he knew it wasn't the REAL santa because he was wearing tennis shoes not boots and that this Santa had a little brown mustache it wasn't all white!! I don't think it will be long before he figures it out. None the less he had a great time.
Meysa was a little nervous but still excited to see Santa. I asked her what Santa said to her and she replied that he didn't even tell her she had beautiful shoes!! The nerve! (she and Lauryn just got Dora crocs and obviously she was pretty proud of them!!)
Lauryn said NO WAY, NO HOW!! The second her bum hit his lap she was done. No real tears but Dad came to her rescue pretty quick!! She still liked the present that she got.
Dad got to come down for a few minutes to see the kids and Santa (he is on Labor and Delivery right now)!! The kids were excited to see him at work!!

What a wonderful time of year!!!

I love this song and along with the pictures it is amazing. I stole this from Katie's blog, Thanks Kaite!!! P.S. you may want to pause my music on the side so you can hear the song!!

Gingerbread House Party

Ryan, myself and the kids were invited to one of the other intern's, (Kyle), home this last weekend to make gingerbread houses. The other three OB interns and a couple other interns who live in the area were also there. It was nice to get to know the other interns that Ryan will be working with for the next 4 years. They are a neat bunch and have accepted Ryan into the "family" as the "5th". We had a great time eating and then "trying" to make our houses work. It was fun to see everyone creative side. Not all the designs worked as well as envisioned. We stayed simple. Ayden wanted a square house and Meysa wanted.....you guessed it.....a horse stable. Of course, their idea of working was checking in on the progress and eating the candy before it got put on the house. This may be a yearly tradition for us as the kids had a blast doing it.

My nativity

I posted earlier explaining what Ryan and his mother did for my birthday. Ryan put up my nativity set the day after thanksgiving while I was out shopping. It looks even better set up with the lights around it than it did in the box (it looked pretty darn good in the box)!!!! I hope to be able to add some fabric underneath it next year to make it even more "classy". Thought I would share since people have been asking me what it looks like up.

To OB, or not to OB. That is the Question.

Well, today is match day for the Army PGYME and GME slots (intern, residency and fellowship slots). As most of you know I have been doing my intern year at Madigan Army Medical Center, with hopes of transitioning into the OB/GYN program. The verdict came down today from the highest powers in Washington DC. I was chosen/matched to stay at Madigan to complete my OB/GYN training. No General Medical Officer slot and a guaranteed tour in Iraq for me!!! All the hard work and good impressions have finally paid off. It was kind of anti-climactic though as the program director was talking to me last month about which office I was going to move into and then last week telling the other interns that I was going to have to decide if I wanted to continue renting or just buy a house here. It is nice to have it all official and on paper though. Aimee is extremely excited and happy that we know we will be in a set spot for 3 1/2 more years. I'm sure we will be house hunting and realator shopping over the next few months as we decide if buying here is a feasable option. Just wanted to let everyone know the good news.

Helmet Head, Giant forks and Locksmiths!!!

Well I know I haven't posted in a while, not much has been going on really, but tonight we have had a busy evening, so I share with you our craziness!!! Ayden has gotten into football lately. Mainly using his sisters as the opposing team and honing his tackling skills. Well he decided that he needed to have a helmet to protect his head. Well with his ingenius little mind he decided he'd go old school- use your coat hood and you'll be just fine!! He looks awfully proud of himself. We finally pried this off his head at dinner, "no hats at the table!!" On to Meysa now...
It is Meysa's job to set the table for dinner. She is in the wonderful stage of doing literally everything by herself. The only thing I am allowed to help her with is getting the plates and cups out of the cupboard and setting them on the counter for her to finish the job. Well you know in your silverware set you get a serving spoon, slotted spoon and a GIGANTIC fork. Yeah that is what she set at Ryan's place cause he's a "BIG GUY , so he needs a BIG FORK." Word for word that was Meysa's explaination for her choice. And of course we couldn't go and change anything now could we. So Ryan just had to make do!!
Open Wide Daddy!!!
Now why would she be posting about a door you ask, interesting you say?!! (I know, just realized that I indeed sound like yoda)!! Well to end the evening we had a "little" lock-out. For some reason our bedroom has the only keyed lock in the entire house. Why on earth there would be one, we are not sure. Although knowing who lived here before us (a bunch of college boys who got evicted), it wouldn't take too long before we could come up with some interesting hypothosis!! Anywho, on to the story at hand!! Ayden got all of the things in his room confiscated on Sunday for some shock therapy for bad behavior and all the contraband was stored in our room. He decided that he would lock out his friends and sisters who were inspecting it all. Well come to find out we did not have the key that fit that lock. So naturally I called our property management company who have after hour maintenance emergency people to help people when there is a crisis!! Yeah everyone except people who are locked out of their bedrooms!! They don't do locks and everything has to go through a locksmith!! Ryan was trying to pick the lock with anything he could find. At one point he said "those movie guys are full of crap, it takes more than a little shimmy here and there and you're in". The hinges were on the inside of the door as well as the screws on the door handle itself. We even tried using my trusty old Hollywood video membership card, no luck (I personally thought that last one would work)! He was a little frustraded to say the least. So to the phone book I go, while Ryan contiues to work on the door. I call all the 24 hour emergency lock out guys in the yellow pages. The first one was just sitting down to dinner at a resturant and didn't think he could help me!! The next guy could come in about three hours and charge me 90 bucks plus tax. One guy just flat out told me NO, and gave me the number to someone who might help!! Seriously people does the "24-hour emeregency lockout" not really mean 24-hours or just whenever the heavens you feel like getting off your toush and working!!! We have an emergency here and no one cares. Ok, so that may be a little dramatic but that is how we felt. Anyway the last guy I called was so nice. He could come in 30 minutes and he was only going to charge $70 plus tax (only 70 bucks!!). It was pay $70 or bust down the door and have to pay to replace the door. We took the locksmith. It took him 5 minutes to pick the lock and he earned 80 bucks!! Ryan thinks he should moonlight as a locksmith, make some serious cash!! Anyways that was just one evening from about 5pm to 7:15pm!! We were tired and slept really well in OUR own bed, not the couch thankfully!!

Look-a-likes

I am posting this for my sister Amber. This is a picture that I took while in Spokane a few weeks ago. From left to right: J.D., Andy, Roman, Aaron. Andy and Aaron are the uncles and J.D. and Roman are the nephews yet they looks so much alike. Kinda crazy how the genes just keep passing along, huh?!! A good looking group of boys, I must say!!

Watch out for the Pink Bandits!!

Grandma Kristie and Papa Chip sure know what a cowgirl needs. A Hat!! Meysa got a pink cowgirl hat and belt to compliment her horse. Doesn't she look cute, and Lauryn had to try it out too. Thanks Grandma and Papa, Meysa says she is now a true blue (or pink) cowgirl, minus the live, breathing horse of course!!!

Families are Forever

This last weekend I got the chance to fly over to Spokane and be in attendance for the sealing of my newest niece, Courtney!! My oldest sister Amber and her husband Jeff have nine children, five which are adopted. Along with Courtney being sealed to her family, they also sealed Jeff, my brother-in-law to his parents and sister. His father died a few years ago, so it was an especially sweet time for their family!!! I flew over Friday afternoon and came home Saturday evening. My dear sweet husband wrangled the three kids so I could be there, and I really appreciated it. He is one of a kind!! Even though it was such a short visit, we had a lot of fun!! These are some of the pics of my family-enjoy!! The Seipert Family, all present and accounted for. Such a great family! My sister and brother-in-law Jeff and Amber, and my niece Courtney!! Don't they look happy!!?

All the grand-daughters that were in attendance (minus my girls and another little one named Maddie).
All the grandsons minus Tell, Ayden and my other sister Aina's three boys. Handsome boys huh?!!

My sisters, minus Aina who wasn't there. Amber in pink and Airica in white!!
GO Boise State!!! My nephew Tru, he knows who to cheer for too!!
My Mom and niece Raeli (Halli), someone had fun with the makeup!!
Aren't they beautiful? I think they all want a cosmetic counter job at Macy's. Wouldn't you want a makeover done by these lovely ladies!!! l-r Whitley, Jaci, Shelby, and Raeli.
The siblings, minus Aina, Alan and Austin who had already left. L-R Andy, Amber, Airica, Aimee and Aaron.
My sister in law Lana and my Mom getting the chicken noodle soup ready for the masses!!
We love our papa!! Grandkids loving on Papa Chip, especially Qiara(sorry Aaron about the spelling!). She loves her Papa!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We got to enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner at Ryan's Aunt and Uncles house and it was wonderful. Lots of good food and great company, what more could you ask for? The kids inhaled their food and then made their way upstairs to enjoy some movies and us adults got to visit.
Grandma Margaret was Lauryn's buddy. They went outside to see the dogs and Grandma got a workout going up and down the stairs after Lauryn. It was a really nice time, Thanks Beth and Brian!!!

I've Been Tagged!

Rules: list 6 somewhat interesting, maybe unknown things about yourself and then tag 6 friends.

1. When I was about 8-9 years old my two older brothers convinced me that I was adopted and that my parents did it out of pitty. I know stinky brothers and the things they do to their sisters huh? Well I bought it hook, line and sinker!! I thought no one really loved me and I would write notes to my mom all the time asking her if she loved me. I was pathetic and dramatic at that age!! My family still teases me about being the adopted one. Not that being adopted is bad but more that I was soo dramatic about everything back then. I never thought to question the fact that my mom had my older brother AND my younger brother, then why not me? Like I said I was dramatic.


2. I don't like my handwriting but I love pens. If I find a cool pen that writes well I confiscate it, it might just make my handwriting better. So while some people have a shoe thing, I have a pen thing!!


3. I used to be a packrat, but I am now the complete opposite. When I was younger I had a big old purse that I would stuff with anything and everything I could find. If my siblings had lost something, they would usually peg me as the culprit and search the purse. Well today I hate clutter and I love to purge things and get rid of whatever I don't need anymore. Like today, the playroom is getting a going-through and there will be less toys in there than when I started!!

4. I love chocolate ice cream! I know you are suppose to try all 31 flavors but nothing tingles my palate more than chocolate. Probably my most favorite chocolate ice cream is Cold Stone with recees peanut butter cup mixed in. Yummo, ok now I am craving it!

5. I have never had a professional manicure or pedicure, ever!! I would really like one but I just have never went in for one.

6. One of my dreams is to travel to Europe and photograph all the wonderful places in France, Italy, Greece, Spain. I want to see the world, I know it sounds trite but I do. I want to see the Holy Land and walk where the Savior walked. Maybe when Ryan retires or maybe if we get stationed in Europe after residency we can do it. But I am going to have to get a better camera before I go!!

I tag: Rebecca, Heather, Lauralee, Brittany, Laura, Corine

Happy Birthday Meysa!

Happy Birthday Meysa!! She was so cute this morning- Ayden told her Happy Birthday first thing and she looked at me dead serious and asked, "Is it my birthday?" I said yes, and she looked at me like "are you sure"? I guess it took so long to turn 4 years old that once it finally came it was hard to believe!! So anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows that Meysa LOVES horses and not necessarily My Little Pony kind of horses but the real kind. Her favorite movie is "Spirit, Stallion of the Cimmaron". So we are talking about REAL horses with this girl. So we had to have a horse party!! We made bandanas for each girl and they got to accessories with rhinestone beads (real western I know) and their own sheriff star. We colored fun horse pages and played pin the tail on the horse, not the donkey. It went pretty well and Meysa sure enjoyed having her friends over to play and help celebrate her birthday!!!

"Real" horses running in the pasture!! The cake tasted really good!
Meysa was the first one to pin the tail on and she was the closest one to the actual tail all afternoon. Good job Meysa!!
Ready to eat the birthday cake and ice cream, yummy!!
Dora Saves the Mermaid, she has been waiting for this one. Can you tell by the look on her face?!!
And finally for a horse birthday party, don't you think you should get a horse?!! Now she can "ride" a horse!!! She is in heaven!! We love you Meysa, Happy Birthday!!

Our Meysa Lynn

Well I can't believe where the time has gone. My little girl is already four years old tomorrow!! It just doesn't seem like she can really be four yet. These are some of my favorite pictures of my Meysa. She was my biggest baby and quickly continued to grow. At a month old we could barely fit her into her blessing gown. Couldn't you just eat those cheeks?!!! She was a hot/cold mood baby. When she was happy, she was really happy. But when she was sad, she was definately MAD!!! No real in between. When she was born she came out screaming, instead of just crying. Funny thing is it isn't really any different today!!
What I loved about Meysa at this age is she was just cute. Every look she gave me was adorable, even when she was being a pill. She was into everything and learning so much. She wanted to be just like Ayden and this is when they were good friends, and didn't really fight like they do now. She was just so much fun to be around!!
More of Meysa's personality started showing at this age. The terrible twos and her terrible fits started but she could also be such a nerd (I don't know where she got that from!!). She loved adventure and was willing to really try anything, much more so than Ayden would. She loved being outside and could play in the sandbox for hours. She decided that she was ready to be potty trained and pretty much did it herself, but that was the problem. She wanted to do it all by herself!! We are still dealing with this personality trait!!
Meysa is my little bud. With Ayden gone to school, Meysa and I get to spend a lot of time together during the day which I love!!! She is a big help with her sister Lauryn and is sooo ready to get to go to school. She asks at least once a day when she gets to go. If anyone was willing to give her a horse she would take it in a heart beat. She doesn't run, she gallops. She doesn't sigh, she neighs. She is part horse and would love to ride one!! She asks all the time to look at Uncle Alan's blog to look at his horses.
Any way I just wanted to show you how much my Meysa has changed and we want her to know how much we love her and feel blessed that she came to our family!!! Birthday pics to come tomorrow after the HORSE birthday party!!! We love you Meysa!