Shelby Saga

In December we decided, after much pushing from Abby, that we were going to get a cat. We adopted a five month old kitten that Abby named Shelby.

The kids love her! Carter loves her in a violent, two year old way but he loves her.

About two weeks after getting her she went missing. (This was not unexpected as Shelby is our third cat in three years. We just don't have good luck with pets, and yet we keep getting them.)

We walked the neighborhood and put up signs.

A day or two later we got a call from the microchip company that someone found our kitty and they were at a vet's office.

I immediately thought the worst.

They connected me with the vet's office. The woman on the phone said, "This is Stephanie White from the ward, we have your kitty."

I was shocked that someone we knew found her. Also, she lives across a major street and Shelby made it unscathed.

They quickly returned Shelby and things went back to normal.

Shelby loves Carter even though he is completely evil to her.

A couple of weeks ago, Dean was letting me sleep in. I heard a commotion and came out of our room.

I walked into the living room to find Dean holding something disturbing. Carter had been playing with the cat and shoved her into a toy. Dean tried to get her out but could not. Dean had to take the toy apart to get her out. Dean thought that she was dead but she survived again without injury. (Nine lives right?)

Carter still violently loves Shelby. Daily we have to tell Carter, "Don't hold Shelby by her neck." or "Don't lay on the cat." etc.

Yesterday, Dean told Carter, "Let the kitty go." Which as usual for Dean made him think of a movie. So he then stated in his Moses voice, "Let my people go!" Abby who was standing close by said, "What is people? Is that Spanish for cat?"

I have a feeling this not the end of the Shelby Saga.

My Love

Today I had plans to go to play group, pick up a couple of things at the grocery store, go to the gym, finish homework, take dinner to a family in our ward, and clean up a little around the house. (Oh yeah, and all of the rest of the things that go along with taking care of three kids)

BUT. . .

There is nothing like a crazy two year old to completely ruin well laid plans.

So this afternoon after cleaning up Carter's second accident in 15 minutes I called Dean and told him I couldn't do it. Dean being the amazing husband he is came home from work early, took care of the kids and did the dishes while I made dinner. I am so blessed to have him.

Get in There

I wanted to add one last post before I start the printing of my blog for 2009. Since Carter is talking more now he says funny things.

When Dean is sitting on the floor and Carter wants him to hold him he will tell Dean, "Get in there." Which means he wants Dean to sit with his legs crossed but extended out a little he can get in the space between his legs. I can't wait to document all of the silly things the kids will say in 2010.

Christmas

As always we had a great Christmas this year. Being in a new ward we were able to do some new things this year.

The Martinez family in our ward is lucky to have Santa visit their home and we were able to see him and take some pictures.

Christmas Eve we went to the Dockstader family party which was held in the Sanger Ward building this year. We had a great time and it was nice to see all of Dean's family. (One year I will remember to take the camera.)

Christmas day the kids were in heaven.
Carter was really excited to see that Santa visited and brought presents.
Abby really liked her new barbies.
Grant was happy eating wrapping paper. He received other gifts but the wrapping paper was the most fun.

After opening presents at home we went out to Grandma Wendy's house.
Grant enjoying some more wrapping paper.
Abby and Carter fighting over a toy.
Carter won.
Dockstaders talking on the phone with Jeffrey (on his mission in Switzerland). At the same time,talking with Sarah, Jared and Kelena on Skype in Hawaii.
All of the Dockstader grandkids (minus Kelena)
Savino helping Carter set up his favorite Christmas present.
Dean along with Jared and Chris playing with his favorite Christmas present. (Rock Band 2)
Carter and Jacob taking their turn on the drums.

Update on the kidlets

Grant is now six months and doing well. He is not packing on the pounds as fast as before but he is still a good sized boy.

Grant is 21 pounds 9 ounces (95%) 29 inches long(above the 95%).

Grant is doing well eating solids, his favorite is bananas. He is sitting for a short periods of time. And, when on his tummy he turns around in circles and scoots backward.
Carter's speech is doing much better these days. I understand most of what he says.

Carter loves spending time with his cousin Jacob.

Carter is also a good helper. Since Carter is not yet potty trained we do a lot of diaper changes and Carter is always willing to run diapers to the trash.

Carter is also very much living up to the title of "terrible twos." The days when we go out and do something Carter is a happy boy. Two weeks ago the kids and I were sick and we stayed home for a week and Carter was so cranky. Sometimes Carter is very difficult to live with. I am not saying this to complain. I want to document Carter's nature so that one day when he has kids and one of them is a pill he will know where it came from. I tell Dean regularly that Heavenly Father sent me Carter to teach me patience.
Abby is growing like a weed, physically and mentally. She is getting so tall that some of her size six pants are getting a little short. Abby is doing well in school. She recently had her Christmas program. She said that she liked being on stage.

Abby is a good helper around the house. We recently gave her a chore. Abby is in charge of emptying the bathroom trash bins every day. She does great with it and never complains. She is a great example to Carter.

Thanksgiving

This year we had Thanksgiving with my family was at our house. It is pretty much the same every year. (minus Preston and Savino) Rachel, Preston and the boys were supposed to be out of town this year but due to some car troubles Rachel and the boys were with us. Savino was out of town with his girlfriend.
We started off the day with a good ol' kid toss.
Dean attacking, I mean carving the turkey.
More prep for the feast. And, Sam being silly.
The family enjoying my mom's fabulous turkey dinner
Abby looking beautiful like always.

Carter

Carter has been up to some silly stuff lately. Since Halloween, if Carter comes in my bathroom while I am getting ready for the day, he wants me to draw on his "fire truck" (mustache). He has worn his "firetruck" to the store, the park, dropping Abby off to school, all the while getting strange looks from people. Choose your battles, right?

Also, before Dean and I go to bed we check on the kids to make sure all is well. For the last week when we go in to check on Carter he is completely naked. Don't ask, I don't know.

Today we were at Stake Conference and sitting in the cultural hall. As conference started they turned out the lights. (So we could better see the video projection) Carter looks up at Dean and says, "Uh oh, light. I be back, I turn light."