Here are the pictures of the "glowing mother" that didn't make it on to the first post. Just a rookie mistake.

Our "LITTLE" big surprise

Well, you know what they say about big storms and women going into labor! I think our new little arrival was somewhat anxious to come. I won't go into any specific details (I will leave it up to the pro blogger)-by the way-this is Brian posting this. It's my first time posting a blog and frankly I'm little intimidated, so bare with me!
I would like to introduce Landon Brian Nuttall! He was born at 1:03 A.M. this morning, December 8th. He weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz., and measured 21" long. He has been surprisingly content to be here, so obviously coming a week early was all his idea. He worked so hard for the first twenty minutes to open his eyes, so the video is him looking around for the first time. I think he looks like a little Jackson with other features from the rest of us. Anyways, like I said at the first "I'll leave the details up to the profesional."


The real reason I wanted to come home to blog this tonight was to brag about the amazing woman that you all know through this blog. I am so in love with Melissa and am so grateful to have her as the mother of my children. I always looked forward to married life with a wife and kids, but I never thought it would be so satisfying and rewarding. She has shown so much strength and love toward me and our now four children. We finally got all settled in our new room at around 3:30 a.m. I felt so wiped out and could barely stay awake anymore, and I couldn't understand how Melissa could still have any energy in her body after being awake for over 24 hours, and going through the delivery process. Yet, once again, never ceasing to amaze me, she just laid there with the new mother glow and a smile on her face. I think she only slept for about 3 hours before Landon was brought in to eat. The only concern she had was that I could sleep. What a woman! I love her and am grateful to have her as mine.

Thanksgiving... I am so much to be grateful for!

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Nuttall family this year, and of course the food was delicious! The kids were happy that it was nice enough to eat outside, and I love their cheesy expressions as they got ready to eat. Earlier in the day, I noticed that Morgan had some homework to do (practice writing 7's) I told her that maybe she should work on some homework today and she said, "No Mom, I don't want to do homework today." I told her that she could do a little bit, and the rest tomorrow and then she said, "Mom, I don't want to do homework today because it's turkey day. I just want to eat today!" Fair enough. :)
I am so grateful for so much in my life. I am grateful for Brian and for ALL that he does for me. He is amazing! He has always been a big help with the kids and housework, but lately even more so... maybe because I can't twist & turn as much. :) He helps with the dishes & the kids every night & is a great Dad & provider for us. I love him so much & am so grateful to have him as my best friend.
I'm grateful for the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Especially for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. I'm grateful to know who I am, and where I came from.
I am so grateful for my kids. It is weird to think that in 20 days we will have our 4th child! (yep, 20 days... that's it!) I am grateful for the joy that each child brings & for how individual they are. I'm grateful for good parents that have taught both Brian & I strong values. They are all such wonderful people.
I truly am so blessed!

Gingerbread Houses

Karen called the other day and told Morgan that she had bought gingerbread houses for each family to make together. Morgan's jaw fell open while she was talking to Grandma, and she got a huge smile on her face. She pulled the phone away from her and said, "Mom! We get to make gingerbread houses!" We were all really excited about building our own family gingerbread house. Karen had bought these wonderful gingerbread kits from Costco. The had all the house pieces, icing, & candy to make the perfect gingerbread house.
I'm not sure who was more excited- Brian or the kids. :) Brian assembled the house perfectly and the kids and I helped decorate, and of course eat the candy.
What a cute little gingerbread house! Jackson decorated his entire gingerbread man with candy beads (the right one by the gingerbread house) And yes, as if we hadn't eaten enough sugar, Brian ate the rest of the frosting. Funny guy.
The completed project. I didn't realize until we were taking the picture that we had our own gingerbread man in the picture. Maybe a little too much sugar. :) It was such a fun activity & we look forward to doing it in the years to come.

Morgan's Thanksgiving Feast

On Tuesday Morgan and her class had a Thanksgiving Feast. They had all learned about how to be polite & say please & thank you while being served. They all did such a good job. It was fun being able to help out with the other Moms. They served the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with rolls, jello, mashed potatoes, corn, & stuffing, and turkey. However, the turkey was just a package of deli turkey that they had heated up. Let's just say it didn't smell or look very tasty, but the kids loved it. Morgan loved the pumpkin pie & whip cream at the end.
After we made our little turkeys, Morgan got really creative and decided to make a box which turned into a truck. Who knew that gumdrops and toothpicks could entertain for so long.
This is how Hallie spent most of the night. She is the biggest sugar bug, and is constantly finding candy.
Jackson was so proud of his turkey. :)

Little Turkeys

Growing up, for Family Home Evening the Monday before Thanksgiving, we would make these gumdrop Turkeys. The kids were really excited to make them, and all of them, including Brian had a big sugar rush after the activity. :)
This is about as far as Hallie's turkey got. One gumdrop in the apple, the rest in her mouth.
Morgan liked the way I was making mine, so used it to take a picture with her.
Jackson was really creative and had feathers all over his turkey. I'm not sure which ones are the eyes, and which ones are the feathers.

Jumping in the Leaves

The kids were so excited for when Daddy would get home from work so they could jump in the leaves. As soon as Brian walked in the door, Jackson said, "Yeah, we get to jump in the leaves now!" It was kind of dark, but the kids & Brian had a blast!
Jackson loved running and jumping in the pile & then being buried by Daddy in the leaves.
Morgan loved running through the pile too. She kept asking me to take pictures of her while she was running.
Hallie thought this new activity was really fun. She kind of watched the kids are first, and then quickly joined in the fun.