Christmas Sunday 2012

All dressed up for Christmas Sunday! They are all smiles now because they don't realize they have to listen to their mom speak at church today. 

2nd Annual Canyon Trails VT Caroling 2012

 

My Glendale Girl's started the tradition of Visiting Teaching caroling when we all lived in the same ward.  I was very reluctant at the idea, but little did I know it would become one of my most favorite holiday traditions.  When I moved to Goodyear, I started the tradition with my new ward and new friends.  Somehow it has escalated to costumes and more fun than I could ever imagine. 

Ward Christmas Breakfast 2012

 

For months Kaige had been telling us the same things he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.  Green Popsicles, green little car and a green big car.  Every Santa he visited said the same thing. "You sure like green, don't you?"  Yes he does!  I was impressed that his wish list was simple and had stayed the same.  We look forward to this annual breakfast our ward has each December.  This year I think we had the tallest gingerbread house.

Just like Papa

 

There is no hiding that Kaige loves his Papa. 

 He wants to be just like him. 

Hold the car handle like Papa

 Wear hats and fight zombies like Papa

Hang his sunglasses on his shirt like Papa. 

They have always had a special relationship. As a mom you really appreciate the things that make your children's face light up.  Papa Hedgecock is definitely one of those for Kaige.  

Priesthood Blessings

Kaige had been sick with a high fever and just miserable.  We had asked him if he wanted a blessing, and that scared him.  He wasn't interested.  We had planned to go visit Robert in the hospital and since we couldn't get him much more sick than he already was we stuck to our plan.  As we walked the hospital parking lot Kaige asked if he could have a blessing.  I had him repeat to Josh his request and we were excited that he was interested in it, and excited to ask Robert to help.  As sick as he was he was very happy and willing to exercise his Priesthood.  What a special thing it was for all of us.  Kaige was a different kid leaving that hospital and already felt much better.

Robert has since passed, and I am so thankful for the ability he had to give Kaige a blessing.  Kaige remembers it and has brought it up to us several times since his Papa Hoopes has died. 

My brother Qadry is maturing into a great guy even more since he joined the Air Force.  He is on his way from TX to CO and got to come home for a couple of weeks.  During that time he was to be ordained an Elder and receive the Melchizedek priesthood.  We spoke to Kaige about this special blessing, and that we were going to the church to be there for Qadry to get the Priesthood.  He then reminded us about his Papa and Daddy giving him the Priesthood blessing when he was sick.  Little did I know, he really thought they had literally given it to him.

We were at the bookstore buying an oil vial for Qadry and Kaige wanted one of his own.  I promised him that when he received the priesthood, we would get him one of his own.  He looked at me and declared.  I ALREADY HAVE THE PRIESTHOOD! Papa and Daddy gave it to me at the hospital.  REMEMBER MAMA?!?!  Oh sweet boy, I remember.  I'm so glad you do too!  He is too young to completely understand.  But not too young, to forget special things and feelings.  I am so thankful for the Priesthood in my life!

CTR

As I tried to buckle Kaige into his car seat after we left Deseret Book store, I find Kaige had items in his hands that I hadn't paid for.  Are you kidding me?!?  How ironic is it that the first time my kid steals it's from the church book store?  As I asked him about it and told him we must go and take it back I realize that its a CTR ring, and a CTR bracelet.  CTR stands for Choose The Right.  If there can be anything funny about stealing, CTR merchandise has got to be it.  We went back into the store, and he went right back to the displays and put them where they belong.  I then told him, thank you but we still need to say I'm sorry.  He didn't want any of that.  I told him he would have to sit on my lap and we would stay there until he could apologize.  It took a long while, and a lot of coaxing.  After I lifted him up to stand in front of the worker he finally spit out an apology.  As soon as we got out the door he burst into tears.  He cried the whole way from the store to my work.  At least 15 minutes.  I tried to find out if he was crying because he didn't have the stuff or crying because he felt bad.  He was too beside himself to communicate.  When we stopped at work, he said.  I'm sorry mommy.  Ohhh melt my heart! I'm sorry too.  I don't think he really knew what he was doing.  He never tried to sneak it, but I think he knows much better now what stealing is.  I hope as painful as it was, that it truly was a learning lesson. 

The big 3-0!

I am now officially closer to being 40 than I am to being 20.  I'm not sure how that happened or how I feel about it. We went out with some friends to celebrate all the special things in August.  Sebrina, Ami and I all have b-days within a week of each other along with Matt and Ami's anniversary. 

30 hasn't been that bad, Life is good!