Christmas Ornaments

The Holdstock family tradition continued this year with our annual Christmas Ornament Presentation. Each year an ornament is given to each member of the family that represents something significant or memorable that happened in their life during that year. On Christmas Eve the family gathers and presents the ornaments in a talk show fashion. Mom usually hosts and Dad runs the camera except when it's Mom's turn to get hers. So without further ado.... Heeeeeeeere's Mom!

Cade
This year Cade received a little swimmer boy because of the great work that he did this summer on the swim team. Cade started out the summer having a hard time making it across the pool without stopping many times to hold onto the lane ropes and take a rest. Even though he struggled to even master the free-style stroke, Cade kept trying and even signed up to race in the harder events such as the butterfly and breast stroke. After one swim meet we asked him why he signed up to swim the butterfly when it was so difficult for him. He answered that he just wanted to try. We were so proud of him that day for reaching out of his comfort zone and learning that winning isn't the most important thing in life.


Davis
If you know Davis, you know that he loves to smile. His smile that always warms your heart, now also makes you chuckle a little bit too. Davis is currently missing not two, but three of his top front teeth. One of which popped loose and he swallowed when he got hit on the head with a soccer ball at his soccer game. He had to write a special letter to the Tooth Fairy that was signed by two witnesses to lay claim on his rightful dues. We are so proud of Davis for his cheerful disposition and his overwhelming love and concern for everyone.


Easton
After sitting on the side lines to cheer on his brothers the last several years, Easton finally was old enough this year to get out on the field and show his brothers that he has some pretty good moves too. Easton was one of the star players on the Sharks and scored several goals throughout the season. He also showed good sportsmanship which is just as important. Even though he is now a big time soccer star, he still does enjoy watching his brothers play from the sidelines.



Rebecca
For several years Rebecca's chronic fatigue and other health issues have kept her in bed much more than she would like. This year she has been blessed with significant improvement in her health and energy levels. So in celebration of that achievement, this year Jeremy continued his tradition of building Rebecca's ornament and made her an EMPTY bed. Hang in there kiddo, we're all behind you.

Jeremy
As usual, this has been a busy year for Jeremy at work. For Spring Break the family planned a trip down to Houston to visit Aunt Jan and Uncle Brian. Granny and Bud also joined in on the vacation. The only one missing was Jeremy who ended up having to stay home and take care of some important presentations for work that popped up at the last minute. While at Johnson Space Center Rebecca got this ornament for Jeremy not because of what he did this year, but because of what he didn't do. Jeremy already felt bad enough about it, but lucky for him he now has a lovely memento to remind him of it over and over.

Tune in next year as the Holdstock Christmas Ornament saga continues...

So much to be grateful for

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVIS!!

This is a time of year to celebrate so many things. In our house December 24th is reserved for Davis. When people find out his birthday is Christmas Eve they always ask him if he hates having a birthday on that day because of the holiday. Davis always answers no and is perplexed by the question. You see Davis always gets to celebrate his birthday twice a year. He has a birthday party with his friends in early November and then on Christmas Eve with our family. He gets two cakes and presents on both days. He gets to choose the dinner just like the other boys do (which is mom's favorite tradition as it keeps her from having to make a big turkey dinner since he usually chooses pizza or hamburgers) so he doesn't feel that he is missing out on anything and in fact is blessed to have it double! This year he even had a friend from school drop by Christmas Eve night to drop off a birthday card fro him on his REAL birthday. Davis always has a positive outlook on everything so it does not surprise me that he sees having his birthday on a holiday a blessing while others see the potential for disaster. Davis is the type of boys who can make you smile because he is so happy and loves everything. We have so much to be grateful this Christmas season, and one of the best things in our lives is our little boys who just turned 7. We are so proud of him and love him so much!!

Nana and Papa help us celebrate

Not enough sugar?

On Friday (Dec 19th) the boys had their class Christmas parties at school. There was plenty of sugar to go around which would have been enough for any child, but we had to have more. After school, the boys had a party here at the house. Each boy invited a few friends over (12 in all) for cake and an ornament exchange. The house was filled with chaos but there is no greater sound then 12 boys bouncing off the walls from a sugar high right? The next day the boys went to the local grocery store to decorate gingerbread houses. So while I try to dodge the children bouncing off the walls waiting for the sugar let down, they keep reloading as they brought their houses home to eat. Last night I saw a light at the end of the tunnel as the houses seem to be almost bare (yes, they ate them that quick), but then the doorbell rang and friends were at the door with a plate full of goodies. I am not sure they have had enough yet!!

Merry Christmas From the Holdstocks

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

Davis is a little writer. He usually follows everyone around the house with a notebook and pen. He even sleeps with with his pad of paper and pen. For one of his school stories he wrote the following:


Santa Claus delivers all of the cars in one night and finally Santa ran of gas. He went to the repair shop. He asked how long it will take . 3 hours! What the heck, that's too long!!

Gobble gooble ...

This year we had to really search hard to find somebody willing to share Thanksgiving with us. We thought that we had finally tricked somebody into coming over, but Rebecca's Uncle Brian canceled on us the last minute. Something about a foot surgery and being hopped-up on pain killers not mixing well with a 6 hour drive from Louisiana.

The Thomas' were gracious enough to take us in. It was sort of a "Will Work 4 Food" situation. They feed us and then they put the boys to work decorating their Christmas Tree (one of their not so favorite tasks). Everybody wins.

Hysterical Marker?

Today Cade worked on some of his scouting requirements. We went out into the community and found a "hysterical" marker. It turns out that it wasn't really that funny!

Birthday Season is Over!!

Davis had his birthday party on Friday so now we are officially through our birthday season at our house. On Davis' real birthday we always have cake with Nana and Papa to celebrate, but as far as the friends party, we are done! Davis decided to have a spy party just like Cade did last year. Having done the same party the year before made things a lot easier! He had fun and enjoyed himself so that is all that really matters. Here are a few picts from his party:

Easton's First Trophy

Easton just ended his first season of soccer. He has waited so long to be old enough to play. Although he enjoyed playing this season, he was thrilled for the season to end so he could get his first trophy!

Month in review

Well last month was so jam packed with things that I have so much to catch up on. We have all been sick for the past three weeks so we are even further behind so here is a modge podge of the last months events:

Our little scout

Decorating pumpkins with Bud and Granny

Easton turns 5!

Halloween

Great to Be Eight!

It happened. In a surreal moment, my baby was baptized on October 19, 2008. It was a great event and we were blessed to have both sets of grandparents show up for the event. Cade had several friends from school as well as nighbors come out and support him as well. They grow so quickly! It is just hard to believe that this moment finally came. We are so proud of Cade. He is such a wonderful young man. He is the perfect leader at home for his brothers and always sets a good example. Cade has always been a very obedient child and we feel fortunate to be his parents. We are so proud of him and the choice he made. Cade, we love you!

Birthday Pictures

Splish Splash...

It is hard to see in the pictures, but there are gummy bears laying out on towels sunbathing. One bear (yellow) is diving in and making a splash, one is floating on his back, and others are carring innertubes!

Cade had his birthday party on the 17th and he chose to have it at the Nadatorium because he wanted a water theme since he was getting baptized this year. I always come up with ideas and Jeremy has to "create" them because he is the artistic one. I was excited about the swimming pool cake but wasn't sure we could do it. Once again, Jeremy out did himself. He spent most of the afternoon making the cake just right. The kids liked it, however, were so anxious to go swim, barely ate it. The kids had a great time and were so excited because we didn't leave until the place closed. It is so easy to please 7 and 8 year olds!!

2 weeks to go...

It is October, which in our house is the craziest time of year. We have three birthday parties in three weeks at the end of the month every year. Cade and Easton have birthdays 10 days apart and Davis' is Christmas Eve, so we have his friend party a week after Easton's to avoid any holidays. It can be a little hectic but it is a fun time as well. This year there is a bit more pressure as Cade is having a special birthday. That is right! My baby is going to be turning 8 and getting baptized. I can not believe that this day is here. It has gone by way too fast. He is so grown up and ready but it is hard for me as the mom to deal with. We had his birthday pictures taken yesterday which just reminded me how close it is getting to the actual event. As much as I hate to see them grow so fast, we are so proud of the young man Cade is turning out to be.

For the next few weeks, I will be submerged in birthday parties, baptisms, and Halloween. By the time Thanksgiving comes around, I am just thankful October is over!!

Easton first soccer game

Easton has watched his brothers play soccer, basketball, and baseball for the past few years and could hardly wait for his turn to join a team. The time has finally come and even though it now means we have to sit through three hours of soccer games on Saturdays, Easton is on a team. He is a SHARK. He had so much fun during his first game and even managed to score a goal! Way to go Easton!!

Easton's First Day of School

Easton and Dad getting ready to go to preschool for the first time!
Funny boys making funny faces

Cade and Davis showing support to Easton

Easton gets busy!!