Foster at 2 months

Here's some pictures of Foster when he was 2 months old. We can't believe how fast he is growing!!

2009 Family Ornament Exchange

Foster is a newborn so the choices were either a bottle or a dirty diaper. Looks like I got out-voted!

Easton started Kindergarten this year and is doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work buddy!

Davis has picked up photography as a hobby. He loves taking pictures and making movies with his brothers... CLICK

Cade started piano lessons this year, and like everything else he does has excelled.

Bud gave me his acoustic guitar and I have been strumming a few chords this year. I've found that I'm not much of a musician but I like to try. I think I got the guitar ornament because Rebecca has gotten tired of getting me tool ornaments.

Rebecca gave birth to a beautiful baby boy (Foster) this year. Rebecca is a wonderful mother and an equally fantastic spouse.

Davis turns 8

This post took me a little longer than expected to post, but in my defense it was during the craziest time for our family. Not only did we have to get ready for Christmas but also a baptism and visits from Aunt Arlene and my parents. Oh, I almost forgot the most time consuming project, the baptism quilt, which I will post pictures of later. This is to wish Davis a Happy Birthday and let him know how proud we are he is getting baptized!

What better gift to get on Christmas than a sweet loving little boy! Davis blessed our family when he came a few weeks early in time to join us for Christmas Eve 2001. Davis has one of the sweetest personalities ever. He is always thoughtful of others and makes people smile. Strangers will come up to us and tell us how beautiful his eyes I believe it is because his beautiful spirit shines through and warms your heart. Davis has always loved helping with whatever work needs to be done. He loves to give hugs and kisses and is so full of love. It is truly an honor to be his mother.

Annual Ornament Exchange

One of the first things that gets put up for Christmas is Dancing Santa. The kids all look forward to seeing him when they come!

Every year we have an ornament exchange for the boys and their friends. Last year we had the party on the same day as all the school parties and realized that it was way too much sugar for one day, so this year we decided to have the party two days before the school parties. We had 17 boys here and lots of yummy treats. My boys really enjoy hanging their friend ornaments on the tree each year and I enjoy getting to know their friends and friends parents better. What started as a one time party has now become a favorite tradition. Thanks to all those who came and helped out. Thanks to my neighbors for putting up with the chaos of having 17 little boys playing next door!

Cade's a Bear

We are so proud of Cade. Last week he completed all the requirements for his Bear badge. Cade really enjoys scouts and works hard at accomplishing his goals! Way to go Cade!!

Foster's Blessing

Foster Graham Holdstock was blessed on November 29, 2009. It was not a fast Sunday but we decided to do it while we had Kat and Junior in town so that Junior could participate. It was so nice having them be a part of Foster's special day. Grandma Janet wasn't here to write the blessing in shorthand for us, but Papa saved the day by recording it on his I-phone (there's an app for that!) Thanks Papa!! It was a wonderful day and we feel so grateful to all those who helped make it special.

Giving Thanks

Here are the boys Adam, Ben, Cade, Davis, and Easton being thankful for pie at Nana's on Thanksgiving. They had a great time playing before and after as well!

Foster gave thanks for his dad's old quilt. He loves to take naps on it!

Foster giving thanks for the Utes! He had to wear this shirt to Thanksgiving becuase Ben had his BYU shirt.

Our Councilman

The third grade classes at school were studying government and went on a field trip to the City Council last month. To help prepare the kids and make it fun, they held elections. The spots that were open were 1- Mayor and 6- City Council Seats. If you wanted to run in the election, you had to prepare a speech to read in front of the entire third grade at an assembly. When we got the paper at home, we asked Cade if he was going to run and he said no because he didn't like giving speeches in front of people. (I don't blame him!) We talked to him about challenging ourselves to do things even when they are scary and in the end he decided to run. We were not surprised when he won a spot on the Council! The day of the field trip the six kids who won Council seats and the Mayor got to sit in the real Council seats in City Hall and debate on building a library or water park for the town. Cade said the fun part was getting to push the button for his vote. We are so proud of Cade, not just for winning a Council Seat but for always being willing to challenge himself and try things even when it's hard.

Another Birthday Season Ends!

Davis had his birthday party on Friday which successfully ended another season of birthday madness at our house. Davis decided to have a swimming party like Cade did last year. This year Jeremy even improved his cake design! Having three parties in less than three weeks is very exhausting but it is nice to have it over and not have to worry about a party in December. We do always have a family party for Davis on his actual birthday so he feels pretty lucky. He gets two sets of birthday presents and two cakes a year. He really loves having his birthday on Christmas Eve! As we head out of party mode, it is time to prepare for Christmas. I am glad it will be a few years before Foster needs a big birthday party!

Easton turns 6

This past week has been a little crazy at our house and I am behind on posts, especially Easton's birthday post. (That is what happens when you are the third child I guess!) I just wanted to take some time and celebrate Easton being in our family. He is definitely our most spirited child and is very strong willed, but is also very sensitive and spiritual. Easton has always loved playing with his brothers and even started walking at 10 months because he wanted to be with them so bad. Once Easton sets his mind to something, there is no stopping him. He just became a big brother when Foster was born and has been the biggest help. He loves his baby brother and always prays that the baby will obey Jesus! Easton brings such joy to our family we can't imagine our lives without him. He is full of energy and lots of fun. As son as he was able, he would climb up on all the furniture and jump off. His signature phrase was "cannonball!" He still has that fearless spirit and keeps us on our toes. It is hard to imagine that it has already been 6 years. He is now in kindergarten and growing up way too fast. Easton we love you.

Easton 2 days old

Easton 1 yr

Easton 3 yrs

Easton 6 yrs old!!!!

Costumes

Darth Vader, Dracula, Pumpkin, Waldo, and Bubbafet
After the boys did trunk or treat at the Church they came home and went around the neighborhood. They met up with some friends and ended up going to another neighborhood. Then they went to a candy exchange where everyone switches the candy you don't like for something you do. They came home with bags full of candy. Good thing we go to the dentist in a few weeks. Their teeth will need a good cleaning!