Goodbye 2009!!

The Mueller family is so looking forward to a new year with new beginnings! 2009 was not a bad year, we just went through some changes. We moved (AGAIN), the kids all started new schools and were all at different schools. I have been home since May and attending school at a full time rate. I have enjoyed volunteering at Wyatt's school (even though it was FREEZING and I was making Icee's). We are thankful that Eric was able to work quite a bit of overtime, so I am able to stay at home with the kids. I am grateful to my husband for working hard and encouraging (very intensely) me to be a stay at home mom. I do feel that our marriage, children, and life in general is so much better. I am thankful for our callings in church (encouragement to get up on Sunday) and having the gospel in our lives. Our children love to have FHE and my goal is to have it on a regular basis. This Christmas we were able to remember the true meaning and enjoyed reading stories from the scriptures. We look forward to 2010!!

Remembering what it's all about....

Each year we have our family Christmas party at my parent's house. It is usually the Saturday before Christmas so no one has to rush and we can enjoy the day with each other. EVERY year the children do a Nativity scene. The charaters are rotated each year so everyone gets a turn. One child narrates and at the end they all sing a few songs. It is very sweet and the parents LOVE it! There is even a "sheep", but in this picture he is too low:) I am thankful for my family and the traditions and memories they build for our family.

Gingerbread Houses

A few nights ago we made gingerbread houses out of rice crispy treats. The kids loved it! There was enough so they could each make their very own. I loved to watch them and how intense they worked on making their's just right:) Wyatt couldn't wait to finish his so he could eat it. I am thankful that Ian and Brittney still enjoy these activities with their family.

Oh Baby!

So, Brittney is taking a Careers in Child Care class in school this semester. It is teaching her how to babysit children from infant to around 7 years old. She has been enjoying the class so far. She will get CPR certified and all. I think it is a wonderful resource and is teaching her alot. Well...today she brought home an "infant". This thing cries, needs to be changed, fed..the whole she-bang! We are only an hour into and Brittney is STRESSED to the max! I keep telling her she CANNOT through it against the wall (not only will she fail, but this sucker costs $500) Did I mention this thing CRIES ALOT!!!!! All of the "infants" actions are tracked and Brittney has to wear a wristband that chimes when she holds it so the teacher knows how much Brittney interacted with the "infant". I would love to see the teachers face when she reads this babies report in the morning! We are so grateful that sweet McKinnley came over to help out. She has fed and soothed this little baby. WOW! I can honestly say that I don't think any of us will forget this little adventure:)

Brotherly Love

Ian and Wyatt LOVE to build things. I was so thankful when my best called me up Saturday and said she had some stuff for the kids. They have been playing non stop with the lego's, they have created a really cool pirate ship with trap doors and all! The books have been wonderful too..tons of Magic Tree House (Wyatt's FAVORITE) Can I just say that we absolutely love hand me downs:)

Middleburg Parade

Our family loves to go to the light parade down Blanding Blvd. in Middleburg. This year was the BEST one yet!! There was so many more floats the weather was Christmassy. We picked up a pizza on the way and snuggled with some blankets. The kids love to get the candy that is thrown to them. Wyatt LOVES the lights! I hope we can keep this little "tradition" going:)

Winter Wonderland in St. Augustine

With Brittney and Ian being gone for the weekend, we took advantage of having some time with Wyatt. We loaded up in the car with me and Wyatt in the back watching Santa Buddies. We waled through Candy Cane Forest, Wyatt went on the Ice Sled, let snow fall on us in Elf Village, and we enjoyed a carriage ride through the Enchanted Forest full of lights. We walked by Santa, but Wyatt did not want to sit on his lap because "santa is not real" (gotta love older siblings) After we enjoyed our chilly night out, we hit the Starbucks for some hot chocolate on the way home. Wyatt loved his night out with mom and dad! I am so thankful to have Wyatt as my son. He is the sweetest boy and always reminds us "that he loves BOTH of us".

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was relaxing. Eric woke up at 7:00 and put one of the ham's in the oven for me so I could sleep in. When I woke I began to make dessert's we were asked to bring. I make banana pudding (my dad's request) and pumpkin turtle pie (which is super easy and very tasty!) We then headed off to Eric's g-ma's house fro Thanksgiving lunch. (I forgot the camera) We visited with Eric's family and the kids helped their papa put together a new train set. after clean up, it was time to go to my mom and dad's house....we made it in time to see Jamie and Shannon, the kids, and the puppies (Jackson got to reunite with them one last time before the others are sold) Jr., JennaRae, and Bryant were there too. All the kids LOVE running and playing together. I am so thankful for the closeness that my family shares. I have two AMAZING sister-in-law's and the best neice and nephews around.

I knew it!! He does love his Sissy

Wyatt always tries to be a tough guy and act just like his big brother. Brittney always wants to kiss and hug on Wy and he wants no part of it. Tonight we had a good night, Eric got off at his normal time and we rented a movie and just "hung out". It was a really nice, quiet (rare in our house) night. I took my shower and when I went to tuck Wyatt in...he was NOWHERE to be found. So, I went off to Britt's room (I figured Wyatt was hiding in my room) that's when I saw the sweetest sight ever. He was tucked into her "PINK gurly" bed (as Wy would say)! He had brought his dino and wriggled himself right next to Britt. Moments like this make me so happy:) He is such a sweet boy and I am sure Britt will smile when she wakes up in the morning and can kiss him BEFORE he wakes up.

The Girl's in LOVE with a Vampire

Britt's B-day was at the end of October. We held out from giving her gifts to her...knowing New Moon stuff was coming out. She screamed so loud when she opened the box! I can't even count the times she has read the series of books. I feel like she is a wild horse I am holding the reins back on waiting for Wednesday:) She is soooo excited about going to see the movie with a group of friends from church. My Britt is so cute!!

Brittney's First Young Women's Program

Yesterday was the YW's program at out Ward. It was WONDERFUL! Our Ward has a small group of girls that are amazing. I am thankful for the example they set for Brittney. Brittney has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Sister Clarkson said it perfect... Brittney has unconditional love. We have always said she is a "friend magnet". Brittney has such a sweetness about her and has always been so thoughtful. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father that he has allowed me to be her mother.

Rain Gutter Regatta Time

Wyatt and Eric worked so hard on his boat! He could not wait until Thursday came so he could "sail" it! Wyatt blew his little heart out and came in 2nd place overall in his group. I am proud of my little man and serious he takes his cubscout stuff.

So Happy Together...

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary! We were married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Since we had both been married before and Eric was not a member of the church at the time he suggested we go there. We drove through the night right after work on a Thursday. We got in our hotel room in the wee hours of the morning, so we slept for a bit. We were so excited to get married as soon as we woke up we (literally) walked to the marriage license office then headed up the street to the first chapel we came to. After we were married we went out to lunch and then headed to Ober Gatlingburg for some fun. I sat by and cheered Eric on as he Bungee jumped for the first time. it was so beautiful there with the leaves changing. Eric and I love Halloween so it was neat that they had a Haunted House still going on. After we returned home, the next weekend we had a reception for family and friends. Once Eric was baptized (on our 1 year anniversary) then the following year we were sealed. I am thankful that Eric came into my life and that he has been an amzaing father and husband. When I think about how we met, there is only one explanation...Heavenly Father. Words cannot express how much I love Eric and how each day we have grown stronger as husband and wife. I am so thankful that Eric has made the gospel a priority in our lives. I love you cupcake!!

Report Card Time

My little man got A-B honor roll! Although I not sure if it is good thing or not. For the past two years, his teachers REALLY challenged him. He always did well in his subjects, but got C's in handwriting all last year. His teacher said she wanted to push him to be more creative. This year the day Wyatt came home and said "mom, I REALLY like my teacher this year!" I said that's great, what makes you REALLY like her? Wyatt says with a great big grin "cause she don't give homework!" I am kinda happy, but it concerns me....I asked the teacher to make sure. Sure enough...no homework. They decided that the children do enough in school and the afternoon is family time. I am all about family time:) She just asks that they read "something (road signs, recipes, or whatever they want to)" He must be learning something at school because he just corrected me while typing this:) Stay tuned.....Brittney and ian get report cards Monday. (Those teachers must have been bribed to wait until AFTER Halloween)

Head's Annual Halloween Party

This year it was decided to do a Fall Festival instead of the traditional Halloween Party. In the past we have always done a Haunted House...I hope next year we go back to the Haunted House. The kids had ALOT of fun with the dunking booth and bounce house. There was chili and hot dogs with lots of treats for everyone. I loved seeing all the kids "work" their costumes in the parade. It is always so much fun and I love being with all our family. I am thankful to my mom that she continues to build these memories for my children and they were with me.

Wyatt with his buddy Frank

Sweet Witches

Eric BEFORE I dunked him

Skeleton Man Wyatt

Bryant A.K.A. Spiderman

Sweetest Little Witch I know

Today is my Lovies 12th Birthday! I am so proud to be her mommy. She came into this world at 11:33 a.m. weighing 10 lbs. 10 oz. 22 inches long. She had lots of dark hair and it was really long on top. Britty has turned out to be an amazing young woman and I cherish everyday I spend with her. She is very loving and thoughful. I am excited to see her off into her new journey in Young Women. The presidency welcomed her in yesterday with her favorite...cheesecake. As Primary sang to her, I couldn't help but cry. I love her so much and she is such a special girl. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father that he has allowed me to care for her.

Spalsh into Science

We had an educationally fun time at Wyatt's Splash into Science night at school. The St. John's Water Management gave out all kinds of stuff about saving water and keeping the Earth clean. Wyatt get to "go fishing in the river" (a small plastic pool) to get out all the bad things that pollute the water and harm the water animals. He also got to make an awesome fish t-shirt! The Jax Zoo brought out some animals and taught the kids about them too. Wyatt (and me) had a great time and learned a little something too:)

Wyatt scores!!!

My little man has been playing soccer since he was four years old. I am ALWAYS at every game. Well...this game happened to fall on his Open House night. I missed it!!! He FINALLY scores a goal. He was sooo very happy. Daddy took him to Sonic and got his favorite, mozzerella sticks! I am so sad that I missed this moment. I will be at tonights game so hopefully he will do it again:)

Scout Court of Honor

We had a great ceremony for the Scouts. They received lots of awards from when they went to Summer Camp. Eric is the Scoutmaster with a lot of help from his dad. Those two guys dedicate so much of their time to this troop. I am thankful for the skills they have and how they teach our youth. This Court of Honor happened to fall on Eric's B-day, so we got to have some cake!

Labor Day

We had such a wonderful Labor Day. We were busy in the morning doing errands and few other things. But, in the afternoon, Eric got out the grill and we had hotdogs and hamburgers. We all sat on the patio (the weather was really nice) kicked back and enjoyed the afternoon. I am so thankful for family and the time that we get to spend with each other.

Georgia...on my mind

Let me start by saying that if I didn't love Brittney so much, this dog would be right back on Craigslist. Brittney has been wanting a "puppy of her own". We found Georgia on craigslist and Brittney paid with her own money. Little did I know that dog is high maintenace. She pees on the floor (which is enough to send me over the edge). I am CONSTANTLY scrubbing with Oxy cleaner and Pine-Sol. She is a sweet little dog and has become quickly attached to Britt. It is very sweet the way Britt carries Georgia in her bag and that Georgia snuggles in bed with her every night. She is not a big fan of Eric and has snapped at him quite a few times. Thankfully, Eric has a lot of patience and knows how much Britt loves this dog. We will have to see what the future holds for our little Georgia peach:)

Wow! Ian is 14

This blog is a little late...with school starting things have been a little out of sorts. Ian actually turned 14 on August 27th. I am so very proud of the young man he has turned out to be. It was not always an easy path with him and I believe that through showing him that we love him (and lots of prayers) he is a really great young man. Ian is a wonderful scout and loves adventure. I have always admired how he lives life to the fullest. He is hoping to join the military after high school and is currently enrolled in the NJROTC. Seminary has been a great way for him to start his mornings and he has really enjoyed attending. It makes me very proud that he asks every morning if he is going. I can't wait to see what Ian does with his future and I hope he always knows that we will always be there for him.

First Day of School

Wow! I am so excited to say that the first day was wonderful. It is going to be a little crazy with all the kids in different schools, but I think so far so good. We have gotten a pattern down and everybody gets up at 5:00. All the kids found their way around the new schools. Wyatt is at Plantation Oaks Elementary and loves his classroom theme (camping) it is totally him! Britt is at Oakleaf Junior High. She is excited that she has someone she knows in each of her classes. She decrribes the school as "not what she expected". I think she watched too much TV this and thought she would be on a ship like Zach and Cody:) Ian is at Middleburh High and is really enjoying Seminary and says in high school "they treat you like an adult". I am thankful that I have an amazing husband and that he gave each child a blessing. Eric makes sure we say family prayer each night and morning. (It truly does make the day better). I love my family with all my heart and enjoy being a wife and mother. I will have to get a picture of Ian AFTER school. 5:30 A.M. was awefully early for him on the first day:)

Lazy Days of Summer

We have really enjoyed this summer. We have slept in and swam like little fish. Although the school year will bring new friends and new adventures we are sad to see that the summer is ending soon.

Not sure if I'm gettin' this bloggin thing...

I need a class, I cannot get my background setup. I will continue to work on it. Until then....

Let the Blogging Begin

I am so very excited that I have begun this new adventure. Stay tuned... I will have pictures up soon.