December 2010

Brinnlie loves to take herself off of oxygen.  This picture shows just how much she gets into pulling it off her face.  Notice the NG tube…now keep in mind for the end picture.

December seemed like we we're constantly on the go.  Needless to say, as soon as Christmas was done, I was anxious to get it all put away…and that I did!  Since it’s been a while ago, I’ll start from the beginning and go through our happenings of what I can remember :)

The first part of the month brought us together with fellow NICU graduates and their families to celebrate Noah’s 1st birthday!  Good friends of Tina’s and fellow NICU family, the Cragun’s hosted at their home and we headed south.  It was so much fun to see how much all the little ones had grown and how far they’d come in their first year of life---all of the babies at the party were at the U when Brinnlie was born, but we didn’t get to know them very well ‘cause she was transferred to Primary’s, but we’d heard so much about them from associating with Noah’s family and it was great to finally meet them!  They are all so inspiring and have miraculous little ones!

Next came Macie’s Winter Dance Recital.  She’s so excited to be in dance again and is loving it…I however, am still trying to get the day and time in my mind so she can get there!  I don’t know why I can’t remember when it comes to this?  She’s doing great and we’re looking forward to future recitals and competitions!

In the week leading up to Christmas we started with FHE in Brigham visiting Santa and the Nativity at the Tabernacle.  It was sure cold, but fun to go out together. 

Gunnar and Macie were worried that they didn’t see their names on Santa’s “list”…Brinnlie’s was there though :)

Gunnar asked for a 4-wheeler that he could drive.

Macie asked for a hair salon.

Broxton asked for a Christmas train.

We were also blessed to have “ward friends” give us the 12 Days of Christmas.  They gave from their heart as well as their pocket to help make our Christmas extra special this year.  We received various things like yummy treats, handmade ornaments, food for our liking, and even gifts for Christmas morning…we really felt the Spirit of Christmas, thank you.  The kids (and Trevor) especially liked trying to sneak a peek and catch them in the act, but to no avail. 

We’re excited to pay it forward through the year to come.

For Christmas Eve we did the traditional Jarrett Party with dinner, then talent show and the nativity following.  The kids all sang a song;  Gunnar and Macie did Jingle Bells and Broxton the ABC’s.  They all had costumes for the nativity scene, but didn’t last long enough to let me get any pictures.  I managed to get the boys singing on camera and Broxton got some pictures of the lights though.  Maybe Grandma got some?

The kids were anxious to get home and went right to bed so Santa could come…

He did.

They all got what they asked for, and then some.  Gunnar and Macie especially love their 4-wheelers…luckily, Christmas day and the couple days following, the weather was good and there wasn’t any snow so they could drive them before they got parked until Spring.  Broxton got his trains and has spent the majority of his time building tracks and being Thomas.  Brinnlie got some teething rings from Santa…all her other gifts she got earlier as she’s needed them such as a Bumbo chair, a Boppy pillow from the Carrigan’s, toys to grab and look at, ping pong balls, and clothes just to name a few. 

As for Trevor and I, well we couldn’t ask for anything more than just being all together as a family…for we’ve received more than we probably deserved this past year.  As we take moments to reminisce about things that have transpired and as we take in the present, we are amazed at how much we have to be thankful for and have no doubt who to give credit to.  We could not have only gotten through 2010 without family, friends, medical staff, new acquaintances, and strangers who were willing to help ease our burdens in our times of need, but especially not without He who we owe our all too.  From the mouths of our babes, “Happy Birthday Jesus”…We truly thank Thee.

As the day went on, we spent time at home and after things settled a bit, we headed to Great-Grandma’s for lunch and visiting the Gardner family.  That night, my parents, Shanna and Nate, and Corey and Colten came for dinner and yummy food/treats.  After presents and visiting, they headed home and we were ready for bed.  We received a call from Sue, one of Brinnlie’s primary nurses wishing Brinnlie a happy 1st Christmas.  We talked for a few minutes, giving updates and catching up, then said good night.  It was great to hear from her and nice that she thought to call.

New Year’s Came, we slept.

Here’s looking forward to 2011!