I'm Alive

Who knew having my gallbladder removed would keep me down for over a week? I thought after 3 c-sections having my gallbladder removed would be a piece of cake.....WRONG. On top of having my gallbladder removed, I did have dye run though my bile ducts and the doctor decided to do some exploring while I was asleep. So maybe that explains the longer recovery. My mom was able to stay a week and a half. Kris was wonderful....super sensitive and remarkably dealt with 3 boys off mommy's routine. I did get my stitches out today which feels great, but I was informed I still have 2 more weeks on laying low and no heavy lifting or pulling. I always laugh when doctors tell me that. If they could see and average day at my house, they would know that is an impossible task. I am convienced Jack should have been a monkey. He literally wants to be on my hip all day long.

The boys are great!!! Currently they are playing outside with the little girl next door. It has given me a wonderful break and a chance to catch up on house work and laundry. I keep seeing Jack running by chasing his brothers and laughing.......... that just makes me smile. I LOVE my boys!!!!

Feeling Old

Many of you know I turn 30 in a week and a half. I realize 30 isn't really old, but lately it is looking pretty over the hill to me. Since the first of the year, I have been diagnosed with a herniated disc in my lower back and gallstones. I will actually have my gallbladder removed on Monday. Then after that recovery, I will be able to address my back. CRAZY!!! With all of the health issues combined with chasing 3 wild boys on a daily basis, I am scared to even think of what 40 will bring.

SNOW!!!!!!

After calling for snow for over 3 days, we woke up to nothing. We had expect to wake up to a covered yard. The boys had been so excited about the possibility. We were so disappointed until shortly after we finished breakfast, snow started falling. Not a ton.....around an inch. But it was enough for the boys to play and have snow ball fights. We really had a great time playing in it. Jack loved it. Every time we would come in to change into dry clothes, he would scream to go back out. Enjoy the pictures.

More Christmas Pictures!!

Christmas!!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas. The boys from Dec 1st on were really excited about the holidays and spending time with family. Santa was way to good to them this year. Christmas Eve when Kris and I were putting together and setting out toys, I realized I went way overboard. I had bought for them, my parents had bought for them, and my wonderful uncle had bought for them........and these purchases a donation to Santa. So in addition to gifts from friends and family they had tons of Santa. So at 1:00 am Christmas Eve, Kris and I decided to put some of the toys up for Valentine's Day and Easter. CRAZY!!!!

After visiting Jennifer for Christmas Eve, we drove home and let the boys open one present each. Hamilton opened a Bible. He had been wanting a new and old testament for our Sunday night bible study at church. After we opened, Kris read the Christmas story from Luke from Hamilton's new Bible. I hope this is a tradition that will continue in our family. It was great time.......just me, Kris, and the boys.

Enjoy the pictures!!!! And Happy New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Tried to get a picture of the boys and Santa.......Samuel was literally passing kidney stone. Santa was trying to make my mother Mrs. Claus.... so somehow we all ended up in the picture! Jack pot under the tree!
My boys!!!!!
Boys love their Daddy.
Samuel cooking with mommy!!!!

The count down is on. My boys are beyond excited. As of yesterday, my shopping is finally finished. We have had such a fun December.....church programs, visiting with friends, shopping for the boys, baking and the list could go on. With all the craziness the holidays can bring, I have tried to be so careful to remind the boys on a daily basis why we celebrate Christmas. After visiting a dear friend of mine last week, I was given the perfect plan. When I entered her beautifully decorated home, I noticed there were no presents under the tree only a beautiful manger scene. I thought odd, since Christmas was only a week and a half away. She began to explain that since Jesus is God's gift to us on Christmas, that their family puts the nativity under the tree instead of presents. Presents will be there, only to the side and not the focus of the tree. They will put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning. What a beautiful way to teach your children the true meaning of Christmas......a huge celebration of Christ birth. So the day after Christmas, I will be shopping for my nativity. I am already excited about having it under the tree next year.

Merry Christmas to all of our dear friends and family. May God bless you all throughout this holiday season.

Addie

All of you know Addie our German Shepherd. Today, we found out she has heart worms. We were so sad to get the news. Kris and I love Addie, but our three boys adore her. She is their playmate and protector. For those of you who are pet lovers, you know your pets are definitely a member of the family. The vet said we can slowly watch her die, or we can get her treatment for around $600.00...... So she starts treatment tonight and will come home tomorrow evening. For three weeks she is suppose to be still......no barking, running, or playing ball. That will be the real challenge. So I have gone from taking care of Samuel to nursing our 6 1/2 year old Shepherd. I guess when you have a husband, three children, and a dog there is always someone (or some dog) needing your attention.

The Perfect Tree

This past Saturday, we ventured out to a Christmas tree farm to find the "perfect" tree. Boy did we ever find the "perfect" tree.......a 10 foot Leland Cyprus. Growing up, my family always had a real tree, and we always cut it down. This going to Lowe's was not for me. So last year, we found a tree farm, cut our tree, and hopefully started a great family tradition. The boys absolutely love it. This year we had no idea how large our tree was until we put it in a stand and got it in our living room. We have 11 foot ceilings, but his tree still looks like a monster. I can no longer call Kris the Grinch. The tree is beautiful, smells wonderful, and now sets a new standard for The Sodergren Family Christmas Tree.

Samuel

I am happy to report Sam has had 2 wonderful days. We are now on no medicine, he is sleeping great at night, and has had very few complaints. We are all thrilled!! Hamilton said Tuesday that he was happy to have Samuel back. I know Hamilton misses his playmate when he's not feeling well. We hope to now enjoy the holiday season......celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus!!!!!