2011 Holiday update

Wilkins Christmas / New Years 2011-12

We had so much fun this holiday and were able to do many things with our large family.

Daddy and the boys. Hyrum 2 1/2yrs. and Clynn 1 1/2 yrs. old
Roping at Denver's house with the uncles and Grandpa.

I am so thankful for my sweet little family. This pregnancy like the others has been very hard on me. I can't eat without throwing up, I am tired, somewhat cranky, and constantly have cramps etc... This one has been especially hard as I have two cute boys that need me, and because I have been having bad pelvic pains since early on and sometimes have a hard time getting around. But the last week or so, I have had a surge of energy and I am grateful for that. Also, though I am 26 weeks pregnant I have not thrown up for 2 days, and that makes me happy :) We'll see how long it lasts, lol. We have so much fun together. Danny is a great daddy and really helps me out at home. I am so lucky to have such a strong, supportive husband. And my boys can lift me out of any bad mood with their abundance of energy, quick smiles, tummy laughs, and silly antics.

We spent time with just our family decorating for Christmas, making gingerbread houses, organizing the home for the new baby, and doing FHE activities which included starting a savings for the boys Mission funds :)

Clynn looks a little worried about the possibility of having to leave mommy one day, whereas Hyrum is daydreaming about all of the letters from girls he will sure to be getting.

We went to the Temple the day after Christmas. It might start becoming a traditional day to go. It was so nice to end the Christmas season at the temple, thinking of Christ, and being so near His holy home.  I love my Savior so much, and loved being here with all my boys!

My favorite picture spot on temple grounds. Right in front of the reflection pool. For me, it's like seeing the physical and spiritual side of the temple in one view. I love it! Especially at Christmas time with all the lights sparkling around it in the reflection. 

Hyrum created this special moment for us. He was running back and forth excited all night. Crowd dodging, saying excuse me, and laughing all night. But, when we got to this point, he saw the Star and ran as fast as he could to it, then stood there staring for at least 5 minutes. He loved the manger, and the star mostly. He wouldn't even talk to us or turn his head. So we all just sat there pondering our Savior. It was a special moment for us. Even Clynn sat there quietly.

I got me some handsome boys. What more can I say?

Danny has been so busy with work. Right now he is working with his brothers during the week, and then he is also working with his uncle, as his uncle Chester often hires out his brothers and him to help him do his jobs. We are grateful for all the work. Right now they have been especially busy, to the point that they are getting backed-up and are having to work very hard. At times Danny does not get home until around 7pm at  night, though he leaves around 4am every day.  He also stays busy with my list of chores at home :) He is currently building bunk beds for our boys, and they are going to be amazing! He is working at starting his own business of custom metal work. He has added several things to his truck, including a new tailgate that looks so cool! Danny loves keeping up with the news, politics, and the latest on talk radio. He is in school working hard for his degree and spends the rest of the time hunting with our brother in law Matt, and playing games with the family. 

Trisha has been trying to remain active in her normal activities but the pregnancy has made her slow down a lot and so she is turning to sewing, games, and playing with her boys to keep her sane. Her and Danny are still serving in Nursery and they love the kids they serve, though Trisha is getting more and more uncomfortable as she tries to sit on the ground with them playing, and getting through the entire two hours without feeling sick and crampy is not possible anymore. She is currently sewing comforters for the boys new bunk beds, and then will try her hand at swim shorts for the boys for the upcoming seasons. She reads a lot, and stays very informed with politics and what is happening in the world. She is currently reading a few church books, Sunday lessons, and just finished a compilation of writings from mothers all over. If she doesn't find a new book soon she will probably start all over with some silly fiction she has read a hundred times :)  She loves her friends and family, and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dean who is due April 4th, and then she will begin training for our Texas Marathon in December!

Hyrum Patrick is turning 3 in February and shows all the signs of a little boy bursting to make his way in this world. We can't wait until he starts school and can start working that little brain of his that is constantly bursting with energy, thoughts, and ideas. Some of his ideas are not so great, but always inventive. He loves his daddy, horses, Grandpa, juice, trucks, dirt, and his little brother Clynn. His favorite two presents for Christmas were a dragon that roars and walks around, and a train set from "Dinosaur Train" However, the dragon has taught him some bad habits, as he now is constantly roaring which sends Clynn crying to momma every single time! We want him to have fun, but his brother is very sensitive and gets scared easily. We thought Clynn would get used to it, but he cries as much now as he did weeks ago, and it's getting a little old :)  Hyrum also loves his momma's childhood baby doll and likes to carry her around. He is getting good practice for baby Dean. He is a sweet boy, though ALL BOY. His momma loves the cuddles he gives her every day, and the way he follows her around and says HI all day long. He can count to 20 now, sings the ABC song, and is FINALLY potty trained! His energy and love of life is contagious, and when he fastens those big baby blue eyes on someone they melt and fall in love immediately.

Clynn Bryant is turning 2 in May. He is such a boy and yet is also so sensitive. We don't know how the two can go together, but with him, they do. We are constantly wondering who he is, what he did before this life, and who is going to be. He is a reminder to us to be calm, patient, and soft. If anyone yells too loudly in the house he comes running and crying to mom for love. Even if we are just yelling for someone to bring us toilet paper. We can't tell you how many times he has come running to us while on the toilet :) Clynn is very intelligent and talks all day long. He will repeat anything you say, already counts to 10 and loves animals and their noises. We like to sit around coming up with random animals and their noises and he remembers all of them. Him and Hyrum walk around during the day saying silly things and making different noises. He loves wrestling with his brother and can hold his own unless Hyrum gets real loud, then he is done. He loves getting into the dirt outside, and loves rolling balls back and forth across the floor with us. He is momma's cuddle bug, loves bath time, reading time, and any other time that includes momma, or food. We are grateful for his sensitivity, stubbornness, and love for us. 

Baby...  Dean Matthew Wilkins is due April 4th. He is growing quickly with no complications thus far. He is a mover and likes to poke momma in the ribs every time she sits still! He is especially energetic after drinking a soda or eating candy which mom has done more in this pregnancy than the others. She is constantly craving sugars, whether it comes from candy, fruit, ice cream, or soda. With Hyrum it was McDonalds, Clynn was Jack n the Box, and Dean is candy.... Luckily with the others she rarely eats those things after they are born because she is so sick of them. Hopefully she can remove candy and ice cream from her food after Dean is born too. Mom is preparing to have another natural birth with Dean, and is excited for the moment they get to finally meet!

More than anything the Wilkins clan feels gratitude to the wonderful family that surrounds them, their fun and amazing friends, and the spirit of the Lord which they strive to stay close to. We wish all a happy holiday and pray that your family has a wonderful new year. Though we will all pass through trials this year, we hope that you will be close to those that love you and that you will each grow closer to the Savior through each blessing and trial. We love you and feel blessed to be part of your life!