Sly Mrs. Claus

Jill met Santa for the first time this year. It was exciting, and she wanted nothing to do with him. But as our luck had it, Mrs. Claus came along too, and she's awfully good with kids. Just watch . . .

Did you notice how she slipped Jill a candy cane mid-cry? That sly Mrs. Claus!!! She's the real brains of the operation.

Oh Tananbaum!

Three years! Can you believe it. We've been decorating Christmas trees in this apartment for three years now. I believe this is our most beautiful one. Compare to the last two years, if you would like. http://teamsvedin.blogspot.com/2009/12/oh-tananbaulm.html.

Ah Yes, our wonderful woodsman at work. We actually found this tree (and last years) at the best little Christmas tree farm. I'll recommend it to anyone in our area.

And here is our baby, under the tree.

And this is the reason Jill got beads for Christmas. Scary Huh!!!! Don't worry. This was the last time she played with the Christmas tree cranberries. And I promise, she never strangles herself with the beads.

Christmas Eveyday!

I know how you are. At the end of December you said to yourself, "I wish I could find a way to make this Christmas feeling last all year long." Well, I'm just trying to help you out by talking about Christmas in the middle of January.

Merry Christmas!


 I received some very wonderful and thoughtful gifts this year, but Matt will tell you that my favorite is the one one Santa brought me. I've been working on it non-stop ever since Christmas Day. This is also the only really good picture I got of our decorated Christmas tree. Matt picked a beautiful tree this year.
He also picked out a beautiful new digital point and shoot camera for me (a Christmas Eve gift so I would be ready for the big day.)

Matt find this little number in his stocking . . . No, not Jill. She was last year's gift. (Jill doesn't usually scowl like that when we take pictures. She was just trying to get used to the new flash, and figure out what she should do with Dad's new toy.

Jill's stocking held beads, her new favorite thing, and mittens for the next few cold months, and . . .

Of course, an orange, which is also one of her favorite things.

Jill's Big Announcement:

Along with letting everyone know that she just got her 6th tooth, that she loves being 1 year old (and sneaking into the bathroom to unroll the toilet paper), and that she is on the verge of being an Olympic speed walker, our little girl also wanted everyone to know:

We knew it the moment this cute thing came to earth.

With that much inspiration how could we not try for another?

So, Baby Svedin #2 is due to arrive the first part of April, 2011. The doctors say it'll be another little girl. (Good thing, because we know what to do with those.)

Jill's First (Frost) Birthday!!!!

Here's a little recap of Jill's very happy first birthday. We got up to find Snow! Jill loved her oatmeal and apple sauce birthday breakfast. We bundled up and ran some birthday errands. Then we came home and made a birthday sign. Jill was so excited for dinner and cake. She had no doubts about how to handle the situation. For her first b-day Jill received a beautiful crocheted doll that Daddy has already named "Betsy," some yummy foam letters for the bath tub, and a cute cute cute dress. Unfortunately our refrigerator magnets only came with one "H" so we had to get creative. "Snappy Birthday, Jill!" (Birthday out-takes can be found to the right.)

Holding Our Breath

This has been an interesting week . . . month . . . year for my family. We have seen so many blessings that our struggles don't seem that great (after the fact).

Many of you know that my mother was treated for cancer in the last 12+ months. She responded well to treatments and was in the recovery stage until about a month ago when her doctors found a group of cancer cells they think somehow survived the first two rounds of treatments. Now, after a short hiatus, she's scheduling round three.

My sis also found out this year that her new baby, just born last week, would need open heart surgery upon arrival. Our new nephew is doing well, even though his new body is giving him his first earthly workout.

As I watch my family work things out and know I'm too far away to lend a hand, or a hug, or anything else of great consequence, my prayers get longer, and my blessings become so much more pronounced. I'm so grateful for my sweet little family here in Idaho. Jill will be 1 next week, and we just can't wait to help her celebrate. We have everything we need, and some extras, like the fall leaves being so beautiful this year. (And no snow yet, thank goodness.)  I'm most grateful for the blessing of having the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and knowing that although life comes with its special challenges, He will strengthen us as we learn about Him and His love for us. We will all someday return to His loving arms and live forever with the ones we love. What a great blessing indeed.

I hope you all know that I'm thinking of you, praying for you, and loving you, even though I can't be there to help you paint, or make you dinner, or watch your children as you recover. And I miss you oh so very much!

Trick or Treat

In true Halloween spirit, We dressed up this year and went trick or treating . . . kind of.

First we it the local Farmers Market, tried all the free samples, and took a piece of candy at each booth to fill Little Red's candy basket. Then we went home for a nap and lunch. We rounded off the day with a nice relaxing Trunk-r-Treat at the church.

Then Jill hung out with a baby sitter while Matt and I went to a couples Halloween party. Too fun. We learned some important things this year.

#1 Jill likes candy.

#2 Matt and I compete much better when we are on the same team.

#3 Bouncing ping pong balls so they stick onto a slice of peanutbuttered bread is not as easy as it sounds.

Happy Halloween