January Potpourri for 300

100 ~ Kidney Stones

Congratulations to Chris Caviness, who passed a kidney stone in the early hours of the morning of January 30th, 2008. This stone (just one of twins) has been trying to come for a couple of months and has caused several days of pain and inconvenience over the last several weeks. It is the biggest stone yet that he has passed. It is very disgusting and will be kept in a medical jar until further notice.

The top stone is the largest one Chris passed several years ago. The bottom one is the stone he passed this morning. It is a good 7mm in length and about 5mm in height. Chris is really good at kidney stones!!!!

200 ~ Loose Tooth

Halle Ann Caviness just keeps on growing and getting bigger. At 5 1/2 years of age she has grown out of most of her school clothes purchased at the beginning of the school year. Plus, she has been introduced to the tooth fairy and really likes it. She lost her first tooth on January 9th, the day we left for Utah and enjoyed showing off the gap in her smile to everyone she came in contact with. She was also extremely excited that the tooth fairy came and left her some money.

Since the beginning of a wiggly tooth, Halle has had a plan to catch the tooth fairy. When asked why she wanted to do that, she replied that she wanted to catch the tooth fairy so she could steal her magic wand. Asked why she would do such a thing, she innocently responded that she needed a real magic wand that really worked so that she could make daddy feel better (from his bad fevers).

It was not long after that she lost tooth #2. She is a very good tooth wigglier but had mom give the final tug. Again, the tooth was collected and money left. But the tooth fairy is very elusive and Halle was not able to catch her yet again. Halle can't wait for another loose tooth.

Happily holding her lost tooth and getting excited for the tooth fairy to come.

Missing her two bottom front teeth and showing off a nice red cool-aid smile.

300 ~ Pull-Ups

There are no longer any pull-ups or diapers at my house!!!!!!!! Sean (the baby of the family) has been working on being potty trained for over a year now. He finally gets it!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been a catch22 lately. Sean keeps having accidents, so Lara keeps putting him in pull-ups (especially for preschool). But when he has pull-ups on he knows he can wee in his pants. And then when he has them off, he forgets he doesn't have them on and wees in his pants. So, finally we went cold turkey and cut out the pull ups (Lara has said she would do this the last 3 times we ran out of pull-ups but then went and bought some more). But when we ran out of pull-ups last week Lara bought no more.

Sean has been doing great!!!! Only one day time accident and he has had one successful night so far. We are hoping he will get the night time potty training fairly soon too. Can't believe there are no more babies at my house!

Sean practicing way back in April 2007, we thought he was going to be a fast learner. Just took another 9 months.

Gordon B. Hinckley

What creates a connection between different people? How much does it hurt when that connection is severed?

Many new him as their father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend, acquaintance, mentor, co-worker, home teacher, etc. To the world (believe or not) he was the prophet of God. And whether you knew President Hinckley well or not I think everyone has felt some sadness and some loss of light at the news of his passing.

I didn't know president Hinckley's favorite color, or his favorite food, or what he liked to do with his grandkids; but I did get to know him through the fruit of his labor. I got to know the love and wisdom of a servant of God through his words and actions. He was a great man. A defender of the faith and pursuer of truth and righteousness.

I did have the chance to meet President Hinckley personally and shake his hands. He came to our mission (England, Manchester the same area where he had served many years before) for the ground breaking of the new Preston Temple. We had a special mission wide conference in which he presided. I was so nervous to actually be in the presence of an apostle (he was at the time the 1st counselor in the First Presidency).

While I did work hard on my mission and follow the rules and did my best - it was not the easiest thing for me to do. I was really shy and it physically hurt to go up to people on the street and ask "golden questions" and to knock on door after door after door. So I was feeling some guilt about not being a "good" missionary and thought that after he talked I would be feeling even worse. I was so surprised when his talk was so light and comical. I don't remember all that he said but I do remember him saying how we needed to have joy in our lives, to enjoy each moment, and have some FUN while we were serving as missionaries. Not what I expected to hear, but exactly what I needed to hear!!!!! I took everything so seriously and only focused on the negatives. It really helped me get more lost in the work as I tried to have more fun and focus on the positive.

At the end of the meeting we were all allowed to go up and shake his and Marjorie's hand. Again, I was so nervous to meet him. But as I finally got my chance to shake hands and look him in the eye all I could see was love. I have always imagined that this will be kind of the same experience when I get the chance to see the Savior again. Nervousness, not quite believing that it is really happening, flashes of sin and quilt, but then the feeling of love and the feeling that I can be forgiven, that I can be something better than what I am, that there is an eternity of hope and unending possibilities.

I will miss President Hinckley. A part of my heart is broken, an earthly connection broken, but I know it will mend with the calling of a new Prophet and also knowing that this is all part of the plan of salvation. That in order to move on death must happen. I'm sure President Hinckley is already busy at work in the spirit world continuing to testify of Heavenly Father and Christ. And I am sure he was embraced in love himself by the Savior and by his own loved ones who have been waiting for him to come.

Snow Dinner

A very snowy view.

29, 24, 20, 18, 12. What do these numbers represent? The numbers my dinner party went through. Because of the snow storm that came in it was one cancellation after another. So, after all that work and food preparation we ended up having my family (5), Herm and Jeraldine (2), John and Lisa Erickson (2), Chris' sister, Sherri (1), and Chris' cousin and spouse, Cindy and Lonnie (2) for a grand total of 12 people.

The dinning room set up for 13 adults.

On the positive side we did have a great time and LOTS of great food. And with all the cancellations it wasn't too squishy for everyone to sit down and eat. (Plus, I won't have to cook for a week now!)

The 7 who were able to make it.

We prayed that Jeff, Linda and kids would be able to make it over in the morning so they wouldn't miss church. The big event? Herm and Jeraldine speaking in church before they leave on their mission. Our prayers were sort of answered. Jeff and Linda were able to get out of their neighborhood this morning, but then church was cancelled. So, no talks now until February 10th.

Lonnie and Cindy brought gifts for Herm and Jeraldine.

On the positive, no one at church will have to see how abused my poor kids are (black eye, head bump, and bite marks in the cheek).

But, what was really fun, is when Chris finally returned from church (after getting stuck several times coming home) we had our own little church meeting. We sang the kids' favorite primary songs, reviewed what we learned last FHE (plan of salvation), read a story from the friend and then we all bore our testimonies. It was one of the best spiritual experiences I have had in a long time!

Chad had wanted to bear his testimony last testimony meeting at church but got too scared. So, it was great to give him a chance to do it in front of a small loving audience. Halle and Sean also did great - it is fun to hear their thoughts out loud. And Chris and I bore our testimonies. It has been a long time since I have expressed my testimony out loud and it felt so good to share it intimately with my husband and children. Who would have thought so much snow could be such a good thing.

Later we will be going over to Chris' parent's house to have lunch, take care of financial and home maintenance plans while they are away, have dinner, and then listen to their talks.

Team Caviness - out of action due to injuries

Many activities of Team Caviness have been put on hold due to the numerous injuries of all the team players. It has been an eventful week but we will go on.

On Sunday night, a little running around mixed with wrestling left Sean and Chad seeing stars after head butting each other. Sean with the hard head came out the victor needing only a kiss to help him feel better while Chad ended up with a black eye and needed lots and lots of sympathy plus a bag of ice to feel better.

On Monday Chris woke up with a bad back. Not sure how this injury happened. (Snow shoveling, piggy-bags with the kids, wrestling with the kids, bad bed mattress ???). He has been receiving multiple back massages and heating pads to the wounded area. But still, it is tough for him to bend and sit and get back up. He is starting to look like the old man of the team.

Tuesday must have been loud and eventful at Ferris Preschool. When I picked Sean up from school he had a bright red cheek. The high school student explained that Sean and another kid were fighting over a toy and the other kid decided to bite Sean. So now he has eight teeth marks on his face.

Sean may not act it, but he must be pretty sweet tasting as this is not the first time Sean has been bitten. He was also bitten pretty bad in nursery last year (in fact I think all of my kids have been bitten in nursery - must be the new hazing for toddlers).

Tuesday night brought pain to Lara as her mysterious stomach ailment hit (doctors have yet to figure out what is going on. The last info. is that is was her gall bladder - which is now removed - so hum, guess that it can't be the gall bladder any more). So she had to call in reinforcements to get Halle to gymnastics. The boys were banned to the basement. (Although Chad was a great help with bringing water and heating pads.)

And to finish off Tuesday night, Halle fell down the stairs and head first into the wall. Thank goodness it was bed time.

With some drug induced sleep I woke up better today (except for the cold I am fighting) and so far we have no new injuries. Hopefully we can keep being healthy and well - after all I have a dinner party to put on for 30 members of the Caviness family this weekend whether we are well or not.

On the Rocks?

Chad is into ice lately. Every drink needs ice. Sometimes he needs a drink just so he can have ice. What kind of ice does he like? "Crashed" of course.

We never have crushed ice at our house - but at my mother's house it is a must. Chad got into having crushed ice, but thought it was called "crashed" ice. So now he is always asking if he can have a cup of "crashed" ice.

Bottled Up Magic

Today was finally the day I was able to pack Christmas away. What is it about the tree and all the decorations that makes everything seem so magical? I love putting up Christmas and hate taking it down. My house is just my ordinary house again. I suppose all the anticipation building up for the next Christmas is what helps it to be so special. So, until next Christmas, the magic is all put away.

Back to the Monday Grind

I'm home again. Wanted to post pictures of the fun times we had - but it is already past my bedtime. I did get a photoshow done - so if you just can't wait then click here http://www.photoshow.com/watch/AP3Xv2XQ to see my photoshow.

Other than that I have unpacked suitcases, done laundry, done dishes, cleaned out the fridge, had Gabe over to play, packed away most of my Christmas decorations (yes, I am just getting to that), gave Chad and Halle their piano lessons, worked on homework, cooked dinner, had FHE, went through photos for Chad (star student of the week for his class) and cleaned up several of Sean's messes. And now I need to go to bed so that I can volunteer at the school tomorrow, head to gymnastics and then meet Chris and boys over at the Rubber Chicken game.

Fortunately/Unfortunately - the long medical details of Chris' woes.

Fortunately I lived through another day without too much mishap. Unfortunately Chris was not able to join us down in Utah. He is still in Spokane. Fortunately Chris was finally able to get a diagnosis: kidney stones. Unfortunately the attack occurred on his way to the airport. Which prevented him being here. His whole medical story begins a month ago. The beginning of December Chris experienced some back pain that was unfortunately very familiar. The last time he had had the same back pain he ended up passing 7-8 kidney stones. Very painful!!! The pain went away and it seemed as though no passing of stones was going to occur. A few weeks later he experienced again the very familiar feeling of having painful and frequent urination. So, now it was time for the stones to pass. Chris tolerated the pain and inconvenience well for a while, but on a Saturday (when the doctor's office is closed of course) it got really bad and decided to go in and see a doctor. Since it was a Saturday he couldn't see his primary physician, he had to go to the Group Health urgent care center down town. Chris explained to the doctor what he was experiencing and told the doctor it was probably kidney stones. Well they ran some tests (std's too which was totally embarrassing for Chris) and didn't come up with anything conclusive. The doctor really didn't think Chris was having kidney stones but rather a urinary tract infection (very rare in men). So he was sent home with some antibiotics and a medicine to help the pain (and which makes you pee orange!). It was nice for Chris to have some relief from the pain and things started to feel better. But after a week, and when he was almost finished with the antibiotics, he noticed that he was again experiencing frequent and painful urination. But he didn't do anything about it. Then comes Sunday, during the night he said he had experienced bad chills. But got up and dutifully went to his meetings before church. He came home for a while and went back to bed before again going back to church. After church he came home and rested some more and felt a little better. He just figured he had caught a cold and was experiencing the first stage of feeling yucky. Monday morning he didn't get up early for basketball but did go to school. He wasn't feeling very well but loaded himself up on cold medicine. He felt better as the day progressed and didn't come home early. Later that evening, soon after coming home he started feeling bad again and started coming down with a fever. I didn't worry about him too much, just figured he would have to weather it out and hoped it wouldn't pass on to me or the kids. After FHE and while I was getting the kids to bed, Chris asked me to call our home teacher to come and give him a blessing. Now I knew something wasn't right - he doesn't do that unless he really, really isn't feeling well. So, I called up brother Reed who came and brought along brother Mattinson (for a medical chit-chat). At that point his temperature was 101.8. Brother Reed and brother Mattinson grilled him on everything tyring to figure out what was wrong and what to do. And then they finally gave him the blessing. After I took his temperature again it read 104.3!!!! I wasn't sure how accurate the thermometer was but he was burning up and getting a little loopy. I called our insurance's on-call nurse. Their only instructions were to keep the temperature down (duh!). But if it looked too bad to take him to the ER - but that would still mean hours of waiting. So I was determined to keep Chris home and comfortable until the morning when the doctor could see us. To compound matter, Chris has what is called Reynauds Syndrome. His body adjusts poorly to change in temperature. His body cuts off circulation to his hands and feet when there is a drop in temperature (much like our bodies would do if we were out in a blizzard for hours which is why people get frost bite on their fingers and toes first). But Chris' body does this all the time with any drop in temperature (like going from a hot shower to the bedroom). So while I am trying to cool him off, his hands and feet are freezing and he is experiencing really bad chills. We made it through the night. And his temperature finally started coming down. By morning the fever was pretty much gone. But we still went to the doctor (as bro. Mattinson thought maybe it was a kidney infection). At the doctors they ran the same tests as before. Chris saw a different doctor, but again we were told that it was not kidney stones but they couldn't figure out what else it could be. His best guess was an infection in the epidimis or prostrate. They sent Chris home with new antibiotics and told us to come back in if it got worse. Chris felt fine again for most of the day, but as evening started so did his fever again. He averaged 102 all night until the morning. And again the fever disappeared. As I mentioned in my previous post, I wasn't sure if I should come to Utah and leave Chris home - but he insisted that I go. So he drove us to the airport and we said goodbye. When I called him later that night he was still doing fine and no fever. So, we were both still stumped at what was going on. We knew something was going on but the doctors weren't very helpful. Again, on Thursday when I talked with Chris he was fine and all set to join us on Friday after school. Well, on Friday, he again started feeling the urination problems. He prayed about whether he should come or not. He started driving down the hill and when he hit Freya and 22nd the big pain hit. He had to pull off and wait for the pain to subside before driving again. So, I guess he got the answer he needed and then drove home. When he was home he called me to tell me what had happened. I agreed that he had made the right decision and told him to get a doctor's appointment right away (back with Group Health clinic as it is now a Friday night). I also told him that he was not to leave the doctors' until they had given him and ultra sound and proved without a doubt that he was not having kidney stones. Finally, on the third doctor Chris was listened too. The last doctor he saw did think it was kidney stones and sent him for an ultra sound. After the ultra sound they did find kidney stones!!!! Apparently they had been blocked (causing the fever) but for some unknown reason (priesthood blessing?) had dislodged themselves and were now traveling down the pipe. They gave Chris more pain medication and again sent him home. Now he just has to strain his urine to see if he passes any stones. Then on Monday he is supposed to see his primary care doctor so he can get permission to see a urologist. When he sees the urologist he will then determine what needs to be done - just let them pass or some kind of surgery. And until then they may even pass themselves. But if Chris develops a fever again he has strict instructions to go the the ER. So at the moment Chris is doing okay, but he is basically a ticking time-bomb for something to happen - either the pain of passing stones or the pain of surgery to remove them. I guess we will eventually find out the how and when of the whole situation.

I'm In Utah

After a stressful week, I now find myself in Utah. Home with my family and with my brother who just returned from his mission to Frankfurt Germany. I almost didn't come. Chris was really sick with some type of infection that confounded the doctors and kept his average temperature at about 102 degrees for a couple of days. He was so sick he even missed a couple of days of school. (The last time he took a sick day was over 10 years ago!!!!) But thanks to some loving parents and concerned home teachers and members of the ward they convinced me to leave my husband in their care. Thankfully Chris is now feeling better and is set to join us here in Utah tonight. My adventure to Utah began on Wednesday, January 9th. That is when I flew with all three kids into Salt Lake City Utah. The flight plans worked out that my dad would arrive at the airport around 6:30pm from Las Vegas (where he is currently working), my brother Ian (Elder Hansen) would be arriving at 8:00pm and our flight was to land at 8:30pm. That meant that my dad could meet Ian at the gate (something you don't get to do any more) and then my dad and Ian would meet us at our gate. And my poor mum (who is of course dying to see her baby home) would be left behind the security line awaiting for all of us. But of course, that is not how things turned out. They worked out even better! Before I left Spokane I suggested that my dad look into getting a special pass for my mum to "help a single mom with three kids." My dad arrived on time, my mum got the special pass, but my brother's plane was delayed two and a half hours. So my mum and dad met me and the kids from our terminal. They then took us to eat at Burger King. And then we hung out in the play areas of the airport for 2 hours!!!! (My dad suggested we just let the airlines collect our discarded luggage and that we could collect it later - I trusted in him but was a little nervous about it - but it all worked out). So, two hours later, when my brother's plane finally arrived, he was greeted by my mum and dad and then the kids and I jumped out at him from the play area. It was really fun!!!!! Then we all walked him down to the baggage area where all his friends loudly greeted and hugged him. By the time we finished greeting, collecting luggage, and getting cars it was pretty late. We arrived home around midnight and then by the time I got suitcases in and unpacked, got the kids settled down (from running around wildly) and ready for bed, and watched my brother open his Christmas presents it was 1:30am!!!!!!! (And I already hadn't slept for two days because of taking care of Chris.) Needless to say I fell fast asleep!!!! But what a great day!!!! Can't believe my baby brother is home. More adventures awaited us the next day! My brother was to be released by the Stake President at 7:30 am. The kids actually slept till about 8:30am (7:30 Spokane time). I heard them wake up and go down stairs and expected them to come and wake me up any minute when they couldn't find nanny or grandpa or Ian because they were gone. But they didn't come back up- so I thought maybe they came home already. But I didn't hear any grown ups downstairs. So, eventually I got out of bed to see what the kids were up to. Sean had been a tornado and had gotten every toy and game he could get is hands on and they were scattered all over downstairs. Chad and Halle had invited in the stray cats that live in the backyard in for some cat food and personal grooming (my kids are pet deprived). So I quickly set everything straight, feed the kids some breakfast and got them all dressed for the day. I finally hit the shower and when I came out Halle was crying. She said her eyes hurt. I ignored her for a few minutes and then finally took a look. She had a right to be crying!!!! Her eyes were all red, puffy, and welts were forming all around them. That's when I remembered she was allergic to cats (we only found out last time we visited). So I put some cold compresses on her eyes until we could get her some eye drops and bendryl. We finally got her feeling better and then she started crying again. When asked what was wrong now, she responded that she was so sad that she had to be allergic to cats because she loves them so much. The rest of the day was the usual - Chad and Halle milking nanny for attention and Sean being a tornado where ever he went. I finally left the kids with my mum to go on a shopping trip to good old Seagull and Deseret book stores. An hour into my trip I got a call from my mum. She said she had very sad news. So, my heart stopped a little, I didn't think any of my kids were hurt or their would have been more panic in her voice, so my next guess is that the cat had died. No, the cat was fine but the TV had died. Apparently my brother Ian came home with a wii a friend had let him borrow. Being the fun uncle that he is he thought my kids would like to play. So, he set it up in the family room on the nice new, huge, flat screen TV my parents had recently purchased. He set it up for bowling, grabbed a controller for himself, and then gave a controller to Chad. Neither had the wrist bands on. So, I am sure you know what happened next. Chad gave a nice big swing of his arm when it was his turn to bowl and CRASH!!! The controller went flying into the TV and cracked the screen. Needless to say all the fun came to an end for the rest of the evening. So, today is a new day and I am hoping for a little less excitement than yesterday. I hope our biggest adventure will be going to the Bean Museum at BYU and then picking up daddy at the airport.

Christmas Time 2007

Wow, time to catch up on the past year before this new year goes rolling right along. (So, sorry but this will be a bit lengthy!)

Fun in the Snow

The kids have been dying to play in the snow. Now I am NOT a snow person or a person who likes to be cold (I know, I should be living in Arizona). So, when dad was finally around to help we took some time to play outside with the kids.

We had fun sliding down the hill at Chase Middle School. We had only one tube (as I was trying to blow them up I discovered that they all had multiple stab wounds in them - SEAN!!!!!!) so we only had our one big tube (with small leaks) to tube on. It lasted several rounds until it finally deflated too much to use any more.

After our tubing adventures dad started a snowball fight. I was just glad I had the camera and was the official photographer (no snow was allowed to come my way). The kids loved it! And now every time Sean gets a hold of some snow he wants to throw it at dad - what a great kid!

A Trip to the North Pole

With Grandma and Bompa getting ready to leave on their mission for a year, they really wanted to have a memorable Christmas this year. So, to start the season off, they took us all on a cruise from Coeur D'Alene to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.

We watched and followed the many spectacular lighting displays on the way to the North Pole. The kids were all in awe!

Sean was completely mesmerized by the lights. He was also pretty thrilled to be on a boat!

Chad got to hang out with his cousin Justin and favorite uncle, Jeff.

Halle enjoyed being with her Grandma and Bompa and was always ready to pose for a picture.

Although the scenery was great and the boat moved pretty swiftly, it seemed to be a long time out in the cold. We all bundled up the best we could and drank lots of hot-chocolate (except for Halle who had ice-water because she doesn't like chocolate).

Finally we made it to the North Pole and Santa was actually there!!! The kids couldn't believe their eyes and were completely transfixed on the North Pole display.

Santa welcomed us, then he read aloud the names of all the good children on the boat. Luckily Chad, Halle and Sean were all mentioned (there must be some leniency for three year olds!). Santa then led us all in singing the Twelve Days of Christmas and then it was time for the boat to return (Santa is pretty busy you know).

After the boat ride we all went into the Coeur D'Alene hotel to warm up for a spell and see all the pretty decorations.

It was a really fun family activity. I might even have to add that to our annual Christmas tradition list! (But next year we sure will miss having Grandma and Bompa with us!!!)

The Week Before Christmas and All Through the Caviness House . . .

On the last day of school (Tuesday, December 18) Halle and Chad got to go in their pajamas. They were very, very, excited for Pajama Day. I love how excited they get over just little things - that is what makes having kids around so much fun.

At Sean's preschool a special visitor arrived. It was fun to see all the different reactions of the preschool kids. Some were so excited, some couldn't care less and a few were even scared to death to see Santa. Sean fell into two categories. He couldn't have cared less while they had to sit there and wait. But once Santa was sitting down and showed his special sack - then Santa had his attention and he was all excited.

Fortunately and unfortunately Sean was picked first to go on Santa's lap. Fortunately he was excited and went right up to Santa and since he was first, he was still behaving well. Unfortunately, after his turn he no longer had any interest in Santa or sitting nice in the circle. He decided to crawl away from the circle (so he doesn't think any one can see him) and went over and built himself a fort out of the cushion chairs.

One of the many things I really wanted to do this Christmas season was to make a gingerbread house with the kids. I always wanted to do this when I was a kid - but for some reason my mom never did get around to doing it with us.

Last year was the first year the kids got to decorate a house. We had FHE at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Linda's where we decorated costco houses. Chad absolutely loved it!!!!!!!

This year I was determined to do it right and make the gingerbread house from scratch!!!!! So I was just as excited as the kids when it turned out!!!!! (Although I did end up teaching my kids to say the word, "crap," every time the frosting gave way and I had to start all over again in putting the house together.)

Between frosting and candy (both putting it on the house and eating it) we all had a great time. It was worth all the work.

Christmas Eve

One of our traditions is to make cookies for Santa. For the past couple of years we have made and decorated gingerbread men. We heard that Santa and especially Mrs. Claus really love gingerbread cookies. This year I tried very hard not to micro manage and let the kids do everything themselves. The cookies were very loaded with frosting and sprinkles - and Santa must have liked them because they were all gone the next morning!!!

A Christmas tradition that has been going on in the Caviness family for over 20 years now is that of getting together with the Erickson family for dinner, a program, and dessert. We start out at John and Lisa's house with delicious prime rib that John salts and slow roasts all day long. I am actually not a big fan of prime rib but this is delicious!!!!!!

After a yummy dinner (and cleaning up of course) we move on to Herm and Jeraldine's house were we have a Christmas Eve program. It always starts out with Jeraldine playing "Silent Night" on the piano while Herm reads the Christmas story from the Bible. Then everyone else is supposed to share a talent. This year both Chad and Halle played Christmas songs on the piano. I played the piano too (since I already had to practice and prepare a piece for sacrament). Sean led everyone in singing "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolf" along with handing out bells and reindeer antlers for everyone to use. And Chris touched on spiritual thoughts from the talk he gave at church the day before.

The Erickson's combined their talent this year and everyone (John, Lisa, Josh and Andrea) played the BYU fight song on their kazoos.

We always end with Mike's talent - a trivia game based on the movies, "It's a Wonderful Life," and other Christmas movies.

Then we let the kids open their special Christmas Eve bags. They always contain pajamas, a new ornament for the tree and usually a book or video. This year we did something different and gave them all T-shirts for their pajamas. They got an ornament from Alaska (from our cruise this summer) and Mr. Men books.

Finally it was time to come home and get ready for bed (10:30pm!) The kids got into their new shirts and set out the cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. And finally by 11:00 pm it was time for bed. (This is the only part of the Caviness tradition that I don't like!!! I want the kids to bed much earlier!!!!)

On Christmas Eve they all get to sleep in the same room. This year Halle talked the boys into sleeping in her room. I guess the good thing about going to bed so late is that they did all drop off to sleep pretty quickly. (After a few bathroom breaks.)

Christmas - The Big Day!

On Christmas day the kids all line up on the stairs and are aloud to go into the room one at a time to see what Santa brought. This year our kids all slept in - which is truly a miracle as my kids are always early birds. Chris and I actually had to wake them up at 7:30am.

So once they were awake and we had the Christmas music playing and the camera's ready we let the kids in. It was Sean's turn to go first this year (his first time at going first), followed by Chad and then Halle.

Sean got a really fun race track with crashing cars. (Not quite the gun he had asked for from Santa at preschool - but close enough).

Chad got a roboreptile and more bionicles of course. (Notice in the background that Santa also brought new tubes. How did he know?)

Halle got Barbie Island Princess everything! The barbie, the styling head and the DVD. What more could a little girl want?

Anything is a toy for Sean, even clothes. After unwrapping a few presents he put them all to good use. Anybody else out there wear pants on their head?

My presents this year were two new suitcases with wheels!!!!! I've still be using my suitcases that I had on my mission - very old and very worn out. Sean decided to turn them into a toy too. My other gift was a set of new dishes - which was very nice but cracked me up because they were also my birthday present. My birthday was last month and Chris had bought me the dishes. But since I hadn't used them yet (been using my Christmas dishes) and he didn't have anything for the kids as a present to me - he wrapped them up again and let the kids give them to me as gifts. Oh, well, it's the thought that counts right. Anyone up for a nice dinner party?!

And here is the present I made for Chris. His very own BYU blanket. I only got the top done - so I still need to quilt and bind the edges. Maybe I will finish before next Christmas and wrap it up again!!!!