----Merry Christmas----

Christmas was Perfect:)

I hate that it's over so quickly?!?

*Building snowmen, 3 movies, hours of card games, Wii competitions, insane amounts of shrimp, delicious red and green holiday slushy stuff, homemade carmels and english toffee, honey-baked ham...santa's lap, pulling jax on a tube behind the four wheeler...sleeping into 11:00 a.m. EVERY DAY....

Yep....I could get used to all of it pretty darn quick.

I bet your past few days sound pretty similar!!!

*****

I'd say Our holiday was a success.....other than my small cold/stomach ache/fever/nausea....and overall pain that is:) I AM ALWAYS sick on Christmas. I think it's the stress, the cold weather, the lack of sleep due to preparation...(who knows)...but I am always sick! Christmas is no small thing at my mom's. This is precisely why I love it and most likely why I am sick:) The shopping and menu planning can make for some long days the week prior I tell ya.

Oh...but they are all so worth it!

*****

I never posted a picture of my mom's tree! This is one of them....and I LOVE staying up late, laying by it and reading long after everyone else is asleep. Her snowman one is so darling too but I don't have a picture:) I meant to do this tag....but I ran out of time!

Mommies don't get a break....and I rarely take one (as most of you can relate).....so this sickness is dragging on and on and being unncessarily cruel:) How dare my body try and keep me from the fun! I ignore it...carry around a bottle of Robitussen and Tylenol PM and I'm good to go:)

****

Life couldn't be better right now.

Reasons I LOVE Christmas at "home" would include:

1-Christmas eve! My mom puts so much work into Christmas eve!!! We have a D-E-Liciously perfect meal and even better dessert.

2-We always go to a movie....and when we return have a wonderful family home evening.

3-We each open a New Christmas Book every year...and on the inside cover my mom writes us her testimony along with a special note. Yep...I'm lucky. It's a fun and special way to collect wonderful Christmas books for our kids. We then read the book aloud as a family and I love the spirit it brings.

4-She then, of course, has us open a new pair of "PJ's". You never get too old for a cute new pair of comfies!

(me and kay showing off our new lounge wear:)

5-She then has lots of new games for us to play...and we spend the rest of the night having a wonderful time and creating memories:) We all love Christmas eve....and it's all because of the effort my mom puts into making it special:)

6-Christmas Morning!

My mom does a perfect job...from the wrapping paper to the bows...to the huge breakfast...oh...the list could go on forever.

I still feel like I'm 6 years old waking up Christmas morning at my mom's....and I'm not going to complain. I'll take it for as long as I can:) I plan on carting all my kids and their toys to her house for as long as imaginably possible!

*****

We all knew that Jaxson was going to be a blast on Christmas this year! He had 8 adults 100% mesmerized with his every "ooo and aaa". Santa sure found him...and (santa) will try and remember next time that aunts/uncles/and both sets of grandparents will also be giving him presents:) whoops. He was in heaven....and completely overwhelmed for most of the day.

BEFORE I dive into my countless pictures of Christmas morning.... I must "catch up" with other Christmas activities. It seems like they were all crammed into the last 2 weeks! (sad that a huge chunck of my pics got erased...and good thing I take at least 500 of everything so I still have plenty. Hee hee)

***

Last Sunday night me and my baby decorated a gingerbread house. He laughed the entire time. Oh yah,...and ate over 50 gumdrops in the process! It was so much fun...and he is at the p-e-r-f-e-c-t age right now. I want to push pause on my life and NEVER leave these weeks and months. They pass so quickly...and although I cherish every stage...THIS one is completley precious.

Yes. I get pretty serious about this kind of stuff:)

I'm not the only who thinks Jaxson is a joy by the way...because I asked Jarom...and he is also currently obsessed with his darling-ness lately. Ha ha! We fight over who gets to snuggle with him....or get him from the carseat after a ride somewhere. Are we pathetic? Or just in need of another little Baby Bishop to smother? Don't answer that. I'll admit...he even sleeps between us since we came back from Hawaii....and I NEVER DO THAT. I'm completley against it actually! I take one look at his little face and throw all rules out the window:)

Oh man....he is by far my best work yet:)

****

We also had a family Christmas party on my dad's side. Santa always comes...which was wonderful because I didn't have to make a trip to the mall and wait in line for hours to take care of that little chore:) Jaxson has never seen Santa....but he knew just what to do. He loved him...gave him a hug and kiss...and enjoyed the "Presents" part....so it was a success!

Santa gave Jaxson (or mom gave santa to pull out of his huge red velvet sack and give jax) a Dinosaur that walks and roars! He thinks it's perfect...mainly because he is VERY into "scaring" people and "roaring/growling" these days:)

Boys are great.

And...my mission was accomplished. Jaxson LOVES Santa:)

Me and my hubby...who I think is ultra-cute.

****

This is my only picture of Jax on Christmas eve due to a camera mishap:) In his jammies of course....and playing with his new toy from grammy. He LOVES those toys at the doctors office...so he's thrilled to have one.

Finally....we move on to:

***CHRISTMAS MORNING***

The face on this little guy sums it up for ya! (look close at that grin) I knew he'd freak at this four wheeler. He is in LOVE with them...and begs to go on rides ALL day long. His face/reaction were priceless. He now stands and/or kneels on the seat and rides full force into all my moms furniture. Fun fun fun.

***

Other favorites included:

(I think it will be fun to look back YEARS later and see exactly what he got and enjoyed at the time)

Little people school bus and T-Ball set.

Animal hand puppets:)

Little People Car Garage:)

Giant Ride on Lion and basketball hoop:)

Mr. Potatoe Head...Mega blocks...and a HUGE bag of dum dum suckers...his absolute favorite:)

The sweet kid even exclaimed "oh my...oh my!" every single time he opened clothes or pj's. Not too fun for him...but what a good sport!

***

I sewed him this little pillow as well. I recognize that it's for a BABY...but better late than never:) I always wanted to stitch each of my children a pillow for their crib...so HERE'S MY JAXSON'S!

***Complete with Birthdate, weight and all the info.****

Santa brought me a Red Laptop...and I love him to death for it:)

I am having lots of fun photoshopping now!

Christmas was wonderful....and we felt very lucky and spoiled! It was so great to spend it with my entire family....that was most definitely the best gift of all:) We were all home together for the first time in 3 years. I also LOVE living so close to my in-laws because we can spend time with both of them on special days like this. Jaxson enjoyed having FUN twice that day! We went to the Bishops house in the afternoon to open gifts and celebrate all over again.

*****

Christmas night we were dumped on! Jarom took Jax out to play in the snow....and he loved every second of it. He now has a wonderful cough and runny nose...complete with a new found obsession with snow and deeper love for his daddy. He built a snowman with aunt Kayla and Uncle Nate too! I watched from the window with a cup of hot chocolate and box of tissues.

...he wasn't too excited to come inside....

WOW.

I think that will do for now.

Picture overload.

Would you believe me if I said I've barely covered the half of it?!?

***

I'll end by saying...

I am NOT ready for the Christmas Season to be over!

I love this time of year...and only wish I had more time to ACT on all my ideas and good intentions. I hope all of you have had and continue to have a wonderful and safe holiday:)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

....haven't ruined him yet....

I remember VERY CLEARLY Jaxson's 5th night of life:) My mom was in Omaha.... busy taking care of us and catering to my every need:) I remember crashing on the couch...holding my perfectly swaddled little baby and fighting the sleep that I VERY MUCH needed. Tears started a comin' and didn't stop for oh, a few weeks:) I remember bawling for HOURS that night....mumbling things to my mom like "I don't want him to grow up....I AM GOING TO RUIN HIM....I have no clue what to do!"

*****

I later realized it MUST have been all that percocet talking (ha ha).... but I have to admit....on occasion...since that emotion-filled night almost 2 years ago....I have felt that exact same feeling inside: "I AM GOING TO RUIN HIM!"

****

Do any of you mother's know what I'm talking about???

****

I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to make them (our children) perfect! I may be speaking for myself....but I READ WAY TOO many books that made me believe Jaxson's sleeping habits, eating habits, and ability to perform baby sign language before he could hold his head up were ALL that mattered.

So So Stupid.

I decided that night...or maybe early into the next morning (his 6th day of life:) that I quit. I was going to have fun. SURE...I have had my fair share of "you're going to let him what...?" or "he should take a nap!"...or "a bath before bed is what's best"....or " he can't eat hot dogs for lunch EVERYDAY"....comments! hee hee....

..................

and guess what....HE'S ALIVE.

and the best part is.... I've FAR from ruined him:)

He is awesome. Can't sign me a thing....but man, he's great.

*****

WHICH BRINGS ME TO WHAT I'VE BEEN PUTTING HIM THROUGH THE LAST FEW DAYS! (oh...the authors of all those baby books would turn me in to child services:) Afterall, a kid needs routine, right? Ya, right:)

****

Jaxson has spent the past week straight shopping and running errands. Every...single....day. He get's ripped out of bed and taken out in the freezing cold to fight for parking, scope out deals, and listen to me and his grandma debate which size/color/shape of knobs to purchase for the kitchen cabinets. This is not so much MY idea...as it is my mom's. She has SOOOO much Christmas shopping to do it's insane, not to mention all the home improvements they've been busy with...and she prefers company. So I go:)

*****

Well....the guilt started to set in today while I was "dabbing" the grease off of his pizza slice (dinner) in Sam's Club an hour ago. I kept thinking: "I am the worst mom on the planet!"

and then I thought......"or am I?"

*****

Jaxson HASN'T had a nap in a week straight....and last night climbed into bed at about 12:15 a.m. after eating half a bag of cookies and cream hershey kisses! Gasp.

Most mom's would agree this is a bad move and probably consider taking a few Valum and giving themselves a guilt trip for a few hours. I am guilty of this on occasion as well:) BUT THEN I thought as he climbed into bed with me last night "he's giggling...and snuggling....and just kissed me on the nose and said NIGHT NIGHT MOMMA!" He's happy and knows I love him. That's all that matters.

I guess I haven't ruined him yet.

******

He was then ripped out of bed this morning...NOT given a bath.... and fed 1 handful of red and green Christmas M&M's for breakfast....(and a sippy of milk to wash em' down)....before heading to Layton for more shopping and errands. Gasp again.

Then I thought: This kid probably loves his life! He just ate M&M's for breakfast instead of choking down some disgusting organic meal that tasts like tree bark! He wasn't bawling...but instead giggling.....AND completely loves me...and that tells me one thing

"I haven't ruined him yet."

****
Then today in Home Depot, while making the decision between bronzed or brown lighting fixtures for the laundry room, he looked at me and simply said, "Momma...I pooped." As if asking me...if it wouldn't be too much trouble....to fix the situation he was currently sitting in. Oh-How patient:)

THE LIST GOES ON:

In Seagull Book and Tape he was totally convinced that a roll of Christmas wrapping paper was a "bat" and he proceeded to wack all towers/displays of books making a loud "pooooowww" sound with his mouth on every swing. Me (the mother) who should have been appalled...couldn't find it in me to punish him. I have to hand it to him...it did look just like a bat. Oh...how creative:)

****

I also had to change his diaper on the front seat of the car....with the door open....in 20 degree weather....and I was so freaking cold I wanted to cry. I looked down at my half-naked child while I was whiping his butt with an ice-cold wipey and he looked up and smiled a huge grin at me and said... "mamma.....it's B-B-B-RRRRRR". Are you serious? Oh-how positive:)

****

He doesn't mind a bit. He laughs and laughs....shouts "Hi!" and "Hello" to everyone we see....and is the most easy going little guy ever. Asking me to change his "poops" is about as whiney as he gets. Lucky me. Oh....and he LOVES me to kiss his "Ouchies". He thinks that is that greatest thing ever these days.

We made it home. Another day without a nap...another day with an unhealthy breakfast, lunch and dinner...and another day full of memories where we laughed, played and I cherished the fun parts of being a mother instead of stressing that I might ruin him.

***

He's Healthy.

He's Happy.

He's (as of right now) growling like a dinosaur and pretending to tickle my toes.

Oh-and He's begging for a popsicle.

(I'm giving in...because he said "peese" in the sweetest voice EVER.)

*****

Looks like he's not ruined....YET.

A-L-O-H-A

We're Back!

And I must say..."That was the BEST WEEK of my LIFE!"

***

What a perfect way to celebrate 5 years together. I am more in love with Mr. Bishop than ever.... I assure you....and could spend every minute of 6 more weeks with him and still not get enough! Too mushy? Sorry. He truly is my best friend. Not only is he patient, easy going and b-e-a-utiful...he is hilarous. I laugh and laugh when we're together. The last 5 years has been Pretty GOOD to us. Sure.....We are both look a little "older" and "chubbier" around the mid-secion. Jarom is even starting to get white hair...(which he claims are from trying to keep me happy...whatever:)! Regardless of how cruel time can be....I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so excited for what our next 5 years has to bring us!!!

***

We have accomplished a lot together: educations, grown to be best friends, moved away from family, had the CUTEST little boy on earth:), and set common goals we plan to spend the rest of our lifetime working side-by-side to acheive!

Can't think of anyone I'd rather be with on this Journey:)

No...we are not "oiled up". That is SPF 30 waterproof.

If you were wondering! ha ha.

The first few days were spent relaxing on Waikiki beach! It was beautiful...and although one of the busier beaches we went too....I always love it! I love the wonderful food, great nearby shopping, and fast-paced lifestyle. Jarom is a little more laid back...but he endured it well. He went shopping EVERY NIGHT and let me barder for great deals on earrings for hours! He followed me around with a smile while I browsed the fancy little shops and pointed out all the things I wanted. I'm one lucky girl....because I know just how much he hates shopping...but he did for me anyways.

***

The entire trip he would say "we can do whatever you want. You're in charge today." Are you serious???? I remember SO CLEARLY why I married you Mr. Bishop. I LOVE being in charge:) and I'm VERY attracted to your selflessness.

The Weather was a Picture Perfect 85 degrees the entire week!

We are both Dark Dark Dark and I am currently being stared at by strangers wherever I go who think I spent 3 weeks straight in a tanning bed.

***

NOPE PEOPLE....I soaked it up HERE !!!

....WITH HIM....

(Be thinking the following when viewing the above two pictures: It is December...only weeks after Thanksgiving dinner, they haven't seen the sun since August...and definitely haven't exercised once since September)

Thanks:)

Man I got some great deals! Jarom didn't quite agree...he kept whispering to me "You just totally got ripped off!" after we'd leave the international marketplace. It was funny.

The 3rd morning was spent touring the entire island! That is always one of our favorite things to do. We hop in a car and drive the entire coastline scoping out secluded beaches that we'll have all to ourselves! We had carefully scoped out the top 4-5 must sees and it was the funnest day ever.

***

We spent the morning at Kailua Beach. SO SO SO beeeeaaauuutiful. It is famous for it's white sand and completley see-through turqouise water. We took a stroll on the beach and watched a few locals have their 7:00 a.m. yoga session on the sand. Whatever. I can't believe they wake up to the every morning!?!

IT was VERY ROMANTIC:)

The afternoon was spent at Turtle Bay Resort. Wow. You can see it behind me.

***

This beach is famous because you can often see giant Sea Turtles swimming there and relaxing on the beach. It was awesome.

FAMOUS SUNSET BEACH: NORTH SHORE.
Everyone's heard of Sunset Beach!!! The waves are insane. The North Shore is known for it's huge WINTER WAVES and we were excited to spend an afteroon playing in them in December! The Pipeline Masters for surfing were going on...and surfers were everywhere! Orange flags were posted every 2 feet in the sand warning people to avoid swimming or entering the water.

***

What did we do? We jumped right in of course. Jarom led me out about 15-20 feet and just told me "when the wave comes jump up above it". Simple enough I thought. Wrong.

***

The wave came....I jumped...went under....felt myself flipping several times...felt my body slam against the ocean floor....and came up 5 minutes later.

***

YES-I pouted for like 20 minutes....(and lost my sunglasses) I was ticked off....and because of my non-risk-taking kind of a personality...was not very happy that I about drowned and left my child motherless. That wave through me around like a ragdoll!

***

HINT: BELIEVE the signs and giant Orange Flags.

I spent the rest of the afternoon videoing Jarom be thrown around from a DISTANCE!

Unlike me....HE thought it was just wonderful.

DOLE PLANTATION

Home of the pineapple ice-cream (one of our favorites)...fresh cut pinapple...and (my personal favorite) Chocolate Covered Pineapple. Holy Crap!

Jarom enjoying the best ice-cream on earth!

My..."if you haven't been here....and haven't tried this....your nuts!" FACE.

I'm serious...it....was....delicious.

Jarom even agreed that they could not AND have not every replicated it here.

Sad sad sad.

***

Sunday was my Hubby's Birthday! He was actually born on Pearl Harbor...so it was neat to be in Hawaii on that day!

***

We spent the morning at Waimea Bay. Our favorite beach for sure!!! We napped on the beach....got thrown around my a few huge waves....and went out for a night on the town!

***

We headed straight to our favorite...thankfully located right on the beach "The Cheesecake Factory!" He's 29....aaggghhh! I hate that he's almost 30. That feels old.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart....I hope you had a memorable one!

I will remember that day forever...it was a perfect.

It was odd to see christmas trees, wreaths and hear "Winter Wonderland' playing as you browsed the shops in swimwear and flip-flops. It definitely didn't feel like Winter OR Christmas!!! BUT....the trees were gorgeous. The entire city was lit-up with twinkle lights.

I loved it.

***

HANAUMA BAY: Snorkeling Central :)

One of our top three things to do in Hawaii hands down!

Look at that....seriously.

Why?

Why did we have to come home?

We are becoming quite the snorkelers...I must say!

It was the funnest day ever. Do I keep saying that??? It was.

***

The best part of the day was when we were snorkeling along holding hands....and I felt Jarom's hand rip away from mine and watched him dart into the opposite direction as fast as possible.

What in the?????? Yep---he left me.

***

HE SAW AN EEL. Those who know Jarom...know his intense hatred for MOST animals. He is terrified of dogs....hates cats more than anything...and snakes are just digusting. I guess eels aren't on his top 5 favorite list either....because he left me to get attacked by it. He was totally freaked out. Ha ha ha. Oh yah...he is terrified of bats.

That just cracks me up!

We then headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the Famous "Horizens" show and a big Luau'.

Simply wonderful!

We visited the 7 villages....and ate the best food ever...followed by another "pinapple binge". Our mouths were permanently sore from all the pineapple...but it couldn't stop us. WE LOVE IT.

Did I mention we were greeted upon arrival with fresh flower leis!

Yep...we were. Awesome.

My favorite part of this night was at dinner. We happened to be seated at a table with an older couple from L.A. There were several pitchers of drinks to choose from lining the center of our table. We all took turns sampling the fresh papaya juice....and passion fruit punch, etc. The older lady took a sip of a "yellow" drink and exclaimed right to Jarom..."DO NOT TRY THAT ONE...it is sick. It tastes like some wierd fizzy gatorade." Jarom believed her and continued our evening like usual. About an hour later he asked the waiter if they had Mt. Dew...because he can't seem to live without it?!? She pointed to the completley full pitcher or "nasty yellow fizzy gatorade" sitting directly in front of him and said...."there it is...help yourself!"

****

I thought he was going to die! Mt. Dew.....that had been untouched all night....how can that happen? Thank you old lady from L.A. I am convinced my husband is going to die from that stuff!

It was a much needed break....and thoroughly enjoyed by both of us! I had the best time and will be counting the months until we can go back:) Neither of us wanted to come home....but it was oh-so-sweet to be reunited with our little munchkin!!! He stared at me for a long moment...not recognizing me through my unnaturally tan face...slowly pointed at me and whispered under his breath, "mommy?" like it was more of a question!

It was priceless. He then clung to us for the remainder of the day and we took turns smothering him with love.

***

It never gets eaiser to be away from your child....but I think it's much needed for EVERY marriage on a regular basis!!!

***

I love you Jarom...and I cherish this time we had together.

Happy Anniversary Honey (it's offically tomorrow..Dec.12)!

and thanks....for the best, most romatic gift ever:)