The Story of a Boy and his Bear . . .

This is the story of a little boy who loves a bear . . . and his name is Preston, not Christopher Robin. The story actually starts long before anyone thought about Preston--When Burke and I were dating he sent me a teddy bear sprayed with some cologne a really sappy card that told me how much he missed and loved me (he lived an hour and a half away from me). I thought this was SO adorable and I loved having the "Burke" smell close to me every night.


Then we got married and as a joke I set the bear on our bed a few times. Burke thought that was pretty silly. I just couldn't get rid of it though. I am a bit of a sentimental sap I guess. Finally I put it in a box, not sure what its future would be. It survived 3 moves (which tells you that it was actually important to me) and one day when Preston was 6 or 7 months old I remembered the bear. I jumped up right then and went and dug it out of the storage closet.

It was love at first sight for both Preston and that Bear. I think that bear actually started smiling. Bear goes everywhere Preston goes. They play together and for a long while I joked he would never need a sibling because he was so content with the bear! Bear went everywhere with us. There was a period of time when a stuffed Elmo became his inseparable buddy, but bear was never entirely forgotten and always close by. According to Preston this bear has feelings, gets hungry, needs stories, needs to go potty, needs to wear clothes, needs to go to church (I do let bear come in the car to church or the store, but I draw the line at letting him take him in anywhere! Preston thinks this is wildly unfair, but you got to draw the line somewhere right?!) He also thinks it is "very rude" to put bear down from the table so we (the real eating members of the family) can all have a place to sit at dinner! Bear has been through numerous name changes, but will probably most consistently just be called "Bear". Below is a (small) sampling of the many many pictures I have of Preston and Bear. They are not in chronological order, but are all so sweet to me :) I love this wonderful boy!

This picture was taken because we found Preston like this after we had put him to bed-- he found his Monkey suit and put it on. Beloved Bear always close . . .

Clinging to bear to keep him safe from the camera!

one of many "tea parties"

asleep in his window sill-- Bear makes a terrific pillow!

Burke looking less than impressed with his genius idea of a Sunday afternoon activity -- he had to pull this kid (and Bear) around in this for a long time!

a few mornings ago (at about 6:30), Burke found Preston asleep in front of the heat vent on the stairs. Wearing a jacket. Notice who else got a jacket in the middle of the night?

He told us, "Bear and I got cold."

Favorite

Six years ago today, I married my favorite boy . . . . . . . and he is still my favorite :)

Christmas!!!!

Disclaimer: LOTS of pictures!

Our first Christmas at Home has been much anticipated, and it turned out even better than I could have imagined! I have been LOVING every minute of it! It took us over an a few hours to get all the presents open, because our kids were SO excited about each thing they opened that they wanted to stop opening their gifts to try out their new toys! So cute! Their excitement is contagious and I have been reflecting all day on their innocence and joyful delight in simple things. I told Burke last night that I had not been so excited for Christmas morning since I was a little child! I had forgotten (sadly) the magic of Christmas to a little child.

It was beautiful and simple. It felt good to have a simple and uncomplicated holiday with a few traditions that we were establishing for our own family. It was a mix of traditions from my family, Burke's family, and a few of our own ideas. Most of all I have been grateful for the time I have had this season to reflect on the true miracle of Christmas, our Savior Jesus Christ's Life and all that it has given to me. I love Him and I am thankful for his perfect love.

Burke read us the Christmas story from the scriptures. This is one of my very favorite parts of Christmas Eve.

As soon as Daddy finished reading to us, we used the Nativity Blocks from Grandma and Grandpa Hill to act out the story.

We left cookies, milk, and letters for Santa.

After Santa came and before the kids came into the room I snapped a picture or two :)

Waiting for Daddy before they attacked their stockings!

Preston just couldn't quite wait!!!

But Dad saw it anyway :)

Rebekah sporting her new baby and stroller. She also got a pack'nplay for a doll bed. She couldn't be happier!

Preston scored a train set. About three weeks ago (well after Santa had taken his order and purchased his gifts) he changed his request from Thomas the Train to "Bob the Builder Machines". I just kept telling him Santa would bring him something he would love, and I was holding my breath hoping I was right. Luckily, he also got some awesome puzzles with building machines from Sheldon and Becki. He said, "Santa remembered!!" It was so sweet.

Dear Grandma & Grandpa Andrus

Thanks for the very fun Christmas package. Mom didn't take any pictures of us loving the popcorn, or the muffins, or the puzzle, but she did manage to get a picture of us after we made the nativity ornament. It was SO fun! We loved it and it is so special to have an ornament on our tree that reminds of Jesus. We love you! Merry Christmas!

Love,
Preston & Rebekah

Preston-ism

About a week ago I had a disaster with Rebekah's hair. I decided to cut it. I have done this a few times before and had success, but I knew that this cut was one I should take her in for--and I had to--with a train-wreck of a cut. So embarrassing! I was sorely tempted to lie to the hairdresser I had to take her to-- but in the end the whole mess was my fault so I owned it and fessed up that I got in WAY over my head. It turned out pretty cute (if you don't look too close!) So it is funny (er) now than it was then.

A few days ago I was fixing Rebekah's hair before we went out to run errands. Preston came in just as I was finishing. He said, "Oh you look so beautiful Rebekah!" Then he looked at me and said, "You sure didn't ruin it today Mom!"

Just a little frustrating . . .

I've been taking the kids pictures when they are all dressed up in an effort to memorialize the season. And it has gone about like this . . .

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Oh well . . .So I am not really a photographer. We could blame my really outdated cheap camera . . . but I am pretty sure that is not the only problem I have going here! How is it possible, that all of my blogging friends manage to take such cute candid photos of their children? Maybe we truly are just not that photogenic. I say "smile", and I get kids with smiles so big and cheesy their eyes are closed,or they crane their necks so I just get a really cool picture of their nostrils. I say "look at Mom" and they look everywhere but Mom, I take 5 pictures (quickly) and they both say, "too tired" and lay down (top photo no joke).

Silly Kids.

Silly Mom.

Happy Halloween!!!

We had a fun and simple Halloween! The kids (still) didn't really get the concept of Trick or Treating (We went to our ward's Trunk or Treat) but they had fun anyway! Preston has asked for his "trick or treats" everyday since! It was COLD this year-- I was glad we had warm costumes on hand!