Colton's Baby Blessing

Since we had a bunch of family around (12-31-09) we wanted to bless Colton so they could be apart of it. My mom, Dan, Hunter, Daniel, & Adrienne were here from Utah and Mom & Dad McArthur, Aunt Jenny from Idaho, & Aunt Katie from Minnesota. Bishop Schetzner and his wife came over to join us. We also had my dad, Devin, Gavin, & Blake on Skype and Lori on the phone so they could all witness it as well. Doug offered a beautiful blessing that resonated missionary work.





To my dear Colton,

Your sweet and pure spirit brought immediate joy and love to my life. I sense your spirit to be wise, noble, and calm. Speaking of calm, Dad frequently referred to you as the "peacemaker" and I hope you live up to the title. Your brothers truly delight in your presence and welcomed you into our family with big hugs and enthusiasm. I feel so blessed we endured the 9 months together, wow it was rough. I'm so thankful you are in my arms and out of my belly. My love for you was immediate and my heart wants to hold you and love you all day long.

Eternally your earthly mother,
Mom


Indian food to celebrate.

Comparing feet.


Multi-tasking.

Talon and Jax LOVE to hold their new brother.

Aunt Jenny with boys.


Jaxon LOVES to snuggle with Colton.

2009 Funnies

December
Talon- I'm describing different types of dinosaurs and he's guessing what they are. I say, "Who's really big and walks really slowly?" He replies with grand enthusiasm, "MOMMY!!!" (9 months prego...he is right)

November
Jaxon- "Mom, I like to eat bugs...you don't like to eat bugs...last night a bug crawled around like this and went in my mouth...I crunched...it was yummy." (eeeewwww!)
Jaxon- "If I'm your son then is Talon your moon?...what's baby Colton going to be?"

October
Jaxon- "Mom you need to listen and obey when I say come and wipe me."
Talon- "I can't...." he says in a whiny voice after I ask him to clean up. I respond, "If you can make this mess you can clean it up." He replies, "Noooooo, Jax made big mess." (pout, pout) I then threaten time-out. "Ok, Ok, I do it!" he replies and begins to pick up the toys with his mouth and retrieves all the toys like a dog for the next 10 minutes. (could have been done in 2 min.)

like Father like Son...
Jaxon- Upon entering the kids' bedroom this morning, I found Jax sitting on his Diego potty, his pull-ups at his ankles and Dinosaur book on his lap. I gave him plenty of time to do his business and then asked, "Jax, are you done?" He replies, "I'm done pooping, but I'm not done with my book" and he continued to sit there for a while longer.

Talon- Eating oreos and milk is quite the treat. Talon loves to dip his in milk and then shove the whole thing in his mouth and can barely chew.

Jax- Urgently Jax runs to me and says, "Mom, there's a squirrel outside and I need my bow and arrow." I reply, "really?" Proudly he states, "I need to shoot it and show Daddy." I think to my self, "we've been living in West Virginia too long."

April
Talon- With every prayer that is said in church, Talon folds his arms and says, "dabadaba mama...dabadaba daddy, dabadaba Jax..." and when he's done he shouts "AMEN!!!" with his arms out stretched. If the person saying the prayer isn't finished, he then repeats his own prayer over and over until they are done.
Jaxon- Today while singing the sacrament hymn, Doug pauses to hear Jaxon singing reverently and sincerely, "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star..."
Jaxon- He loves to draw pictures. This one was of the three bears, named Jaxon, Ashton, and Alyson (his friends). They all had the body parts in the right places, including the male anatomy...yes, even Alyson had a weewee.

March
Talon- After a major fit was thrown, I ask Talon, "Are you going to be grumpy today?" He replies with his lips puckered out and eye brows furrowed, "NOOOOO!"

February
Jax- "Dad, my belly's stuck!" as he's shirtless pushing it out. Doug replies, "What do you mean?" "I can't get my belly to be big like yours."

Talon- Today in nursery we were jumping with the kids and Talon was too cute trying to jump. It went like this: squat, heals off the ground, lean forward, bounce up and fall forward onto his hands, stand up, clap, do it again.

Jax- Doug repremands him and says, "Do you want a spanking?" Jax replies, "Don't worry Daddy, I'll do it myself." as he spanks his own bum!

Talon- Frequently we ask Talon if he loves Mommy, Daddy, Jax, etc. and he always shakes his head no and says, "uun-uhh." This time were going through the whole list of relative, McArthurs, Wilson, Sturgeons, and when we came to Gavin (8yrs.) he thought for a moment, shook his head yes, and said, "uhh-haa!" So much for thinking that his "no" meant "yes." Gavin know that you are loved!

January 2009
Jax- "Ewww! It's poop!" as he looks at the bean burrito on his plate.

Jax- "My poop's stuck!" I pull back his underwear too see what's up. He then says, "Thanks Mom!" and scurries off to play. (his first wedgie)

Jax- After bath time, "I want to show my bum to Katie." I say, "No." He then says, "I want to show my bum to Maddie (Katie's baby girl)."

Talon- "whaaaa! ah! ah! Mamamaaaamaaa!" Serious freakout. I glance over to his high chair to see what's up. A pea size drop of yogurt on his finger. I asure him he can just lick it. More screaming! Jax tries to help, "My mouth lick Talon's finger."

Talon- I instruct, "Talon, if you want to jump off the couch, put pillows down first." He throws the smallest couch pillow on the floor and then dives off the couch head first onto the floor, completely missing the little pillow. Screams!! Snuggles with mom!! and then wants to do it again.... really?

COLTON TANNER!!!!

Colton Tanner has arrived in style this morning at 12:12! Amber was brought in to be induced yesterday morning at 6 am. We spent all day sitting in the room watching monitors of Amber's contractions and the baby's heartbeat. Finally in the afternoon Amber really started to have harder contractions. At 9:45 pm the nurse checked Amber to see if she was progressing and she was dilated enough to get her epidural. So then the anesthesiologist and her doctor showed up around the same time. The doc broker her water at about 11 pm. When Amber started feeling more pressure at 12 am the doc came in and 12 minutes later the little man come into this world. Unfortunately he gulped some amniotic fluid that didn't agree with his new lungs. So the nurses quickly went to work cleaning him out and helping him get the oxygen he needs. He weighed in for the fight at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 inches long. Finally this morning the docs let him come back to our room and we got to hold him. He is currently cuddled comfortably in Nana's (Amber's mom) arms! Colton We Love You!!!

Christmas Day...one of the best Christmas's ever!

The NATIVITY...McArthur/Wilson style

Doug's 30th Birthday

I was feeling bad that I couldn't pull anything grand off for Doug's 30th birthday since Friday was the Ward Christmas Party (which thanks to friends, I wouldn't have been able to decorate at all because my body hurt so bad...thank you Meekers, Katie, and Doug!), Jaxon's 4th Dinosaur Museum Birthday on Saturday, and then Doug's b-day on Sunday. I did ask him what he wanted to do for it and he said he just wanted to invite his closest buddies over for dinner and eat clam chowder and cheesecake. So that's exactly what we did. My dear friends Katie and Britta (wives of the buddies) helped make the clam chowder, parmesan rolls, and berry cheesecake...it was all wonderful and I was so thankful for my friends who again saved my poor body and made the dinner and dessert.



After dinner, Doug asked his buddies, Daniel, Ryan, and Jason (all in Dental school) to look at something that was bothering him in his mouth. It was quite comical to see them be "dentists" in our living room.



I gave Doug some Army surplus ammo boxes to store and organize all his ammo in. And then gave him a Top 30 list of favorite things people like about him all from Family and Friends. Here's the list:

Douglass McArthur’s Top 30: (HAPPY 30^TH BIRTHDAY)

1. “He is playful, he dresses up, he is creative, and can make anything.” –Jen
2. “His sense of humor”- Corrie
3. “I love that he stays in touch with everyone, in many ways he is the glue that holds us together”- Lar
4. “Favorite thing is spending time with him, personality, care free, and we have fun! Those are the best of times.”- Lar
5. “He is so fun and has good toys.” –Trey and Isaac
6. “I like that even though he didn’t prepare his lesson today, that he still came prepared to class.” – Emma Michaels
7. “He’s a modern day Nephi…and a great dentist.”- Devin Daines
8. “I like his crazy facial hair.” – Will Hunter
9. “He’s funny. He’s just himself, easy to be around.”- Philip Brough
10. “He’s got a genuine smile.” – Mary Brough
11. “That he even knows who Tred Barta is (and that he wants to be Tred when he grows up). “That he gets my husband outdoors- even if it’s to go shooting.”- Britta Ellis
12. “That Doug is such a great friend, willing to do almost anything to help.”- Katie Johnson
13. “That he is a true friend…one you can count on for things practical and for the silly times.”- Jason Ellis
14. “That he drives Ryan to the airport---so I don’t have to.He hehps me remember my Nacho quotes. He is a great example of handling chaos.”-Daniel Johnson
15. “Doug is a true friend. If you need anything, he’s there no matter what.”- Ryan Ulibarri
16. “hmmm... after thinking about this for a minute, the thing that jumps out to me is still how he let you figure out whatever you needed to with a returned missionary and patiently waited... but was right there and then made it happen. Persistence!... kindness... what a fantastic guy.”- Jordan Horrocks
17. “Mine is -his ability to make anyone feel like he is their friend (hairy, meaty quadrapeds excluded) -and to mean it.”-Dan Wilson
18. “He is an eternal kid and fun to be around!”- Love, Hunter
19. “He’s the real life, handsome version of Bob the Builder. He’s Mr. Fix it, I know I can go to him for anything hands on and he either knows or will figure it out.”- Katie M.
20. “Fun Loving. P.S. only person I know who can jump rope with his bum.”- Lori Sturgeon
21. “He has a current Temple recommend.”- Jack Sturgeon
22. “I have always appreciated the excellent example Doug has been to me in my life. This goes back to our days @ scout camp and his never wavering testimony. More Recently, I have found that Doug gives to me a deep seated confidence and a sense that all will go well. He always lends a listening ear and helps me to feel more reliant on the Lord and to realize my own potential. He always has a minute to spare to talk with me when it seems like the world is falling around me.” Jon M.
23. “My favorite thing about Doug is how excited his voice is when he tells hunting stories and he has a way of knowing when I need some advice.”- Ben
24. “Doug was the ultimate play ground and older brother toy.”- Scott
25. “We enjoy the creative things he makes.” Mom and Dad McArthur
26. “I love how much Doug loves to share everything. Whether it’s his knowledge or love for guns, or just his time. He’s always willing to take time for me whenever I call.”- Daniel

27. Doug makes my precious daughter happier than anyone else in the world endearing him to me forever! Doug truly loves his boys! Doug keeps life in perspective handling stress better than most!Doug is passionate about his interests - Amber, Jaxon, Talon, hunting,dentistry, knife creating, etc.Doug is sensitive to the needs of others! For example, he bought me a new (used) way out of date Jane Fonda workout video because mine was about to give up the dust. Doug puts family first! I will never have to worry about the needs of my daughter or grandchildren being taken care of . Doug is commited! Furthermore, I have a feeling that Doug would also take care of me if anything would happen to Dan. He even offered me a job in his practice! Now that was risky on his part, especially because I might seriously take him up on the offer!!Doug makes me happy! I sincerely love being around him! Doug has a strong testimony and is commited to the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Whenever you talk to Doug, he is totally present and always understanding! Doug is a great student and enjoys learning! Doug selflessly sacrifices for others - especially his wife and boys when Amber is pregnant! Doug makes the best blueberry jam in the world!!!!! I am really needing some of that right now. Doug is a "can do" guy! He will make anything work! Doug is my favorite cowboy! Doug is the best gun shooter I have ever known! Doug's fine motor skills are amazing! He uses his gift to bless the lives of others - dental work, knives, guns, bunk beds,yummy meals, etc. Doug enjoys dancing and singing! Doug is the life of a party and knows no stranger! Doug is flexible! Doug is a totally commited brother to his siblings! Doug is easy going and nonjudgmental! Doug is cute! Doug is articulate and a great story teller! Doug is a great role model for my grandchildren! Doug is an avid reader! Doug is a loyal son and friend! Doug loves unconditionally like our Savior!Doug is my hero! I could go on and on but he is only 30 this year!

Love, Mom (Carrie)---can you tell my mother adores him---

28. “I love going to the Library with Daddy.” – Jaxon
29. “Playing Cowboy”- Talon
30. “Doug is my everything. He is my strength, my confidence, my love, my hope, and best friend. He is the one I know will always be there for me when life is so overwhelmingly difficult. He loves me through all physical and emotional stages. He does all he can to make life joyous for myself and our kids. He is the one I turn to for knowledge and support. He works until he is exhausted and cleans the house when I’m exhausted. He loves the Lord and lives worthily to attend the temple. He wants to raise righteous children and is persistent in his discipline. He gives me the faith that together we can bear children and raise them in love. He brings me breakfast in bed and gets up with the kids in the middle of the night. He loves me like no one else has and selflessly gives of his time, patience, and energy. I feel eternally blessed to have him as my eternal companion.” -Amber
    
    
    
    

Jaxon's 4th B-day

For Jaxon's 4th B-day went as follows:

1. Wake up to Aunt Kimmie (his most favorite playmate in the whole world) sleeping downstairs
2. Grandma and Grandpa Mac arrive during breakfast.
   
3. Open first present from Mom and Dad- "D is for Dinosaur" shirt and pants that fit! (matching shirt for Talon)
4. Drive to Pittsburgh and finally tell him we are going to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History...we refer to it as the Dinosaur Museum...Jaxon says, "Mom, how did you know we were going here?" I reply, "because I planned it." He was very excited!
5. Spend the next 4 1/2 hours visiting every exhibit of dinosaurs, ice age animals, African animals, big whales, North American animals and Native Americans, Egyptian artifacts, all sorts of birds, and then the dinosaurs again before we left. Jaxon and Talon were in heaven and literally ran each site to the next saying, "Quick, this way...lets go to the next one...come on lets see more." It was so fun to see them so thrilled to be surrounded by dinosaur fossils including the first ever T-Rex displayed (happens to be at this museum).
   
6. Naps on the way home.
7. Crab dinner, by request of Jaxon...yes, he is my son!
8. Triceratops birthday cake with the friends he requested with birthday hats...again his request.
9. Opened more presents from Grandma and Grandpa Mac and then later that night one from Nana and Granddad.
10. Go to bed singing "Jingle Bells" and "Happy Birthday"...what a glorious day.

November Novelties

Some things I want to remember during this month.
As our church Activity Coordinators, we held a Talent Show showcasing performance talents, culinary talents, visuals talents, and hidden talents. Because of the abundance of participation it was a success.

Jax drew this awesome picture for our Ward Talent Show. He named it "Allosaurus-spinosaurus."

Doug showed of his "bum" jumping talents. Along with doing some "cowboy poetry" with other guys from church.


Jax took off all our bedding and slept under the memory foam mattress one night.



Doug built Jax and Talon their first set of bunk beds!!!





And our Talon boy began talking more and more. He loves to pretend he's a dinosaur and "ROAR".

Also as ward activity coordinator, I headed up a Tri-ward Musical Fireside the 5th Sunday of the month. It was one of those testimony building experiences as I really saw the hand of the Lord leading the production. The way certain people came into the musical program were for sure through inspiration from a variety of people involved. When problems arose, they resolved better than originally planned. And overall, the entire program turned out a thousand times better than what I had originally planned. It was so neat to be on this end of it and witness the Lord guiding the entire production. We dedicated the evening to Joseph Smith as we are concluding our study of him in Relief Society and Priesthood as well as the Doctrine and Covenants in Sunday School. All the songs were about him and his mission here on earth. From the first song accompanied with slide show to the last number, the Spirit testified that yes this man was called of God to restore Christ's Gospel to the earth. I firmly believe he did the Lord's will and it inspires me to want to dedicate my life to do the same. The last song was "Praise to the Man" which started acapella with a glorious male vocalist, then the piano joined in, then the string ensemble, and on the last verse, the organ and congregation stood and sang. It was so powerful. How I love music and it's ability to teach, inspire, and testify of truth.