Goodbye 2009

It's been real fun. We've planned and played all year long. We've survived another tax season and worked hard around our yard and home. We've laughed and cried, succeeded and struggled. There have been some hard times, but mostly you have been quite good to us. I hope your sister, 2010, is just as kind to us as you've been. We'll miss you!


Jan: Scrapping to support the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. (Check it out here.)
Feb. Unromantic Angie actually planned some fun valentine things for the family.
March: Spring is coming! Spring is coming!!

April: St. George, the end of tax season, and a new train at the cabin! Sweet happiness.

May: McKay graduated from preschool. He loved his year with Ms. Shelly.

June: Lots this month, but the definite highlight was taking family to see the new Oquirrh Mtn. temple.

July: In an effort to get the kids ready for two solid weeks of hiking and beach combing, we took them on the Donut Falls hike. I'll have you know my 2 almost 3-year-old (at the time) did the whole thing by herself.

August: Kids are back in school, Sophie turned 3 and Brady came home from his mission!!!!

September: Maybe you're sick of this by now, but this was our trip to the coast. We seriously got a small taste of heaven those two weeks.

October: Filled with Halloween preparation and festivities. This is a huge deal at our house.

November: So much to be thankful for. It was a relaxing month. (Of course, my highlight was New Moon. lol.)

December: A month to reflect on the past year's successes and mistakes, to be grateful for a little baby boy who would come to atone for those mistakes and a time to be with family.

Like I said, 2009 you were a great year and we'll miss all that you brought us.

To 2010 we say bring it on!! We're excited and looking forward to the future.

Mary and Joseph Dinner

Earlier I posted that one of our traditions at Christmas is to do a "Mary and Joseph" dinner. No matter when this comes up, I always get questions about it and this time was no different.

A few years ago I was reading in the December issue of the Ensign about how different members of the Church keep Christ in Christmas. One family had a "Mary and Joseph" dinner. They ate things that they might have eaten as they journeyed to Bethlehem and discuss what the journey might have been like for them. Of course they also went into THE Christmas story.

When I read it, I knew it had to be one of our traditions. We had recently quit being with either family on Christmas Eve/Christmas morning and were in need of some new traditions to start with our little family. It was pretty close to Christmas, but I talked to Jeff and we both agreed it would be a perfect thing for our fam. We've done it every year since.

Right now our discussion is pretty short and age appropriate for our little kids. They love it though and have started asking if we're going to do it again this year.

This is how we will be doing it this year. We'll have dinner downstairs on blankets since Mary and Joseph didn't have a table. We'll have a fire in the fireplace because that would have been the only light they would have had to eat by if the sun had gone down. (We'll also have the tree lights on. maybe for the stars in the sky?) Things we typically eat for this meal are fish (much to Lyndsi's dismay), pita or flat bread, cantaloupe, grapes, almonds, cheese cubes, olives (much to my dismay. lol.), pomegranates, fig newtons (because what do you do with a fig?) and sometimes a dessert like baklava. (I know that's maybe more Greek-but it was to get the honey in.) This year we'll be trying something called rugelach for a little treat. Oh and the part the kids love-no utinsels. We all eat with our hands. (Luckily it's mostly finger food anyway.) We also serve either grape juice or sparkling grape juice. It's by far not a filling meal, but it is a special one we all look forward too.

We'll be combining this tradition with the one we have of reading the nativity story while placing each character in their spot in the stable that sits under our family tree.

So there ya have it. The Mary and Joseph dinner. :)

For Patient People Only

This is my favorite Jell-O salad/dessert/whatever Jell-O is.

(Click here for the recipe if you're patient enough to make it. :) )

Sadly, I only make it about twice a year. It's not hard, but SO time consuming. Then the layers get frustrating when the previous layers break into the new layer creating all kinds of swirls not intended to be there. It also takes for-EV-er to make. If you make it for a party, make the day before (especially on a fun day like Christmas or the 4th of July). Trust me. You'll be so much happier.

Redeeming qualities- You can't see the messed up layers from the side and the top is covered in cool whip. It's delicious. And even better-I'm going to eat some tonight!

Just in case...

I don't have your current address, here's your card. Merry Christmas!!

Decking the Halls part 2

This is my very festive and cheery living room. I love being in there with the lights and fireplace on with Christmas music playing in the background. It makes me happy.

What's making you happy right now?

The Spirit of Christmas

May it be with you and those you love this season and throughout the year.

The Christmas Spirit

Peace on Earth-Greg Olsen

The Nutcracker

Lyndsi and Sophie had their dance recital Saturday night. Lyndsi has been bouncing off the walls in anticipation for this for months now. She's been going to class 2x a week for an hour each class to prepare for this. She leaps and points her toes all around the house, but she would never show me her dance. She said she wanted it to be a surprise.

This was also Sophie's first time on stage. She's been a little stubborn in class-sometimes participating, sometimes just observing. Her eyes about popped out of her cute little head when she received her sparkly pink costume, though. I still wasn't sure if she would actually dance on stage, but dance she did. And she was adorable. Later that night she was throwing a big fit about going to bed (I thought). When she calmed down long enough to tell me what was wrong, she kept saying she wanted to go back on stage. She has asked me when she gets to dance on stage again at least twice a day since.

The honorable mention goes to McKay. He sat quietly and nearly complaint free (other than drink and potty breaks) through 2-2 1/2 hours of dancing. Way to go McKay!!

My little ballerinas

Sophie with our friend Ella. A first for both girls!

Sophie, Lyndsi and our cousin Krystal post-show. They had fun posing for us.

Decking the Halls part 1

Monday night for our FHE activity we had the kids decorate the Christmas tree. I need to go move a few things still, but overall I think they did a pretty good job. Jeff got the manly job of putting the star on top.

For a surprise treat, we ate our first neighbor gift, white chocolate covered pretzels-delivered just as we were getting ready to decorate. Perfect timing!

I decorated my Christmas tree without the kids help (much to their dismay) and got the living room all festive. I was so happy with it when I finished I nearly cried. Pictures coming soon.

The only thing left needing some Christmas cheer is my kitchen. I'm hoping to do that in the form of homemade caramels and other seasonal candies and baked goods. :)

Happy Bday to Me......4 Months early

My next birthday I will be turning the big 3-0. It's still a good 4 months away and already people are starting to ask if I have any big plans.

Well, I do. Now that is. The other day I opened my email to a Christmas miracle-an updated tour schedule with new US tour dates for Muse. One of those recently announced dates/locations included Salt Lake! My fellow Muse-nut got online this morning when tickets went on presale and scored a pair for us!! We screamed and jumped up and down like a couple of preteens meeting Rob Pattinson. This is going to be SO awesome!

For those of you unfamiliar with Muse, let me educate you...


And This:

Thanksgiving

was wonderful. And-I did take lots more pictures.


We went to my Aunt Michele's house for dinner and a relaxing day. It was a small group compared to normal, but still a nice size. The food was exceptional and in true Marchant fashion there was plenty to last all day.







One Thanksgiving tradition we have is scouring the ads for the best Black Friday deals and planning the most effective route, start time, etc.

The kids just play, play, play. I have no idea what these two were doing, but they look kinda guilty, huh?

It was a lot of fun and a big thanks to the Teran's for hosting and the aunts for providing the big parts of the meal! It was fabulous!!

Holiday Goals

Well. It's time. The holidays are upon us.

Picture courtesy: Country Living magazine

I thought I'd take a minute and write down some goals I have for myself and my family this season (along with some we've started working on). I would love it if you feel the desire to share your goals for the season as well.



1. Think of something new each day to be grateful for and write it down. Do this through Thanksgiving day.



2. Continue to purchase thoughtful, but budget conscious presents for loved ones.



3. In December, think of things each day to celebrate and post them where each family member can see.



4. Spend a good portion of time teaching children about Christ, the true meaning of Christmas, and the joy we receive by giving and serving others.



5. Sit down and plan festive things to do with kids while off track and as a family.



6. Take time to be quiet and enjoy the beauty of the season-the lights, the music, the snow, the feelings.



7. Continue the tradition of the "Mary and Joseph" dinner on Christmas Eve.



I'm sure I will add more as the season progresses and as you readers share what you will be doing and have been doing. For now, this is a pretty all encompassing list.

Update-Just thought of one more-

8. Take lots of pictures at Thanksgiving. I never have any pictures from this great holiday.

Happy New Moon!

If you are not a Twilight fan-step away right now. Save your eye-rolling for someone else. :)

So-I couldn't sleep last night. The only thing I could think of is I was excited and anxious for today. Lots to get done before the movie and at the same time midnight can't come soon enough. Last night I watched Twilight with the commentary on. Hilarious. I remember why I loved the film the first time, despite it's faults and it was great to get some insight on why some things were changed from the book.

Now for New Moon....SQUEAL!!!!!

Fall Randomness

I love looking at other people's pictures. So naturally, I assume you are all equally interested in my day to day life and pictures. Lucky for you-today I chose to post random pictures from the last several falls. You're welcome. ;)






Fall 08-Marchant Family "Fall Frolic"
Fall 07-McKay and Sophie doing what they do best-being goofy!
Fall 07- I just like this picture of my parents.

Fall 06- Joy School hot dog picnic.

Fall 06- Sophie and her Great-Grandma Ard. Love this.

Things To Do

Sorry. I can't think of anything else to post right now, so you get my somewhat ambitious to-do list.

1. Run 2x on the treadmill at a 6.0 for 20 minutes. (Reality-this is my goal, I'll be happy if I could do it at 5)


2. Make an apron for our RS enrichment-excuse me-Relief Society service auction on Wednesday.


3. Start on some doll clothes for the girls' for Xmas.


4. Laundry. Always laundry.


5. Figure out what Jeff wants for Christmas (along with a few others on our list)


6. Finish up some other doll-related crafts.


7. Try my hand at making some felt food.


8. Thaw a turkey


9. Cook a thawed turkey.


10. Hang with good friends.


11. Take Lyndsi Christmas shopping for Mia, her doll. (her idea not mine, but it's also her $$.)


12. Read.


13. Pick a book for next month's book club.



Hmm....I think that's enough. I'd wish for something interesting to blog about, but I'm kind of enjoying the slower pace right now. :)

Accessorize!

I love my new little accessory-






Jeff has a matching one. How romantic....





Last Friday we participated in our city's Halloween Horror fun run. To say it was freezing would be under exaggerating things. It was COLD. Despite the small crowd, I was nervous because I can count the numbers on half a hand that I've run in October. However, my mp3 player was fully charged and loaded with great music to keep me going. The run also happened to be in my own neighborhood which was very comforting. In the end, I ended up 3rd in my division (aka-age group)-a first for me and Jeff was 1st in his. It was not fun, but that silly little meddle made it worth all the effort.

Halloween Again

Thought you might like to see Jeff and I in costume since you've already seen the kids:

Happy Halloween!!

Jeff's off fishing this morning. McKay's headed to a birthday party. Dinner's planned and all ingredients bought as are supplies for an extra special Halloween treat from me. While McKay's off partying today, the girls are headed out to do some thrifting-mostly to find an extra piece to Jeff's costume. The school parties and parade are done and were successful. Thanks to that (and other parties) our costumes were all finished way ahead of time. Sophie if finally healthy and can go trick-or-treating with her sibs tonight. I think Halloween should be on Saturday every year. :)

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

So happy I could cry

This morning I headed out on what seemed to promise to be a frustrating yard saling morning. I was going to a sale out in Draper and thanks to classic Utah road construction, I ended up taking a 15 minute detour to my first sale. Then I hit every red light possible but just barely missing the green. (Are you feeling my frustration?) I was debating about turning around, but see I had this dream. So I kept going. Eventually I made it to the yard sale (sorry to the trucks I cut off mid day dream). It wasn't a huge sale and I was already an hour past opening. But guess what? Dreams do come true. I drove the whole time dreaming of finding this little gem, and expecting if I did find it to pay much more. I think my eyes popped out of my head when I saw what I was looking for just laying there with a sticker saying $20 Doll + Book. That's right my doll savvy friends. I found an American Girl doll. Elizabeth to be exact. I seriously almost cried. I did jump up and down and scream when I got home and relived my fortuitous moment. Lyndsi gets what she wants for Christmas (so don't mention this great story in front of her please) and Jeff and I don't have to pay full price.

I also found this other great little item to stash away for Christmas.

I {heart} yardsaling!

Life

It's crazy busy around here. Lots of laughing and lots of tears. A lot of learning going on. Kids developing talents and mom is trying to right along side them. The house varies between company ready and disaster relief required (with not much middle ground). The husband is the best. Party planning abounds. As do the remnants of my craft projects, out of season clothing and festive decor waiting patiently for it's turn to be displayed. Food's getting good and dishes are stacking up. Just like the laundry. The treadmill's in fine working order thanks to that man of mine signing me up for a Halloween run. New calling came through. Good friends save the day. And my sanity. Several times over. I make mistakes. Lots of them. When they happen, I feel like an ostrich. Medicine is a good thing. So is eating breakfast. I should use both more. Did my hair for the first time this week since Sunday (and then only because I had to). Am still cavity free. So is Sophie. My only 3 yr old to reach that milestone. "A Hot Dog" was the first book McKay read. He did it tonight. Smarty pants. I miss Lyndsi. She's gone too long at school. Life isn't perfect. It's quite complicated and frustrating. Sometimes it downright sucks. (Yes-I did just say that). But mostly it's good. And I'm okay with that.

Fall Fun

I love fall. I love going to pumpkin patches. This year my friend Anisa told me about a fun one by Hobby Lobby that had not only the pumpkins, but some tractors for the kids to play on and a little corn maze. The best part was that it was free! All of it. We rounded up some friends to come with us. The kids tore the corn maze at least 2 times each. They tried out every tractor (somewhere around 8), looked at the kittens that were there, watched some Irish dancers while listening to bagpipes (a pretty spur of the moment performance I'm sure). The pumpkin prices were reasonable so I let the kids each pick out a small pumpkin. Both my friend and I were so glad we did this.

Other things we're looking forward to this fall: Fall Festival at the District, family parties, trick-or-treating, fun costumes, falling leaves, sweaters, pumpkin pie and all things Halloween!

What are you up to this fall?

Ramble, ramble, ramble

McKay started soccer last month. His first game (pictured here) you couldn't pry the smile off his face if you tried. Ok. I guess some of it got lost in the concentration of the game. BUT-whenever I wasn't behind the camera he had this huge grin spread across his whole face.




Sophie also had a new beginning-dance! I love little girls in pink tights. The first class she was a little clingy, but she played along as long as mom would dance with her. (I'm sure that was lovely to see!) I wondered if she would do it at all until the teacher started their warm-up music. The first few notes to Mickey's mousercise was all I needed to know she'd be just fine. She is loving it and doing as well as a 3 yr old can in dance.





Off the topic of firsts....

I've been working around the house. Nesting I call it. Not for a baby but for fall. I think my subconscious has realized soon my little clan will be spending a significantly larger amount of time indoors. My very conscious mind realized I must be organized and cleaned up to accommodate that. :) So I've had a little bit of fun buying baskets for my bedroom closet, fabric to dress up some throw pillows, added a new bookshelf to the family room, figuring out what to do with the old one....I even washed all the bedding-sheets, baby blankets, animals, etc. (Not usually a one day event) and then remade the beds with the addition of a quilt for cold winter nights. There's so much more to do still.