Picture Updates

I think we have some major silliness headed our way.  6 wks old and already pulling faces for the camera. ;)

 Ahhh...six weeks with a baby.  Chloe is:
recognizing mom and dad's voices
eating  4 oz bottles
not really loving her baths
loves her changing table
that's where we do tummy time
is super snuggle
has those gorgeous dark blue baby eyes
sports the sweetest little cheeks you've ever kissed
can pull a pouty face like no one else has here
is super snugly
has her big brother wrapped around her little finger (and grandpa and dad and....)
is a complete joy to have in our family

 Sophie loves:
dressing herself
decorating Christmas trees (or doing anything else that requires attention to detail)
having friends come play at her new house in her new, big bedroom
her baby sister
Dale Twinkle (our Christmas elf)
Grampy (my dad)

 McKay is into:
1st grade (loves it)
making up games with "levels" in our new house (which also has many levels)
Polar Express
Singing
doing projects (like this fun sand art from cousin Kaylee)
his baby sister (I knew he'd fall in love when he met her)
Harry Potter

Lyndsi is:
nearly 9!  Impossible!!
a bit camera shy (unless it's her idea)
enjoying her bedroom on the same floor as everyone else
learning to do some simple gifts and sewing (and doing well at it!)
always dancing around the house
a leader, especially with her brother and sisters
starting to enjoy reading a bit more and doing it on her own without being asked.

Christmas Advent

I wasn't planning on doing an advent calendar this year.  I haven't really done one before, especially a really cute one with activities or even little treats for the kids.  They are ALL over blogland right now.  Something about having the house in boxes and no Christmas tree up (yet) is squelching the Christmas spirit 'round here.  It wouldn't be such a big deal, but my kids are at such a fun age.  After feeling a little sorry for myself, I thought, "Why can't I still do one?  So what if I start it on Dec. 6 instead of Dec. 1?!"  And so I got to work.

This is the finished result:

I did it all with the (very limited) supplies I had on hand and it took maybe 20 minutes.  It's not much to look at, but the kids were so excited when we hung it up. I also borrowed an idea from this post (thank Marlene!) and added a scripture for each day to help all of us learn a little more about Christ.

After dinner tonight we got to pull out the first slip.  We learned about how much Jesus loves the little children.  For our activity we made ourselves into festive little elves. We love doing crafts together, so it was a great way to kick of our little advent!

Lyndsi had her annual Christmas dance recital last night.  For the last 2 or 3 years their school has focused this performance on the Nutcracker.  Which in theory was a good idea.  But.  Her school also does a lot of jazz and hip hop besides ballet.  It was just too much.  This year the director opted to go back to just a plain ol' Christmas theme.  It was nice.  Really nice.  The show ran smooth and was pleasant to watch. 

Lyndsi did a great job!  Her class danced to "The First Noel" and she was so graceful.  I love watching her dance.  She just has this angelic expression on her face while she is dancing.  You can just tell she loves it.  She really enjoys her class and her teacher. 

(Sorry for the slightly goofy picture.  My flash wasn't working and I didn't want to hold up the rest of the family from leaving.  We'll try for a better one in the spring!)  

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. :)

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.

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. :)

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!

Go ahead and laugh

..but I just got the rest of my Christmas cards mailed yesterday.

They've actually been done since the beginning of December. There were a few technical difficulties in actually getting them out, and then it was January. I was able to get a few out before Christmas, a few right after New Years and the rest managed to get out before Superbowl. I'm feeling pretty good now.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a great one with lots of fun and surprises.

There was lots of excitement at our house as we had prepared not only for Santa to come but Grandma and Grandpa to spend Christmas Eve with us. I think this is the first time we've ever had grandparents at our house for Christmas. The kids loved it.

Favorite gifts:

Dad-Numb3rs (tv show) season 3 highlight CD

Mom-Guitar

Lyndsi-Doll clothes or her HSM3 soundtrack

McKay-Legos

Sophie-My Little Ponies (the little ones-thanks for introducing us to the obsession-you know who you are:) )

I'm excited to have Lyndsi home from school for another week and hopefully we can do some fun things with the kids.

Doesn't this picture capture the joys of kids at Christmas? Love it!

Now that Christmas is over though, bring on the sunshine and warm weather!!!

Christmas Tag

1. Favorite Christmas song? White Christmas.
2. Favorite Christmas beverage? Hot chocolate (oh yeah! we got it!)
3. Favorite Christmas activity with your family? Mary and Joseph dinner and opening the Christmas Eve pj's and all the anticipation on Christmas Eve.
4. Favorite Christmas TV special? It's a Wonderful Life and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
5. Favorite Christmas candy? Before this weekend-Aunt Cynthia's homemade caramels. After this weekend-Oreo truffles.
6. Naughty or nice? Nice.
7. Biggest Christmas hassle? Cards.
8. Hassle or not, my favorite thing to do for Christmas is _________? Having the tree decorated so I can relax in the glow of its light.
9.Tree topper: Star, angel or other? Star on one, big bow and pine cones on the other.
10. The person you are most excited to give to this year? Umm....Everyone.
11. What is on your wrapping paper? I like traditional colors, so I try to stick with red and greens-stripes, candy canes, and santas. I do have some more colorful white/silvery stuff with little trees and presents.
12. Dreaming of a White Christmas? Uh-did you read number 1?
13. Going caroling? As long as our friends don't chicken out on us.
14. Gift you are hoping for most this year? for me-an MP3 player. For my family-that they all love what they get and have no disappointments.

Tagging: Marlene, Jennie, Randi and Kelly

Christmas Pictures

I don't really have time to be doing this, but my blog is sadly lacking in fun holiday pictures and info.

It's been a busy season. Here's the low-down:

1. The "other" ward party-for those of us not able or willing to find a babysitter for the "adult" party. Ran crazy around a friend's office (where we held the party). Ate delicious and bounteous snacks. Kids decorated gingerbread houses.

2. Dancing- Lyndsi in the Nutcracker. Chinese dancers. Several extra practices this week. (I think the only place I go now is "dance").

3. Crafting-Patience. Getting done. Too many. (Again.) Pictures come post-Christmas.

4. MoTab/Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward Harrman. In the spirit now. Amazing vocals. Comforting narration. Good times with mom.

5. Snow. Not coming down (currently). Slows the driving (and thus everything else). Beautiful to watch. Fun to be in -if bundled properly.

6. Looking forward to-Ward Christmas program and chances to sing with amazing Cami. Caroling. Being with in-laws for the weekend. Work party. Family party. Christmas Eve. Mary and Joseph dinner, Christmas morning. McKay opening his sisters present that's already under the tree (so excited). Cards going out. Neighbor treat-making. Santa. Mr. Kruger. Polar Express.

See what I mean? Busy. Love it.

First the trees:
The kids-done in 10 minutes.

Mine. I think about a week.

Now the kids.

We have a princess.

And a Prince.

And then we have Goofy. She claims to be Minnie Mouse, but we all know.....

And then there's the three of them. See what I mean? Goofy.

Miscellaneous:

Totally not Christmas but so cute I had to share. My little man: