Ice Skating

Look! I'm standing on the ice.

Emma just kept disappearing. We had to make her to stop so we could take a couple of pictures.
Hey, watch where you're going

We did it. We took the kids ice skating. I wanted to go before Christmas but this was just as good. We all had a great time.

I have no athletic prowess at all, but I did managed to go around at a decent speed and I stayed off of my butt the whole time. Of course Paul was all over the place going forward and backward and zipping all around the kids. The man has skillz.

Emma took off and did an amazing job. Thank goodness she takes after her father. You would never have known it was her first time on skates.

Andrew is less like his sister and more like Bambi. He stayed close to the wall and went at very low speeds. Once he got his cone though he was unstoppable. He pushed that sucker around and around all on his own and his speed did increase dramatically. It became a crutch though, he wouldn't even try to go without it.

We can't wait to go again.

Does this happen to you?

Paul has been off work since Dec. 22nd and doesn't go back until Jan. 2nd (in reality it will probably be the 5th).

Nothing is getting done around the house. All the Christmas stuff is still up. My routine has been thrown way off. We are doing "family things" all day long and as a result, the laundry and other household chores are getting neglected. (Let's not talk about the fact that I've been slacking anyway because of all the time I spent making his quilt)

I got up early today to do a couple of loads before we head out to go.....brace yourselves....ice skating. Keep me in your prayers. I'm a lot of woman to be up on ice skates! At least if there is an accident we will all be in clean underwear.

Christmas 2008

How do I put our Christmas into words?

It was excellent, magical, fabulous, relaxing, wonderful, peaceful and spiritual.

On December 23^rd we went up to my parent’s home and ate some delicious Chinese food from the Mandarin Palace. I love their house beef, but let’s just say it doesn’t look like any beef I have ever seen before. Just sayin’! That night we just hung out.

The next morning Paul and I ran some errands and when we came home Andrew had a bloody nose and scratches all down his face. He decided that sliding down ice was more fun since he could go faster. Everything was fine and dandy until he slid down the ice on his face.

That afternoon we made our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of ham, potatoes and rolls. I was in charge of the rolls and funeral potatoes. Dinner was just okay. We forgot to bring the stuff for my fabulous green salad and the ham was a bit dry. Hey, the rolls and potatoes were great! We were worried about getting home, the weather was suppose to get bad, so we took off shortly after we ate.

When we got home we got the kids showered and they waited, not so patiently, for the elves to bring their pajamas. This year Maggie discovered that something had been left on our porch when she brought us some cookies. We just can’t figure out how they get there every year.

After we took our pajama pictures we all went our separate ways and I was a little upset that we weren’t doing anything Christmassy. I got a little pouty about it, I’ll be honest, so Paul called us all together (even Marius) and we talked about the birth of our Savior. We used one of the nativity sets that we have as a visual. The kids blew me away with all of their knowledge. They are special little spirits.

Emma got cookies ready for Santa and I wrapped a few more gifts. It wasn’t too much later when it was time to tuck the kids into bed and much to my surprise they went to sleep rather quickly. This year Paul and I were more prepared than we have ever been. We had everything set up and ready to go well before midnight!

That night’s rest left something to be desired. I heard Emma up coughing, the cat got me up to let him out, and then there was the snowplow went by, loudly. At a few minutes to seven I got in the shower. I don’t ever want to make anyone wait on me so I am always the first one up on Christmas morning. By 7:30 Andrew had gotten up and Paul was in the shower. We had to make a lot of noise to get Emma out of her deep slumber. Finally we were ready.

The kids have us hang a sheet at the end of the hall so if they get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night they won’t see anything. We always torture them by making them wait behind the sheet while we start the Christmas music, turn on the tree lights and do any last minute things. (A tradition carried on from my youth) This year was a little different. We said a prayer before we went to the living room. I choked up a bit while offering the prayer. Both kids wrapped their arms around my waist and gave me a hug. It was very sweet and the Spirit was with us all day long.

We set a budget for Christmas this year and did a good job sticking to it. We had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to get them and that is what we shopped for. We were able to avoid all the impulse buys, you know that junk that ends up in the garage, going to DI or broken in a matter of months. I was really proud of us LOL! The kids got everything they wanted and there wasn’t any guilt about going over board.

The kids got some clothes, DS games, Wii games, movies, books and Webkinz but overall it was a Lego Christmas. There are Lego’s taking over every inch of my house! Andrew’s “big” gift was an Ipod (and we have been listening to him sing ever since) and Emma got a ticket to see Wicked with my mom, Maggie and I for this coming April.

The last gift that was opened was the quilt that I made for Paul. Years ago I had started cutting out denim squares from old jeans. Paul had visions of a quilt made from old denim that still had pockets attached and seems, just really rustic looking. We could never decide on a top fabric. The denim was a pain to work with and the idea just got tossed aside.

Right before Thanksgiving I decided that I was going to surprise him with his quilt. I bought a couple yards of denim to finish it up and sewed the back all together. I bought several different BYU fabrics but just couldn’t get them all to work together. I decided on just doing the two colors on the top. Finally I had the top finished so I talked to my quilting friend and she said that the weight of denim really messed with the quilting machines so my only option was to tie it.

My parents came down with the racks and we tied it in one afternoon. Thank goodness Paul didn’t come home for lunch that day. After it was tied I realized that because of some pockets on the edge I couldn’t do a rolled edge, I had to do binding. Ugg. I went back out, purchased more denim and sewed the binding to the front, just like you would for any old quilt. I should have sewn it on the back but didn’t realize it until it was too late. I was left hand stitching the binding through two layers of denim to the back. OUCH!

It took a while but finally, on Monday, I finished. I wrapped him gift in a gigantic box and boy did that confuse him. He was very worried when he started unwrapping it. He really hates things that are large. We were teasing him that it was the big Hello Kitty from Build a Bear. When he finally saw what it was he was stunned. He was so appreciative and excited. He loved it. I was thrilled and relieved by his reaction.

That afternoon the kids built their Lego’s and then Joi, David, Megan and Matthew came over to exchange gifts. Later my parents came and we opened more gifts. They were very generous and gave us some great things. I was able to give my mom and dad the autographed picture from Greg Olsen (he even wrote a message to them on the back). That night we had our traditional Christmas dinner of fondue.

The blankets above were made by my mom for the kids.

This year I felt so blessed by our good health, the many opportunities we had to do fun things with friends and family, and especially the fact that I wasn’t working. Last year I had quit right before the holidays, I really don’t think it had really set in yet. In years past all the activities seemed like burdens because my nights off from work were the only chances I had to shop, wrap and relax. This year it felt like a luxury to be able to do everything and more. There were so many factors, I can’t put my finger on just one thing, but this was the best Christmas that I can remember.

Tender Mercies

In early December I had a heart to heart with my bishop. We talked about a lot of things. I wasn't in a good place. He told me to let him know what he could do to help. I mentioned that once I was done with the Christmas enrichment dinner I felt like I might be ready for a change. He asked me to let him know where I wanted to serve and he even promised me a month off between callings! At that point there wasn't one calling that I felt like I wanted to do.

The next Sunday they released the Teaching for our Times instructor and I knew that was where I needed to be. That night at tithing settlement he asked how I was doing. I told him I was better and I mentioned that I could see myself teaching RS. He said he could make it happen. I said "No, don't make it happen. If Mary asks for suggestions mention me, but I don't want you to push me on her." He agreed to that. I decided to make it a matter of prayer. If that is where I was wanted I asked that Mary would feel inspired to ask for me.

Less than two hours later Mary called me. She was so funny. She said "I have to ask you something, it is terrible, horrible, really bad.... Are you going to be around the Sunday after Christmas?" When I said yes she asked if I would teach the TFOT lesson. I started to get emotional. I asked her if she had been talking to the bishop. She said, "no, why?" I told her of our conversation and she said, "That's it. I'm going to tell him to call you and hopefully we can have you in by Sunday."

At that moment I felt the love of my Heavenly Father so strongly. I knew that I was important to Him. I had been feeling so insignificant and I knew that I was given this experience so I could feel His love and concern. He is always there to grant the righteous desires no matter how small they may seem.

I am grateful that Mary was in tune with the Spirit. I told her she works quickly. I was impressed!

I was called and put in the following Sunday. When Mary came up to me after Sacrament meeting tell me how excited she was to have me I mentioned that I didn't get my month off. She laughed and said, "no one gets that anymore!"

This week before church started Mary asked me what lesson she had asked me to teach today. I about fainted. I had been working for weeks on the wrong lesson? Oh my. Well it ended up that we both had it right.

She said "I have something to show you." It was the lesson schedule. Guess what......January is Stake Conference, I don't have to teach. February is Ward Conference, I don't have to teach. Do you know what that means? I GET TWO MONTHS OFF! Isn't our Heavenly Father the greatest? He really does know me and he wants me to be happy.

Pretend it is Dec 22nd.

I was going to post this on Dec. 22nd but something happened and I never got around to it.

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Last Friday I went to the kid’s school for their Christmas Sing. I was overwhelmed with gratitude to live in a place that still allows Christmas celebrations instead of winter parties, or worse, no parties at all. They sang a lot of the old classic Christmas songs (Jingle Bells, Here Comes Santa Claus, Jingle Bell Rock etc.) as a group and then each grade sang their own song. They even had a teacher playing piano to accompany the kids. It was nostalgic. At the end the kids were all singing a song together when the principal brought in Santa Claus.

The party and cookie decorating went well. The kids had a blast. Some trees were works of art and others were just globed with frosting. Then there was my child who didn’t use any frosting at all, go figure! (This is a friend of Andrew's that live in our neighborhood)

Saturday we spent a lot of time at the mall after seeing Santa and then we went out to do some last minute shopping. We got home with two hours before the ward party. Paul did not want to go to the party because it was happening while the BYU game and Cowboys football games were on. He threw a mini fit when the bishop started talking about he game and I told him to just go home.

We had a nice time listening to music (Emma got to play her three songs while we were there) and visiting. Santa showed up and the kids got another picture with Santa and so did Maggie and I!

Sunday I got a new calling. I am no longer Enrichment Leader. I will now be an instructor in Relief Society. I will be teaching the Teaching for our Times lessons. I am excited about the change but I little nervous too. I teach next week! The way this calling came about I am where I know I need to be so that is a comfort.

After church we took some family photos by the Christmas tree. Some came out okay, others not so much. What would family pictures be without the outtakes?

That evening Emma had her piano recital. She felt bad that she made a little mistake but we reminded her that there wasn’t one kid there who didn’t make a mistake. I think that helped.

Monday was supposed to be stormy in the afternoon. The kids and I got up early to run some errands before the snow hit, but the snow wasn’t listening to the weathermen. It came fast and furious first thing in the morning. We started out but it was pilling up too quickly. We turned around and it was good we did. It accumulated so quickly. We got over 7” here on the bench. The kids and I just stayed inside all day long and I was able to finish up my project. I did it! I’m done! I’m thrilled!

I was worried about Paul getting home okay from work. He decided to send everyone home early so they could be safe on the roads. He finished up what he had to do and then made his way up the mountain after running around to the post office, bank and some stores. We spent well over and hour shoveling out the snow so we had a place to put his car. What a pain in the arse. I just don’t get why people would ever want to live in an area with snow. I am convinced that those who think it sounds fun have never tried it.

He Cried!

It wasn't a boohoo cry, but he was so touched with his gift he shed a tear. That sparkle below his eye is a tear. This is the man who has only cried at the birth of our children. He understood the love and work behind the gift and was as happy to receive it as I was to give it. It's true, giving of yourself is the best gift. We have had a magical, Spirit filled Christmas. It was just perfect. Merry Christmas everyone!

I didn't want to do this.....

but the Christmas Card thing just isn't going to happen before Christmas. Let's be honest, it might not happen at all. I'm sorry. I had the top card printed but never got around to getting envelopes or stamps. The bottom was the one I made first, but we ended up liking the brown one better. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Santa

Today we went to the mall and the kids got to go and visit Santa. I appreciate the kids getting dressed up and doing this for me. It means a lot that they will still humor their mom even though they are getting pretty big for this type of thing.

Missing! One Santa Apron

Has anyone seen this apron? It hasn't been used since 2003 when this photo was taken
on Christmas Eve.

I found out that I am in charge of the snack table at the party. I could tell the room mom really wanted this to be interactive. I decided to get cookie decorating kits from our local grocery store (you can't take anything made at home) and soda for the treat.

I have a really cute Santa apron that I got at Old Navy years ago. I thought it would be fun to wear it today while I help the kids. I knew we had unearthed it while opening the bins of Christmas decorations so I went back into the garage to find it. It wasn't in any of the bins. I checked the linen closet. Nothing. I looked everywhere I thought it could be at least twice without any luck. I had given up and was feeling very defeated.

While I was doing my hair I had a bit of inspiration "Check the pantry where the aprons are hanging." There it was. Who would have thought to look in the location the item actually should be? Certainly not I.

Now I am ready to go party it up with the second graders!

Christmas Parties, Open Houses, Gatherings and Get Togethers

Last Friday was an adults only dinner with some friends. The food was great as was the company. Jennifer had all the kids at her house with a baby sitter. Jennifer is soooo amazing. She had gingerbread houses made from graham crackers ready for the kids to decorate, a movie for them to watch, pizza and ornaments to color! They had a blast.

Sunday night we had tithing settlement and it was also the annual holiday open house at the Erbs. Once again we had a great time visiting with friends and eating hors d'oeuvres. Monday was our neighborhood party/home night.

We were asked to bring food for the food bank and treats to share. I made my Peppermint Fudge (if you like fudge, it was great) and Mexican Wedding Cookies, AKA Snowballs. The cookies were a huge hit. I plan, well need, to make more soon.

I still have Andrew’s class party to do, our ward party to attend (Emma has been asked to play some background music along with the other kids she takes lessons with) and Emma’s piano recital. I hope I’m not forgetting anything!

Holiday Lights

(I wish this was my photo but it isn't. It was dark by the time we got there)

This year I had a list of things I wanted to do before Christmas. I wanted to visit Santa (even though the secret is out around these parts, it has become a tradition to get a photo with Santa), do the Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point and go ice-skating.

Last night we were trying to decide how we were going to fit everything in(we have even had to give away basketball tickets since they were on Dec. 23 rd and that wasn't going to work anymore), not to mention the weather has been bad and it is only suppose to get worse.

I said, “Why don’t we go right now?” No time like the present right? We hurried and got in the car, still in our pajamas, and drove over to Thanksgiving Point. It was neat, I’m glad we did it, but we won’t be doing it again! Paul felt like he was stuck in traffic LOL! Here is Andrew in the car in his PJ's.

Emma, mad that Andrew is trying to get in her picture.

The one shot that I got from our moving car.

Visiting Teaching

Today Maggie and I have appointments to do our visiting teaching. I love butter cookies with hot cocoa, it is one of my most favorite things this time of year. I saw these adorable little tins of cookies and knew they would look great with the blue peppermint cocoa cans sitting on top. The store was out of the blue cans so I got the next best thing, marshmallow, however they look like crap since they don’t match. Matching is very important to me. Very. After being convinced that I was sick in the head by Maggie and Paul, I decided to just keep what I had and not to let the colors bother me. (Like that can happen)

This is what it should have looked like. This is my own can of very well used Peppermint Cocoa.

Instead this is what they look like. Ick! I just have to remind myself of the song Silver and Gold

I now have to shower, and shovel my way out of the house and brave the snow for our appointments. I was going to do some returns and try to get the treats for Andrew’s Christmas party, but I might come right home if the roads seem too bad.

Just for the record, Marius hates snow. This is as far as he went (this is under our overhang where it should be dry but it isn't) then he turned around and is back asleep on my bed.

Update!!!

We went to Beth’s house and there were tons of cars. She had forgotten that she was having a presidency meeting so we didn’t get to visit with her. We just dropped off her gift and wished her a Merry Christmas. The roads were covered with snow at that point. It was/is bad. I will not be going to the store! I couldn’t even make it back up the mountain to my house. I had to have Gary pull me with his four-wheeler. My brand new car is cute, I love it, but I miss my all wheel drive……a lot.

Other useless info and ramblings…..

There is a program here for 5^th graders that we enrolled Emma in. She will get a ski passport that will allow her to go to each of the resorts in Utah up to three times. Paul dusted off his skis yesterday and enjoyed a half-day at Sundance before his work Christmas lunch at the Foundry Grill. He is so excited to teach his baby girl how to ski. He wants to do skiing the first time and then have her try snowboarding. I am trying to figure out how I can be there to take pictures.

Paul was given a quesadilla maker yesterday at work. He also brought home some tortillas and gourmet salsas from the Sundance gift shop for me. (Isn’t he so thoughtful?) Instead of the tri-tip, twice-baked potatoes and basil-roasted carrots we had planned for dinner we had quesadillas. The kids loved seeing the new toy in action! They thought it was so cool.

This time of year is great. Paul gets to bring home all kinds of things that are sent to his office. We got a Kneaders gift basket that was AWESOME! Emma got mad at me for eating all of the pumpkin bread. Oh well, you snooze, you lose;)