I can't believe that this was only a year ago. She has changed so much since then...
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas Traditions
Well, the Christmas Season is coming to a close. For me, this usually means struggling with a bit of depression. It seems that I always need something to look forward to and this seems to be the long haul until there is much to look forward to and the cold, dreary winter soon becomes tiring.
We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. It was so much fun having Dave home so much and we had a blast together as a family.
Christmas Eve we cleaned and played with the kids. We called Dave's family and all met up for lunch at the old Ricardo's - the restaurant that Dave's parents owned for quite a long time. It is now a new, totally refashioned Ricardo's, and it was weird seeing it so different. I thought the food was pretty good and it was fun to be with Dave's family there again.
That evening, we ate sugar cookies, made popcorn balls and we helped the kids decorate a Gingerbread house. I have decided that I have to have a lot more natural light in our next house. I HATE using my flash for photography.
Sydney ate more candy than she put on the house. Notice the dress? She insisted on wearing her Christmas Dress all day. I am choosing my battles.
After that the we all watched the Grinch that Stole Christmas, read the Night Before Christmas and then it was time for bed. Sydney was so tired and fell right asleep but Blake was so excited that we got pretty mad at him for getting out of bed so often and not falling asleep. He kept looking out his window and saying that the thought he saw Santa's sleigh.
When he finally fell asleep I put Sydney's dollhouse together and we wrapped presents while we watched "Its a Wonderful Life". We finished around 12 am and went to bed exhausted.
Unfortunately, sleep was fit full and so was Sydney. I woke up at 7am aware that some little person was out of bed before I was. I bolted out of bed and into the living room and there was Blake, plugging in the Christmas tree lights! I made him go back to our room and wait with Sydney until we got the video camera ready and then they came in and he did a great job of pretending to be excited all over again! LOL
We opened presents which took quite some time, Dave made breakfast and then it was time to prepare for our big dinner. Cooking, cooking and more cooking. And then some cleaning. Dave's family came over for dinner. I used my real china for the first time, we had some amazing food and played some games. We go a portable DVD player from Krissy and some great food storage from Dave's mom and dad. Which I really, really wanted! It was such a fun evening.
After clean up and a little work (yes, I had to work a couple hours even on Christmas!), I watched The Nativity Story (I absolutely love that movie) and cried my eyes out. I have a lot of goals this year, and many of them revolve around the Savior. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Yesterday we took the kids up to Salt Lake City to get Dave some new shoes, take the kids to the children's exhibit at the Church History Museum and see the Christmas Lights at Temple Square. I left my camera in the car because it was snowing when we got out but it stopped and I was kicking myself that I didn't get photos of how beautiful it all was. What kind of photographer am I?
It was super cold, but we warmed up with dinner at the Lion House restaurant before we saw the lights and headed home.
It was a wonderful Christmas, filled with the true spirit and magic of the season. Now if I can only cling to it all year long...
We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. It was so much fun having Dave home so much and we had a blast together as a family.
Christmas Eve we cleaned and played with the kids. We called Dave's family and all met up for lunch at the old Ricardo's - the restaurant that Dave's parents owned for quite a long time. It is now a new, totally refashioned Ricardo's, and it was weird seeing it so different. I thought the food was pretty good and it was fun to be with Dave's family there again.
That evening, we ate sugar cookies, made popcorn balls and we helped the kids decorate a Gingerbread house. I have decided that I have to have a lot more natural light in our next house. I HATE using my flash for photography.
Sydney ate more candy than she put on the house. Notice the dress? She insisted on wearing her Christmas Dress all day. I am choosing my battles.
After that the we all watched the Grinch that Stole Christmas, read the Night Before Christmas and then it was time for bed. Sydney was so tired and fell right asleep but Blake was so excited that we got pretty mad at him for getting out of bed so often and not falling asleep. He kept looking out his window and saying that the thought he saw Santa's sleigh.
When he finally fell asleep I put Sydney's dollhouse together and we wrapped presents while we watched "Its a Wonderful Life". We finished around 12 am and went to bed exhausted.
Unfortunately, sleep was fit full and so was Sydney. I woke up at 7am aware that some little person was out of bed before I was. I bolted out of bed and into the living room and there was Blake, plugging in the Christmas tree lights! I made him go back to our room and wait with Sydney until we got the video camera ready and then they came in and he did a great job of pretending to be excited all over again! LOL
We opened presents which took quite some time, Dave made breakfast and then it was time to prepare for our big dinner. Cooking, cooking and more cooking. And then some cleaning. Dave's family came over for dinner. I used my real china for the first time, we had some amazing food and played some games. We go a portable DVD player from Krissy and some great food storage from Dave's mom and dad. Which I really, really wanted! It was such a fun evening.
After clean up and a little work (yes, I had to work a couple hours even on Christmas!), I watched The Nativity Story (I absolutely love that movie) and cried my eyes out. I have a lot of goals this year, and many of them revolve around the Savior. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Yesterday we took the kids up to Salt Lake City to get Dave some new shoes, take the kids to the children's exhibit at the Church History Museum and see the Christmas Lights at Temple Square. I left my camera in the car because it was snowing when we got out but it stopped and I was kicking myself that I didn't get photos of how beautiful it all was. What kind of photographer am I?
It was super cold, but we warmed up with dinner at the Lion House restaurant before we saw the lights and headed home.
It was a wonderful Christmas, filled with the true spirit and magic of the season. Now if I can only cling to it all year long...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Funny but not entirely true
Okay, I must admit, Dave is not anything like this when he is sick. He is the type of guy who has major surgery and then wants to play basketball the next day. So this is an ode to all of my friends - from our conversations, I understand that many of you will understand.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
All I Want For Christmas.
So I sat down with my kids to help them write their letters to Santa. They may be a little long but I couldn't help it, The were cracking me up so I just kept asking "What else?". I made sure to tell them to remember that Santa wouldn't bring EVERYTHING, but that he would choose some things from their list.
Blakes Letter.
Dear Santa,
I love Santa. I have been a good boy (this was added at my prompting).
I want a Thomas Doodle. (I got this one...)
I want a purse like Sissy. A boy one with Thomas on it.
I want new blocks.
A new Thomas blanket like my other blankets.
A new book like Mommy. ???
I want a doll house. (Well, Sydney is getting one. I am sure he will play with it)
I want letters I can set up like a big tower.
I want a little Christmas Tree with a train under it and candy canes on the Christmas Tree and ornaments on the Christmas Tree too.
And I want a Thomas movie.
I want a pretend gun that shoots people, we can pretend that we shoot people. (not into the fake weapons - what is it with BOYS?)
I want a t.v., like moms, a little one.
That's all.
I love you Santa. Please can I give you a hug and kiss.
XOXO - Blake
p.s. I love Santa and Santa loves me.
Sydney's Letter
Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl. (Ok, I prompted her to say this, she just wanted to get right into her list!)
I want balloons, a lotta balloons.
Yellow balloons, pink balloons, yellow balloons - (This is where I stopped her)
I want Barbietopia. (I think she means the Barbie movie Fairytopia)
A bigger dollhouse (Ok, prompted this too. I asked, don't you want a new dollhouse?)
A "Kia Cat" (this translates to Kitty Cat)
A chick. ???
A grocery shopping. (I got her pretend food, does that count?)
ummmmm.... ummmmm.... ummmmmm... ummmmmm....
(After about three minutes of ummmms)
Jewelery like mommy.
Ho Ho Ho. (This after I asked what else she wanted to say to Santa).
I wanna get presents please. Thank you.
Love Sydney "Awice".
Good thing the mailman has come. I can sneak these out of the mailbox later and keep them for some good laughs when they are older.
Blakes Letter.
Dear Santa,
I love Santa. I have been a good boy (this was added at my prompting).
I want a Thomas Doodle. (I got this one...)
I want a purse like Sissy. A boy one with Thomas on it.
I want new blocks.
A new Thomas blanket like my other blankets.
A new book like Mommy. ???
I want a doll house. (Well, Sydney is getting one. I am sure he will play with it)
I want letters I can set up like a big tower.
I want a little Christmas Tree with a train under it and candy canes on the Christmas Tree and ornaments on the Christmas Tree too.
And I want a Thomas movie.
I want a pretend gun that shoots people, we can pretend that we shoot people. (not into the fake weapons - what is it with BOYS?)
I want a t.v., like moms, a little one.
That's all.
I love you Santa. Please can I give you a hug and kiss.
XOXO - Blake
p.s. I love Santa and Santa loves me.
Sydney's Letter
Dear Santa,
I have been a good girl. (Ok, I prompted her to say this, she just wanted to get right into her list!)
I want balloons, a lotta balloons.
Yellow balloons, pink balloons, yellow balloons - (This is where I stopped her)
I want Barbietopia. (I think she means the Barbie movie Fairytopia)
A bigger dollhouse (Ok, prompted this too. I asked, don't you want a new dollhouse?)
A "Kia Cat" (this translates to Kitty Cat)
A chick. ???
A grocery shopping. (I got her pretend food, does that count?)
ummmmm.... ummmmm.... ummmmmm... ummmmmm....
(After about three minutes of ummmms)
Jewelery like mommy.
Ho Ho Ho. (This after I asked what else she wanted to say to Santa).
I wanna get presents please. Thank you.
Love Sydney "Awice".
Good thing the mailman has come. I can sneak these out of the mailbox later and keep them for some good laughs when they are older.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Best Forward Ever
I got this forward today from Marina. One of the best ones yet!
Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. - Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be watered.
I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill.
Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys.
Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent. Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.
Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. - Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be watered.
I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill.
Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys.
Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent. Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Peer Pressure at 4?
Blake's preschool has show n' tell every Friday - and I just realized it isn't Friday. Oops. But that is besides the point.
In my half awake stupor this morning I thought it was Friday.
Anyways,
So today we were trying to think of something that starts with the letter "N" that he could bring for show and tell. Since I didn't have any nests lying around my house I was having a hard time thinking of something. Nail? No, not very safe for a four year old like Blake to have in his possession. Nerd? Well yes, I am one but I don't feel like spending two and a half hours waiting around at preschool. Not? No, wait, it is KNOT and starts with a K. Na.. nuh... ni... finally I thought of something (please tell me I am not the only mom that has problems with this)... NECKTIE! So I got Blakes necktie out, explained to him that it isn't just a tie, it is a NNNNecktie, and proceeded to put it around his neck.
This is what he said to me when I was finished.
Blake: "NOoooo, mom, I don't want to wear this".
Me: "Whyyyyy?"
Blake: "Cause they will all think I look like a churchboy!"
Me: Dumbfounded.
Churchboy? What? For one thing, this is Utah Valley. 80% of the boys here are "CHURCH BOYS". For another thing, WHERE AND HOW THE HECK DID THIS TERM EVER COME UP IN A FOUR YEAR OLD CONVERSATION?
I took the tie off and stuffed it into his pocket so he wouldn't strangle himself trying to rip it off.
And he starts kindergarten next year. Growing less enthusiastic by the minute.
In my half awake stupor this morning I thought it was Friday.
Anyways,
So today we were trying to think of something that starts with the letter "N" that he could bring for show and tell. Since I didn't have any nests lying around my house I was having a hard time thinking of something. Nail? No, not very safe for a four year old like Blake to have in his possession. Nerd? Well yes, I am one but I don't feel like spending two and a half hours waiting around at preschool. Not? No, wait, it is KNOT and starts with a K. Na.. nuh... ni... finally I thought of something (please tell me I am not the only mom that has problems with this)... NECKTIE! So I got Blakes necktie out, explained to him that it isn't just a tie, it is a NNNNecktie, and proceeded to put it around his neck.
This is what he said to me when I was finished.
Blake: "NOoooo, mom, I don't want to wear this".
Me: "Whyyyyy?"
Blake: "Cause they will all think I look like a churchboy!"
Me: Dumbfounded.
Churchboy? What? For one thing, this is Utah Valley. 80% of the boys here are "CHURCH BOYS". For another thing, WHERE AND HOW THE HECK DID THIS TERM EVER COME UP IN A FOUR YEAR OLD CONVERSATION?
I took the tie off and stuffed it into his pocket so he wouldn't strangle himself trying to rip it off.
And he starts kindergarten next year. Growing less enthusiastic by the minute.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
All You Need Is Love
Overheard this morning by Blake and Sydney while all of us were snuggling in bed:
Sydney: "I want to be wiff you fo-evah Bwake". (I want to be with you forever Blake)
Blake: "That would be so nice Sydney".
(Later on while feeling each others hearts beating)
Blake: "That is my heart beat. It is in my tummy and when I have food and sleep it is happy."
This is all my heart needs to be happy...
Sydney: "I want to be wiff you fo-evah Bwake". (I want to be with you forever Blake)
Blake: "That would be so nice Sydney".
(Later on while feeling each others hearts beating)
Blake: "That is my heart beat. It is in my tummy and when I have food and sleep it is happy."
This is all my heart needs to be happy...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Olivia
I got to take pictures of my adorable niece yesterday. See how cute she is? To see the rest go to my Dilly Dally Art blog.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Tree Tiiiimmmmmeeee!
Dave and I finally broke down this weekend and bought an artificial, 9 ft Christmas tree at Coscto. It is an investment right? One thing it definitely is, is HUGE!!! When we put up the base I was like "ummmm, maybe we overshot this" but once we mashed it into the corner it seemed to work. And it only took like 6 hours to put up and decorate! LOL I must say, even though white lights are very elegant, they aren't quite as cheery as the colored ones I am used to. Next year when I actually have time to do this I will add colored lights.
My favorite ornaments.
And just because the light is so pretty and I want to bore you all to death with a million pictures of my Christmas tree!
My Christmas cards are in the mail, all except for the few stragglers that I can't seem to nail down addresses for. Most of my shopping is done and the stockings are hung on the stair rail with care. I don't have a fireplace. Let Christmas begin!
My favorite ornaments.
And just because the light is so pretty and I want to bore you all to death with a million pictures of my Christmas tree!
My Christmas cards are in the mail, all except for the few stragglers that I can't seem to nail down addresses for. Most of my shopping is done and the stockings are hung on the stair rail with care. I don't have a fireplace. Let Christmas begin!
Updates...
This has definitely been the busiest and most stressful time of my life. I am working two jobs, one of which is more like full time, I have two kids, a travelling husband, a church calling that requires me to plan a massive Christmas party and of course the regular things that come with the holidays. Now you know why I haven't updated for so long.
A lot of wonderful and NEW things have happened. The dog is no longer with us. No it didn't die. We took her back. I was broken hearted but I guess I knew deep down that it just wasn't time...
I am an AUNT!!! Heather and Chris had my first little neice, Olivia Nicole Walker. Go see the photos of her in their blog. She is the cutest, tiniest little thing! I just want to eat her up! I can't say I mind being so close. That means lots of quality baby time for me. Blake and Syd are in love with her and always asking when we can go see her again. Blake thought that she was ours at the hospital and got pretty upset when he realized that we weren't taking her home! Even Syd who could usually care less about babies seems quite enamored with her with all of her 'tongue bitting' rough kisses and snuggles.
Sydney turned 3. My baby is three. WOW. That time sure flew. We had a very girly, very pink party with family and her friend Jaylee. She was spoiled with barbies and dress up clothes, jewelery and shoes. All I hear these days is the clip clopping of her heels across the floor.
My sister-in-law Jen. Sorry Jenny-poo. Couldn't resist.
Lauren made this beautiful blanket for Sydney. She is surprising us all with her Martha Stewart skills!
Adam, Jenny and Krissy. Did I mention my kids have the best aunts and uncles ever?
A lot of wonderful and NEW things have happened. The dog is no longer with us. No it didn't die. We took her back. I was broken hearted but I guess I knew deep down that it just wasn't time...
I am an AUNT!!! Heather and Chris had my first little neice, Olivia Nicole Walker. Go see the photos of her in their blog. She is the cutest, tiniest little thing! I just want to eat her up! I can't say I mind being so close. That means lots of quality baby time for me. Blake and Syd are in love with her and always asking when we can go see her again. Blake thought that she was ours at the hospital and got pretty upset when he realized that we weren't taking her home! Even Syd who could usually care less about babies seems quite enamored with her with all of her 'tongue bitting' rough kisses and snuggles.
Sydney turned 3. My baby is three. WOW. That time sure flew. We had a very girly, very pink party with family and her friend Jaylee. She was spoiled with barbies and dress up clothes, jewelery and shoes. All I hear these days is the clip clopping of her heels across the floor.
My sister-in-law Jen. Sorry Jenny-poo. Couldn't resist.
Lauren made this beautiful blanket for Sydney. She is surprising us all with her Martha Stewart skills!
Adam, Jenny and Krissy. Did I mention my kids have the best aunts and uncles ever?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
