Conversation I overheard while Dave was brushing her hair after she had just gotten out of the tub and was wrapped in a towel. I have to preface this with an explanation that Syd's aunt Krissy has super long blond hair that she always wears down. After Syd's last sleep over at Krissy's, she decided she wanted hair just like Krissy's and I couldn't cut it anymore. I think she decided she wanted to be like Krissy in a few other ways. Here is the snippet I caught:
Syd to Dave while he was brushing her hair: "My hair's getting long like Krissy's".
Dave: "It is".
Syd: "Can you carry me like a baby?" (We do this thing where after their bath's when they are wrapped up in their towels, we carry them like babies to their room to get dressed).
Dave: "You're getting too big to carry like a baby!"
Syd: "I'm gonna drive a car."
Dave: "Not for a long, long time!"
Syd: "I'm gonna move out!"
Dave chuckles... and: "Nope. You're gonna live with us forever."
Really? She is already planning that? *heart breaks*
Did I mention every time I watch this video, it makes me cry?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Morning Crafts.
I know I haven't been updating much lately. I think my brain and emotions are taking a bit of a break to preserve my sanity. I am focusing on my family and faith at the moment. All else has been put away for awhile until I feel more *sure*.
Sydney and I found ourselves together in the morning with a bit of time to spare while Blake was at school, Dave at the temple and Grant was snoozing.
So I took some time and made a couple little pipe cleaner animals for her to play with. She chose a gecko, I chose the deer.
I really hope the day comes soon when I have to work a lot less and can spend a lot more time doing things like this with the chickadees.
And want to hear something exciting? Blake is starting to read!!! YEY! I am so excited about it and love seeing the awesome progress he is making. My little babe is really growing up *sigh*.
I have been listening to this song all morning...
I had forgotten how much I love The Cranberries.
Oh, and P90X? My derriere is hating me today.
And I wanted some opinions. I think I finally got this corner of Syd's room the way I want it (maybe a few extra pillows on the bed and eventually a cute headboard), BUT, I want to paint a scallop border in a solid color starting from the ceiling to about 1/4 of the way down with the scallop at the bottom. The walls look white in this photo but they are actually a very pale blue-ish turquoise color. I can't decide... the same green as the photo frames or a nice, yellowy/cream color?
Now, off to do the laundry.
Sydney and I found ourselves together in the morning with a bit of time to spare while Blake was at school, Dave at the temple and Grant was snoozing.
So I took some time and made a couple little pipe cleaner animals for her to play with. She chose a gecko, I chose the deer.
I really hope the day comes soon when I have to work a lot less and can spend a lot more time doing things like this with the chickadees.
And want to hear something exciting? Blake is starting to read!!! YEY! I am so excited about it and love seeing the awesome progress he is making. My little babe is really growing up *sigh*.
I have been listening to this song all morning...
I had forgotten how much I love The Cranberries.
Oh, and P90X? My derriere is hating me today.
And I wanted some opinions. I think I finally got this corner of Syd's room the way I want it (maybe a few extra pillows on the bed and eventually a cute headboard), BUT, I want to paint a scallop border in a solid color starting from the ceiling to about 1/4 of the way down with the scallop at the bottom. The walls look white in this photo but they are actually a very pale blue-ish turquoise color. I can't decide... the same green as the photo frames or a nice, yellowy/cream color?
Now, off to do the laundry.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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Do you hate writing your grocery list?
Do you like trying new recipes?
THIS site is SOOOOO awesome. Seriously. Meal planning couldn't get any easier.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I know, I know...
It has been too long since my last update. I dunno...
We are all feeling better.
Dave is still job searching.
We are starting the P90X workout tomorrow.
Ouch.
I missed the second half of "Wuthering Heights" on masterpiece theatre tonight (I was looking forward to it ALL WEEK!)
Thank goodness for Netflix (really, I can't ever give it up. I don't get my hair done, my nails done, my brows done and certainly don't shop for me-self [one day], just gimme Netflix).
I am thinking about writing a book?
I am taking photography sessions.
This is too many "I's".
Grant laughed quite a bit this morning from Dave's version of "ALL ABOARD THE CHOO-CHOO TRAIN, all aboard the choo-choo train, ALL ABOARD THE CHOO-CHOO TRAIN, all aboard, all aboard, CHOO-CHOO!!! (If you have young children who watch a little tv in the morning, chances are you have heard this before).
I miss Heather, Chris and Olivia already (they moved to Idaho).
Dave gave me the best hug yesterday.
Blake is adding "candles" too every picture he draws lately. It is really cute.
Sydney's lips keep cracking and bleeding from the dry winter air. I bought her chapstick but it doesn't seem to help much.
Grant is constipated (it makes me sad. I really hate formula.)
I know you really wanted to know that last tid-bit.
I am trying to convince my parents to get a webcam so we can SKYPE. It is FREE MUM!!! And my kids can make faces at you, and so can I!
I wish Holly WAS my neighbor so we could enjoy movies that most other people think are boring or "slow" as Dave calls them. BBC. Masterpiece theatre. etc.
Ghiradelli white chocolate chips taste too much like butter. I know because I was craving CHOCOLATE and had to make do with that because I am trying not to buy JUNK. Chocolate is so not junk, but I have to put it in that category for the sake of my derriere.
Good-night and good luck.
We are all feeling better.
Dave is still job searching.
We are starting the P90X workout tomorrow.
Ouch.
I missed the second half of "Wuthering Heights" on masterpiece theatre tonight (I was looking forward to it ALL WEEK!)
Thank goodness for Netflix (really, I can't ever give it up. I don't get my hair done, my nails done, my brows done and certainly don't shop for me-self [one day], just gimme Netflix).
I am thinking about writing a book?
I am taking photography sessions.
This is too many "I's".
Grant laughed quite a bit this morning from Dave's version of "ALL ABOARD THE CHOO-CHOO TRAIN, all aboard the choo-choo train, ALL ABOARD THE CHOO-CHOO TRAIN, all aboard, all aboard, CHOO-CHOO!!! (If you have young children who watch a little tv in the morning, chances are you have heard this before).
I miss Heather, Chris and Olivia already (they moved to Idaho).
Dave gave me the best hug yesterday.
Blake is adding "candles" too every picture he draws lately. It is really cute.
Sydney's lips keep cracking and bleeding from the dry winter air. I bought her chapstick but it doesn't seem to help much.
Grant is constipated (it makes me sad. I really hate formula.)
I know you really wanted to know that last tid-bit.
I am trying to convince my parents to get a webcam so we can SKYPE. It is FREE MUM!!! And my kids can make faces at you, and so can I!
I wish Holly WAS my neighbor so we could enjoy movies that most other people think are boring or "slow" as Dave calls them. BBC. Masterpiece theatre. etc.
Ghiradelli white chocolate chips taste too much like butter. I know because I was craving CHOCOLATE and had to make do with that because I am trying not to buy JUNK. Chocolate is so not junk, but I have to put it in that category for the sake of my derriere.
Good-night and good luck.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Video and Commentary by Blake (mostly)
Some video for the far-away grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Things to note:
-Blake's commentary in the first section - HILARIOUS!
-Grant's pouty bottom lip in the second.
-Sydney saying "I don't want you to grow up Grant", towards the end of the third section. (Wonder where she heard that!)
Things to note:
-Blake's commentary in the first section - HILARIOUS!
-Grant's pouty bottom lip in the second.
-Sydney saying "I don't want you to grow up Grant", towards the end of the third section. (Wonder where she heard that!)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Why children's photographers charge so much.
There is more truth to this than you might think.
Guess who the next RSV victim is? That is right, me. I bet you didn't know adults can get RSV - well, they can. Of course to us it is just a bad cold.
Grant is doing better. He still isn't eating very much which has me a little worried, and he is sleeping a lot. That virus seems to have sure taken a toll on his little body. He is even skinnier than he was before he got it. But he is smiling again so that is good news :)
Monday, January 12, 2009
RSV vs. Littlelest Chickadee
So as I mentioned before, Grant has this cough. He hasn't really been showing any other signs of being sick although he was eating a little less and would seem quite congested after he coughed (which didn't happen too often).
Well, last night, his cough made him choke. So much so that I thought I might lose my precious baby in my bathroom in the middle of the night. He coughed, and there was so much mucus that he couldn't take a breath. I screamed for Dave while thumping his back trying to get him to cough it up. I grabbed the bulb syringe and took him into the bathroom. He was starting to turn purple and blue around his mouth. Luckily, after panic, and hyper sucking, I was able to get out enough of the secretions so that he could take a breath.
Dave and I were both so shaken up and decided he needed to go to the ER right away. This made me so nervous. What if he had another choking incident while I was driving? We said a prayer that our Heavenly Father would help me get there safely. It was 2:30 am. I grabbed the diaper bag, some bottles, threw on some jeans and nervously headed out into the deserted streets where I tried not to speed too much.
They took him in right away, took his vitals and he got suctioned to take a sample of secretions to do the RSV test. That part was horrible because they had to hold him down while they stuck the tube up each nostril and down into his throat.
It wasn't until 5 am that they came and told me he was positive (although I had heard the technician tell the nurse that in the hallway and had to wait another hour and a half for them to relay the info back to me).
The Dr. decided to admit him so they could monitor him for awhile. So off the pediatric unit we went. He had a room by himself with a bed for me to sleep in, which was great because I was feeling a little zombie-like at that point.
The nurses were all so great. The nurse we had for the longest turned out to be one that used to work for our family Dr. a while back. She was wonderful. They also had a darling fleece blanket and stuffed frog toy in the crib to keep. While I have blankets for him, there was something so comforting about knowing that someone made that blanket for us with their own two hands, on a night when I needed a little comfort. I think it will be his favorite :) I plan to donate a few myself sometimes soon. She said they sometimes get short of them in the winter.
Grant was definitely struggling with all the secretions and they suctioned him quite a few times but his oxygen levels were great and so we got to head home around 2:30 pm after the Dr. looked at him.
Here is a pic of him in his cute little hospital pj's. I snapped it with my camera phone. He looks big in that tiny crib but he looked pretty little to me!
I guess with RSV, they can seem pretty ok until they are not. It also lasts about a week and worsens on a bell curve so the Dr. told me he could get a lot worse before he gets better. We have to watch him closely and take him in the the respiratory clinic at least twice a day to get suctioned. The good news is his oxygen levels are great and he is still eating which is keeping the secretions thin. I am praying that he will not get worse and need to be re-admitted. So far tonight, he sounds more congested but is still eating which is a great sign.
While it is so hard to see such a tiny, innocent little person suffering, I am so grateful that we were able to get him breathing last night, that he isn't worse than he is. This has really put things into perspective for me. I am looking forward to things getting back to normal. Hopefully someday soon. NORMAL works great for me!
Thanks to all your well wishes, and to Staci for bringing a yummy dinner tonight even though I told her it was totally unnecessary (but much appreciated since I slept until after dinner!) - did I mention she had a root canal today? Do I have the greatest friends or what?
Well, last night, his cough made him choke. So much so that I thought I might lose my precious baby in my bathroom in the middle of the night. He coughed, and there was so much mucus that he couldn't take a breath. I screamed for Dave while thumping his back trying to get him to cough it up. I grabbed the bulb syringe and took him into the bathroom. He was starting to turn purple and blue around his mouth. Luckily, after panic, and hyper sucking, I was able to get out enough of the secretions so that he could take a breath.
Dave and I were both so shaken up and decided he needed to go to the ER right away. This made me so nervous. What if he had another choking incident while I was driving? We said a prayer that our Heavenly Father would help me get there safely. It was 2:30 am. I grabbed the diaper bag, some bottles, threw on some jeans and nervously headed out into the deserted streets where I tried not to speed too much.
They took him in right away, took his vitals and he got suctioned to take a sample of secretions to do the RSV test. That part was horrible because they had to hold him down while they stuck the tube up each nostril and down into his throat.
It wasn't until 5 am that they came and told me he was positive (although I had heard the technician tell the nurse that in the hallway and had to wait another hour and a half for them to relay the info back to me).
The Dr. decided to admit him so they could monitor him for awhile. So off the pediatric unit we went. He had a room by himself with a bed for me to sleep in, which was great because I was feeling a little zombie-like at that point.
The nurses were all so great. The nurse we had for the longest turned out to be one that used to work for our family Dr. a while back. She was wonderful. They also had a darling fleece blanket and stuffed frog toy in the crib to keep. While I have blankets for him, there was something so comforting about knowing that someone made that blanket for us with their own two hands, on a night when I needed a little comfort. I think it will be his favorite :) I plan to donate a few myself sometimes soon. She said they sometimes get short of them in the winter.
Grant was definitely struggling with all the secretions and they suctioned him quite a few times but his oxygen levels were great and so we got to head home around 2:30 pm after the Dr. looked at him.
Here is a pic of him in his cute little hospital pj's. I snapped it with my camera phone. He looks big in that tiny crib but he looked pretty little to me!
I guess with RSV, they can seem pretty ok until they are not. It also lasts about a week and worsens on a bell curve so the Dr. told me he could get a lot worse before he gets better. We have to watch him closely and take him in the the respiratory clinic at least twice a day to get suctioned. The good news is his oxygen levels are great and he is still eating which is keeping the secretions thin. I am praying that he will not get worse and need to be re-admitted. So far tonight, he sounds more congested but is still eating which is a great sign.
While it is so hard to see such a tiny, innocent little person suffering, I am so grateful that we were able to get him breathing last night, that he isn't worse than he is. This has really put things into perspective for me. I am looking forward to things getting back to normal. Hopefully someday soon. NORMAL works great for me!
Thanks to all your well wishes, and to Staci for bringing a yummy dinner tonight even though I told her it was totally unnecessary (but much appreciated since I slept until after dinner!) - did I mention she had a root canal today? Do I have the greatest friends or what?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Num-Yummy.
I should be at church right now but unfortunately I am at home with sick little chickadees.
Sydney is on the mend, Blake has a 103.3 degree fever, and is crying that his tummy hurts, and my littlest chickadee has the saddest cough you ever heard (they all have a nasty cough but since his is a mini version, it wins the prize for most-sympathy producing). He also seems to have bouts where the stuff in his throat is interfering with his breathing - the worst of which was in the middle of the night and scared me! He seems to be doing a little better with that at the moment.
I was up for most of the night with them and so I am one tired mummy.
There is something about sickness that makes you crave soup-making. I made the yummiest soup last night for dinner and so I need to share the recipe. If you like sweet & sour type things, I think you will LOVE this! It is one of my favorite soups so far!'
Thanks to Rachel N. who gave me this book because she is a sweetie pie (every time I use it I read the inscription and miss our times together in Springville!)
Sopa de Tortilla con Naranja (Tortilla Soup with Orange)
Cammy Fuller
1/4 c. oil (I used olive oil)
8 small or 4 large corn tortillas cut in 1/2 inch strips or 2 cups corn chips (I would make a little more as we liked a lot of these in our soup and ran out - corn chips will add quite a bit of salt so beware)
1 med onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2.5 c. chicken broth
1.5 c. orange juice
1.5 c. tomato sauce
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro (no substitutions)
3 carrots, sliced
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
Grated Monterey Jack cheese
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat oil and fry tortillas over med. heat until lightly brown and crisp (I like mine a little more crisp because they don't get soggy as fast in the soup). Remove to paper towel and drain.
In the same pot, saute onion garlic, and celery.
I adore this smell. Absolutely aromatic.
*NOTE* I sauteed my chicken in a little olive oil before I added it. I just like to be on the safe side and I think it gives the chicken a little more flavor...
Stir in broth, orange juice, tomato sauce, chilies, cilantro, and carrots. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until carrots are tender. Add uncooked chicken pieces and simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until chicken is done. DO NOT BOIL.
To serve, place toasted tortillas (or chips) in soup bowls. Ladle soup over tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese.
Serves 4 (although you will have leftovers if two of the portions are kid portions).
Finished product after we had eaten half of the pot. I was distracted and spilled this burning soup all over the table and one of my hands and was in too much pain for awhile to take anymore pictures. The soup was really good though, even with my hand covered in ice.
And a couple more photos of another tasty treat.
Trust me those little thighs are GREAT to nibble on!
Sydney is on the mend, Blake has a 103.3 degree fever, and is crying that his tummy hurts, and my littlest chickadee has the saddest cough you ever heard (they all have a nasty cough but since his is a mini version, it wins the prize for most-sympathy producing). He also seems to have bouts where the stuff in his throat is interfering with his breathing - the worst of which was in the middle of the night and scared me! He seems to be doing a little better with that at the moment.
I was up for most of the night with them and so I am one tired mummy.
There is something about sickness that makes you crave soup-making. I made the yummiest soup last night for dinner and so I need to share the recipe. If you like sweet & sour type things, I think you will LOVE this! It is one of my favorite soups so far!'
Thanks to Rachel N. who gave me this book because she is a sweetie pie (every time I use it I read the inscription and miss our times together in Springville!)
Sopa de Tortilla con Naranja (Tortilla Soup with Orange)
Cammy Fuller
1/4 c. oil (I used olive oil)
8 small or 4 large corn tortillas cut in 1/2 inch strips or 2 cups corn chips (I would make a little more as we liked a lot of these in our soup and ran out - corn chips will add quite a bit of salt so beware)
1 med onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2.5 c. chicken broth
1.5 c. orange juice
1.5 c. tomato sauce
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro (no substitutions)
3 carrots, sliced
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
Grated Monterey Jack cheese
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat oil and fry tortillas over med. heat until lightly brown and crisp (I like mine a little more crisp because they don't get soggy as fast in the soup). Remove to paper towel and drain.
In the same pot, saute onion garlic, and celery.
I adore this smell. Absolutely aromatic.
*NOTE* I sauteed my chicken in a little olive oil before I added it. I just like to be on the safe side and I think it gives the chicken a little more flavor...
Stir in broth, orange juice, tomato sauce, chilies, cilantro, and carrots. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until carrots are tender. Add uncooked chicken pieces and simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until chicken is done. DO NOT BOIL.
To serve, place toasted tortillas (or chips) in soup bowls. Ladle soup over tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese.
Serves 4 (although you will have leftovers if two of the portions are kid portions).
Finished product after we had eaten half of the pot. I was distracted and spilled this burning soup all over the table and one of my hands and was in too much pain for awhile to take anymore pictures. The soup was really good though, even with my hand covered in ice.
And a couple more photos of another tasty treat.
Trust me those little thighs are GREAT to nibble on!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ready for normal
My kids are all sick. All three which means my sweet little three month old baby is coughing and stuffy and miserable. And I am scared to death of RSV.
Dave is also got a little bit of it too. He is still looking for a job and there doesn't seem to be too much out there at this time. I am scared of this economy and what it might mean for his job search.
A lot of his leads are out of state. This is scary too.
Our insurance expires in three more weeks. Scary.
My Dad is having a biopsy soon. Scary.
Now if only I can let go of these fears and leave it in the Lord's hands. I need to trust him more.
Dave is also got a little bit of it too. He is still looking for a job and there doesn't seem to be too much out there at this time. I am scared of this economy and what it might mean for his job search.
A lot of his leads are out of state. This is scary too.
Our insurance expires in three more weeks. Scary.
My Dad is having a biopsy soon. Scary.
Now if only I can let go of these fears and leave it in the Lord's hands. I need to trust him more.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Because everyone should have a little Bjork in their lives...
I am listening to this at the moment, and rekindling my love for Bjork all over again...
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A New Year Celebration - kiddie style.
Our New Year's celebration was low key. Now that we are getting older, and have multiple children, we both agree that New Year's is either for the childless or the single set.
We had a pajama party. We spread out blankets and pillows on the living room floor and dined on saturated fat packed goodies while we watched "Wall-e" and "Nim's Island". It was a lot of fun. We only made it to 11:45 pm when we made the kids go to bed and we crashed. They would have lasted longer than we did!
I plan to do a big "goals for 2009" post but for now, I plan to do a lot more of this in 2009:
And a short clip for the Canuck grandparents.
We had a pajama party. We spread out blankets and pillows on the living room floor and dined on saturated fat packed goodies while we watched "Wall-e" and "Nim's Island". It was a lot of fun. We only made it to 11:45 pm when we made the kids go to bed and we crashed. They would have lasted longer than we did!
I plan to do a big "goals for 2009" post but for now, I plan to do a lot more of this in 2009:
And a short clip for the Canuck grandparents.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Bad Monday
I am feeling a little heartbroken today. I was working and heard the garage door opening this morning... there is only one person who has the other opener, and it is never a good thing when your husband comes home so early in the day.
Dave was laid off today.
The worst part is that I feel like we invested so many hopes and dreams into this job. Not to mention time as a family. He worked so hard and if anyone could have succeeded in this area, he could have - it just couldn't be done at this time.
They were cutting back everywhere. He wasn't the only one. Still, I am angry at this company for the way they handled everything. But tomorrow, I am going to try and be over it. I know there is a reason for everything and in some way, this is either supposed to teach us something, or be a better opportunity. And I am grateful for the tender mercy that this didn't happen BEFORE Christmas, because it sounds like it almost did.
Anyone have any connections for a great software salesman? Or management in finance?
And honey... I am proud of everything you have accomplished. Not many could have even made it this far. I would hire you all over again ;)
Dave was laid off today.
The worst part is that I feel like we invested so many hopes and dreams into this job. Not to mention time as a family. He worked so hard and if anyone could have succeeded in this area, he could have - it just couldn't be done at this time.
They were cutting back everywhere. He wasn't the only one. Still, I am angry at this company for the way they handled everything. But tomorrow, I am going to try and be over it. I know there is a reason for everything and in some way, this is either supposed to teach us something, or be a better opportunity. And I am grateful for the tender mercy that this didn't happen BEFORE Christmas, because it sounds like it almost did.
Anyone have any connections for a great software salesman? Or management in finance?
And honey... I am proud of everything you have accomplished. Not many could have even made it this far. I would hire you all over again ;)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Christmas Catch - Up
We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Even though it kind of "snuck - up" on me, I was able to feel the spirit of the season.
Dave and I kicked off the celebrations by watching "Christmas Vacation" - a movie Dave's family has watched every year since who knows how long and most of the family can quote any part of the movie on demand. I am not as big a fan but enjoy Dave's laughter throughout!
I have a list of Christmas movies that I like to watch every year. It seems to grow each year with the addition of movies, but so far, here are the "Must See's" (some for the kids and some for just Dave and I):
We also dedicated one movie night to the Savior. We watched a new "Liken the Scriptures" Christmas Movie and The Testament to help the kids better understand why we really cherish this season. I also make it a point to watch "The Nativity" on Christmas night. I think it is a wonderful way to bring the true spirit of Christmas into our home.
On Christmas Eve we were able to have dinner with some very close friends of Dave's (and now of my...) family. The food was wonderful, the company even better :) We came home, opened new pj's (another tradition that started with my Grandma Alice). Blake cried when he opened them because he was hoping it was a toy!!! Sydney loved her nightgown and robe and danced around in it. They are so different.
We left out homemade shortbread (a tradition from my side of the family) and milk for Santa, read "The Night Before Christmas" and tucked the wayyyy excited kids into bed before the wrapping extravaganza began.
The kids had made lists. Here is what they said:
Sydney's List (Direct quotes)
Dear Santa,
I would like for Christmas
-Barbies - girl that has a white dress on her
-A Liana one and Alexa one (Barbies from the "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" movie)
-A prince, a Jeremy one for the girls, another Jeremy
-Barbie and a Christmas Carol barbie
-A Kathleen one (At this point I think I suggested she think of non-Barbie related toys!)
-A Santa Claus Toy
-A Candle Toy (???)
-A House (presumably a Barbie house)
-Curtains for the Barbie's Room
-A baby for Dora
-A Chair for them (Barbie's)
-Santa Claus Toys (what is it with the Santa toys?)
-A bike
-A Mariposa one, Mariposa friends too and Mermaidia Movie (All Barbie stuff).
I have been a good girl Santa.
Love,
Sydney
....
Blake's Letter (click on it)
We let Blake sound out some of the words. The second last thing is "Computer"
Now I have this habit of asking "what else" even after they have already given too many answers. I love hearing what they come up with but I am stuck explaning that of course Santa will not get EVERYTHING on their list (he isn't that rich).
That night the baby woke up around 3:30 in the morning. So did Blake. I stopped him on his way out to the living room (even after we told him to WAKE US UP FIRST!) and sent him back to bed saying that Santa hadn't come yet. This made me paranoid that he was going to sneak out again so I couldn't sleep and caught him trying to sneak out again at around 4:30 am. This time I made him take his blankets and pillow and come sleep on our floor next to the bed so I could monitor him. He wasn't happy about his foiled attempts but he still tried to sneak out around 5:00 am sometime and then around 6:00... it was a loooong night and I was ready to kill him. He finally fell back asleep but then woke us up around 6:45 am with Sydney in tow, both of them shouting "SANTA CAME!!! SANTA CAME!!!" and then Blake shouted "AND HE GOT ME A REAL GOLDFISHHHHH!"
THE STINKER!!! Despite all my efforts, I missed the big reveal. They were both so excited, it was so much fun making them wait and be patient while we sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus - see Dad? I carried that one on!) and talked about why we give presents in the first place.
They were great at taking turns opening presents. Sydney got a disgusting amount of Barbie stuff with some Disney princess stuff thrown in here and there.
Blake got his two goldfish who he named "Cheddar and Collar" but then changed the names a few times; "Nemo", "Trapped" - I think they currently stand as the first selections, and I can't help but wonder if "Cheddar" was after those little snack crackers he is so fond of. LOL!
He also got his EZ bake oven, some cars, a Batman laptop and his transformer as well as some legos and some clothes that when he opened, he said "wow" with much less enthusiasm than the others, and promptly threw them aside.
I think we did a good job with the presents this year. I didn't feel like there were too many and the kids seem to enjoy everything they got and are playing with it all. They also got some really neat things from Grandma's and Grandpa's and aunts and uncles including a skateboard for Blake and a "Belle" dress for Sydney from Aunt Lauren, two things that weren't on the list but they had talked about them all the time.
For Christmas, I got this:
Yes, a 12 cup food processor from Kitchenaid and "Light Blue" perfume by Dolce & Gabana. We also got an 8 person tent. But the best part is, all of those things were FREE thanks to Dave's rewards points from his numerous hotel stays!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! Although I guess they really cost a lot of time with my husband. I also got to pick out a couple of shirts.
I got Dave a couple shirts and and nice wool coat that he needed badly for church/meetings/any occasion that a ski jacket doesn't work for. Oh, and a yoga mat, because he is cool like that.
After the presents were opened and the house looked like a Hallmark tornado had touched down, I made a big breakfast. And set off the smoke detectors for a second year in a row while cooking my brown sugared bacon. But it was good.
Later we headed to Dave's family's house for an early dinner, and some snowmobile riding (I stayed with the baby and took a much needed nap!). Heather and Chris had our names and gave us an awesome picture frame collage (I will post photos when we hang it) that they had partially made! Thanks guys!
On Christmas Eve, I made the traditional Ukrainian dinner that I have had, every Christmas since I could eat solid foods, until I moved away. My grandfather is Ukrainian and we would have a Ukrainian Christmas celebration with his family every year. I made perogies, and cabbage rolls and we had kielbasa and then I had made my mother's shortbread for dessert. I was cooking all day long while Dave took the kids sledding, but it was worth it. Dave's family came over and although I am not sure all of them warmed up to the unusual food, it was wonderful to have them come and help me carry on a tradition that means so much to me.
This Christmas I felt like my real present was my family and especially Grant. I love having a new baby in the home during the holiday season. I would look down at him and think about Mary and baby Jesus, and how she must have felt knowing that she was cradling the Savior of the world, and what that must have felt like. I wondered what kind of baby he was - I wish I could have been there to see his birth, to watch her hold him, to feel the love that must have been present in that stable. In a room where a God was born who loved us all so much, that he would give everything.
I am the most grateful for this Christmas gift, for his eternal gift.
Dave and I kicked off the celebrations by watching "Christmas Vacation" - a movie Dave's family has watched every year since who knows how long and most of the family can quote any part of the movie on demand. I am not as big a fan but enjoy Dave's laughter throughout!
I have a list of Christmas movies that I like to watch every year. It seems to grow each year with the addition of movies, but so far, here are the "Must See's" (some for the kids and some for just Dave and I):
We also dedicated one movie night to the Savior. We watched a new "Liken the Scriptures" Christmas Movie and The Testament to help the kids better understand why we really cherish this season. I also make it a point to watch "The Nativity" on Christmas night. I think it is a wonderful way to bring the true spirit of Christmas into our home.
On Christmas Eve we were able to have dinner with some very close friends of Dave's (and now of my...) family. The food was wonderful, the company even better :) We came home, opened new pj's (another tradition that started with my Grandma Alice). Blake cried when he opened them because he was hoping it was a toy!!! Sydney loved her nightgown and robe and danced around in it. They are so different.
We left out homemade shortbread (a tradition from my side of the family) and milk for Santa, read "The Night Before Christmas" and tucked the wayyyy excited kids into bed before the wrapping extravaganza began.
The kids had made lists. Here is what they said:
Sydney's List (Direct quotes)
Dear Santa,
I would like for Christmas
-Barbies - girl that has a white dress on her
-A Liana one and Alexa one (Barbies from the "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" movie)
-A prince, a Jeremy one for the girls, another Jeremy
-Barbie and a Christmas Carol barbie
-A Kathleen one (At this point I think I suggested she think of non-Barbie related toys!)
-A Santa Claus Toy
-A Candle Toy (???)
-A House (presumably a Barbie house)
-Curtains for the Barbie's Room
-A baby for Dora
-A Chair for them (Barbie's)
-Santa Claus Toys (what is it with the Santa toys?)
-A bike
-A Mariposa one, Mariposa friends too and Mermaidia Movie (All Barbie stuff).
I have been a good girl Santa.
Love,
Sydney
....
Blake's Letter (click on it)
We let Blake sound out some of the words. The second last thing is "Computer"
Now I have this habit of asking "what else" even after they have already given too many answers. I love hearing what they come up with but I am stuck explaning that of course Santa will not get EVERYTHING on their list (he isn't that rich).
That night the baby woke up around 3:30 in the morning. So did Blake. I stopped him on his way out to the living room (even after we told him to WAKE US UP FIRST!) and sent him back to bed saying that Santa hadn't come yet. This made me paranoid that he was going to sneak out again so I couldn't sleep and caught him trying to sneak out again at around 4:30 am. This time I made him take his blankets and pillow and come sleep on our floor next to the bed so I could monitor him. He wasn't happy about his foiled attempts but he still tried to sneak out around 5:00 am sometime and then around 6:00... it was a loooong night and I was ready to kill him. He finally fell back asleep but then woke us up around 6:45 am with Sydney in tow, both of them shouting "SANTA CAME!!! SANTA CAME!!!" and then Blake shouted "AND HE GOT ME A REAL GOLDFISHHHHH!"
THE STINKER!!! Despite all my efforts, I missed the big reveal. They were both so excited, it was so much fun making them wait and be patient while we sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus - see Dad? I carried that one on!) and talked about why we give presents in the first place.
They were great at taking turns opening presents. Sydney got a disgusting amount of Barbie stuff with some Disney princess stuff thrown in here and there.
Blake got his two goldfish who he named "Cheddar and Collar" but then changed the names a few times; "Nemo", "Trapped" - I think they currently stand as the first selections, and I can't help but wonder if "Cheddar" was after those little snack crackers he is so fond of. LOL!
He also got his EZ bake oven, some cars, a Batman laptop and his transformer as well as some legos and some clothes that when he opened, he said "wow" with much less enthusiasm than the others, and promptly threw them aside.
I think we did a good job with the presents this year. I didn't feel like there were too many and the kids seem to enjoy everything they got and are playing with it all. They also got some really neat things from Grandma's and Grandpa's and aunts and uncles including a skateboard for Blake and a "Belle" dress for Sydney from Aunt Lauren, two things that weren't on the list but they had talked about them all the time.
For Christmas, I got this:
Yes, a 12 cup food processor from Kitchenaid and "Light Blue" perfume by Dolce & Gabana. We also got an 8 person tent. But the best part is, all of those things were FREE thanks to Dave's rewards points from his numerous hotel stays!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! Although I guess they really cost a lot of time with my husband. I also got to pick out a couple of shirts.
I got Dave a couple shirts and and nice wool coat that he needed badly for church/meetings/any occasion that a ski jacket doesn't work for. Oh, and a yoga mat, because he is cool like that.
After the presents were opened and the house looked like a Hallmark tornado had touched down, I made a big breakfast. And set off the smoke detectors for a second year in a row while cooking my brown sugared bacon. But it was good.
Later we headed to Dave's family's house for an early dinner, and some snowmobile riding (I stayed with the baby and took a much needed nap!). Heather and Chris had our names and gave us an awesome picture frame collage (I will post photos when we hang it) that they had partially made! Thanks guys!
On Christmas Eve, I made the traditional Ukrainian dinner that I have had, every Christmas since I could eat solid foods, until I moved away. My grandfather is Ukrainian and we would have a Ukrainian Christmas celebration with his family every year. I made perogies, and cabbage rolls and we had kielbasa and then I had made my mother's shortbread for dessert. I was cooking all day long while Dave took the kids sledding, but it was worth it. Dave's family came over and although I am not sure all of them warmed up to the unusual food, it was wonderful to have them come and help me carry on a tradition that means so much to me.
This Christmas I felt like my real present was my family and especially Grant. I love having a new baby in the home during the holiday season. I would look down at him and think about Mary and baby Jesus, and how she must have felt knowing that she was cradling the Savior of the world, and what that must have felt like. I wondered what kind of baby he was - I wish I could have been there to see his birth, to watch her hold him, to feel the love that must have been present in that stable. In a room where a God was born who loved us all so much, that he would give everything.
I am the most grateful for this Christmas gift, for his eternal gift.
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