Lift where you stand

I love it when the Conference issue of the Ensign comes out. Usually what I do, when we receive our copy is immediately turn to the section that contains the talks given at the priesthood session. I am convinced that some of the BEST talks ever come from that meeting. This year was no exception. If you have not read Elder Uchtdorf's talk titled, "Lift where you stand", I hope that you will.


For me this was the type of talk that inspired me to a) be satisfied with who I am and where I am in my life 2) be more humble with what my role is right now d) be a "lifter." I realize that may not even be a real word, but the message behind it still counts. I spent last year trying to notice and SAVOR the good things in my life. This year I wanted to focus on a word that would help me improve who I am, to myself, and to others. I wanted to STRETCH myself a little more. That is why the word I chose this year is:


______________

LIFT

(where I stand, of course)

Part of Speech: verb
Definition: promote, improve
Synonyms:
advance, boost, build up, dignify, elevate, enhance, exalt, hike, raise, support, upgrade, revitalize
Antonyms: demote, depress, dispirit, weaken
Roger's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third EditionCopyright © 2008 by the Philip Lief Group.

___________________________

Not a fancy word like I'd originally wanted to find, but believe me this will stretch me. ...A whole LOT! I LOVE the synonyms associated with this word.

I want to RAISE above my weaknesses, I want to BOOST those around me, I want to SUPPORT John more, I want to DIGNIFY my kids and family, I want to ENHANCE our daily life in every little way possible, I want to LIFT WEIGHTS and improve my physical strength, I want to REVITALIZE so so SO much!

I plan to use Elder Uchtdorf's talk for motivation, and perhaps I'll share my learnings along the way with you. Thanks again to Nikki for inspiring me a year ago with this New Years Challenge.

(to learn more- go to Nikkis's blog and read about the Handel's Challenge)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Looking back

With the year drawing to an end, I've been reflecting a lot on the events of the past 12 months. At this time last year I was contemplating my what my New Years resolution(s) would be for 2008. I was inspired by a friend to try something new. Instead of making a list of several changes/goals for the new year, she suggested finding one word that would become our theme for the next year. One word, that would mean something to us and encompass all that we want to accomplish in all aspects of life. I loved that concept and after several days of thinking I decided my word for 2008 would be savor. My goal seemed simple, it was to savor all the good things in my life. Enjoy them. Relish in the goodness that I've been blessed with. I wanted to learn how to relax and appreciate those things that matter most. I had hoped to learn how to never take things for granted. Although this might seem lofty and as unattainable as any other new years resolution I could have made, I promise the results have been amazing. I've not perfected this, but having the focus to savor the good things truly opened my eyes to just HOW good things are!

We did more, travelled more, and experienced more as a family this year then ever before. It seemed as though, the moment I decided to "enjoy" each aspect of my life, was the moment life got really really good. Maybe this goal just helped to open my eyes wide open to what has always been here. The only difference now is that I'm learning to appreciate it and be grateful for it.


This weekend John and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. 7! That's a pretty good number if you ask me. Sure it isn't quite a decade but it is more then 5. More then 6 years even! 7! Wow. Looking back on the past 7 years together there has been so much change. Some adversity. Lots of weakness (eh heh...moving on), and tonnes of learning. I shouldn't want to change any of that. Not a thing. If I've learned anything this year, it is to be grateful for every up and try to acknowledge the blessings in each down as well.

So here's to 7 more. And 7 more after that. And 7 more then. Actually here's to forever together. I'll be savoring it all!

All wrapped up!

It is amazing to me how we can spend days and days, even WEEKS, preparing for Christmas and then once it finally comes...it's gone- way too quickly. Christmas this year was great for us, and here are a few of the things we enjoyed most.

1: SANTA. This year I`d arranged for a home-visit from our own personal Santa Claus. Actually his name was Dan, but the kids don't know that. We made them answer the door when Santa came and they truly just stood there not knowing what to do. It was so funny...and a little awkward too:) Once they actually let Santa in the kids warmed up to him.

He brought them each a little present, let them sit on his lap, and he even inspected each of their stockings and made sure they were adequate for his visit later that evening.
Thanks Santa! It was a great way to emphasize the commercialism of the season. I mean it was a GREAT way to kick off the night. If the kids weren't excited before-they sure were after that visit.







2. Our very first (made by us) Turkey dinner! Well, maybe it is our second-I`m not sure. The thought of making a Turkey AND stuffing that wasn`t stove-top was a tad bit daunting to me, but I think it turned out ok. Not quite as yummy as this turkey photo, but ok.
We made sweet potatoes (My OWN special recipe;), stuffing, potatoes, gravy, pomegranate salad, etc. John and I were getting a little worried that we`d have to have this meal alone. Seeing as my in-laws failed to be there for us this year. (Yes Jordan and Luci that is a shot at you two!  We missed ya) Luckily though,  my sister and some of HER in-laws came through for us. We were glad to have a fun crowd and a houseful of VERY excited kids. It made for a fun time, and I have since been only mildly concerned about giving everyone salmonella!



3. Lights Galore. After supper we headed out for our favorite drive around town to look at the lights. These were two of our favorite homes.

Only a couple of times did Abby beg us to go home so she could go to bed. I think that had something to do with the fact that Santa told her to get to bed early tonight!








4. Preparing for Santa. It was fun to watch Abby lovingly prepare for Santas arrival. She lovingly set out a glass of milk, a plate of cookies, a bag of reindeer snacks, and carrots. Once all was arranged perfectly, both her and Sam ran off to bed without any instruction from us. Who knew it could be so easy
It kinda got me thinking. Do you suppose it would be wrong to tell the kids Santa is coming, even if it is NOT Christmas? I would be willing to splurge on a gift even.










5. Christmas Morning. The kids LOVED waking up and seeing all of the presents awaiting there unwrapping. One by one they plowed through those gifts getting more and more excited with every one. As a parent it was great fun to watch.
The rest of our day has pretty much been spent sleeping, reading, watching movies and eating. The kids have loved playing with their toys. Abby and I spent a large part of the day hand painting all of her new ceramic princess figurines. I think I had as much fun with this as Abby!










6. Snow play
Do NOT worry. To off set our laziness, John and Abby ventured out into the snow to build snow forts. This is likely a project that will continue through out the holiday.



It was a great couple of days. We hope that yours was equally wonderful!

Re-post- (my favorite christmas)

I never go Christmas shopping without thinking about my favorite Christmas 24 years ago. My siblings remember this year well. My mom was ill. Together her and my Dad had decided that they would not purchase a single thing for us but instead, they each would make us something. My mom made us all matching pajamas. My Dad set to work building something. ...something big. For weeks and weeks our basement was "off limits", while my Dad labored on our gifts. We could hardly wait to see what it was. On Christmas morning we woke up and went downstairs to find the most beautiful playset I had ever seen. I still have not found a playset that would match this one. It took up an entire room. This playset was big, it had everything, real dials, faucets, a dishwasher, food...the works! My sisters and I played in that room for years, (with the odd invation from my brother and some of his He-Man.)
I recall very little about that time in my life...but I do remember the hours spent with my sisters in that little room. Perhaps that is the gift my Dad wanted to give most of all. As he knew we would be losing our mother, perhaps what he wanted to give us, more than anything else, was the ability to just...play. To be kids. Even now this playset occupies a room at my sisters house and all our girls love it and use it as much as we did. Now that was a gift.
So as I contemplate what to give my own kids now, and when I get tempted to just buy "anything" off the shelf or think it doesn't matter, because Christmas isn't about presents anyways; I'm reminded of that year, and I'm inclined to think that maybe Christmas can be a little bit about "presents", IF we find the right one.

Luckily, if I fail to find something great for my precious three, I can always take comfort that they do know about the greatest gift of all. Yes, the real meaning of Christmas. Thank goodness for that

The reason for the season

Yesterday we spent all afternoon baking and delivering treats to some of the friends and family in our ward. Cinnamon buns, buns, chocolate caramel crackers, pop and a basket of carrots for that family who doesn't do flour, sugar or salt. They're home grown carrots OK!
I LOVE delivering things to other families, and the kids enjoyed it this year too. Abby liked being able to carry everything, and SAM liked being able to climb through all of the snowdrifts while we visited. On the way home snowflakes started to lightly fall as John and Abby sang Christmas carols, altering the lyrics ridiculously. It was a perfect evening.
We feel pretty much ready for Christmas around here. The gifts are wrapped and hidden, fridge is packed, treats are delivered. Even Abby has prepped and wrapped a gift for Santa and it is lovingly sitting under the tree. I'm not sure what she put in there - but ...it'd better be GOOD! Just kidding.


I'm including a recipe for the yummiest chocolate covered crackers ever. Make this. You must.


Christmas Crackers

1 Package of Saltine Crackers
1 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
some chocolate chips

Lay some parchment paper on a cookie sheet and lay out the crackers side by side. Melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Simmer this for three minutes. Pour over the crackers coating each one. Bake at 500 for 5 minutes. Remove and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Spread the chocolate. Let cool. Break it all up, sit down in front of a good movie OR SLIDESHOW and enjoy the wonderfulness of this week.

....or give them away I suppose:)

On that note: Here are a couple of slideshows that have been sent my way via email. They've helped remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. We hope you enjoy them as well.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Christmas Fun

We've got the flu at our place. I'm elated. I'm not even being sarcastic right now. Though that might sound like something awful for a nurturing mother like me to say, words cannot explain my relief that we are all getting sick now, rather then next week. We've done the whole Flu during Christmas thing before. Not fun. Of course, this does make me question the validity of FLU SHOTS and I can't help but wonder why, WHY did I rush to Pincher Creek and force my children to be poked by those horrible needles? Every year I take the kids to get the vacinne, and every year I ignore guilty feelings I have due to the controversy of the flu shots. Once and for all can someone give me the low down? You know. Yay or nay on the whole debate. What are the risks, why is it so controversial, and WHY do we still get the flu?

Like I said though - it's all good. By the weekend all will be well again around here.

I took Abby and Sam out the other night to a nativity display hosted by another stake. It was really nice to see so many different styles and cultural depictions of the saviors birth.
Just outside of the church they were putting on a live Nativity show, which the kids desperately wanted to see. It was freezing, blasting cold out though, and I must admit I did feel a twinge of guilt when I told Abby that they were "cancelling the show" for the night. "Then why is Mary riding on that donkey?" Abby asked. Turns out she also noticed the half dozen youth dressed as angels sitting up on the roof of the church too. Busted. Why are my kids tougher then me? When did that happen? Still, we braved the cold, went, saw it, and enjoyed a little bit more of the Christmas season.


Since I titled this post "Christmas Fun" I'd better post something at least mildly fun. This is a great medley that I saw on Melissa's blog last year. 


!
Only one more week 'till Christmas

Which is worse?

We are in a major deep freeze right now and I mean MAJOR!  We are talking -40 degrees at times.    We've had such warm weather up until now, perhaps that is, in part, why this has been so hard for my poor self to adjust to. Still despite the frostbite, and the crunchy snow (I can't stand crunchy snow), it does feel a bit more like Christmas. Let's be honest. As much as we complain about the weather, none of us wanted a brown Christmas. Did you?

It's been hard on the kids though to not be able to go outside and play. I haven't even taken them places for fear of having to unload little frozen ice cubes that were once my children. (Cute little ice cubes mind you, but still) They were particularly antsy today, and combine that with the dreaded 5:00 "dinner prep time"- things were not looking good for a moment there. I decided the kids needed to enjoy the outdoors a little bit. So in desperation, I brought a bit of the outdoors to them.

This is actually one of my favorite activities to do on a really frigid day. All you need is some bowls of snow, and some colored water and the kids take it from there. One year I actually dumped snow into our tub. Things haven't gotten THAT bad yet:)


So, my sweet little ones went from crying and arguing over which movie to watch, to crying and arguing over which colors each person got, and who got the bigger bowl.

Progress. ...I think.

A week of achievements

A post like this is so random I had a hard time narrowing it all down into a simple catchy title. Couldn't be done. It seemed, the only common thread between all of the following updates is that each paragraph represents an achievement of gigantic proportion. So in advance kudos to all of the following:



First of all to ME. (yes me. It's my blog OK. If I can't celebrate my successes here then where I ask you. Where?! ) And believe me, this deserves praise- and no small amount of it either. Have you ever done a weeks worth of grocery shopping, AND Christmas shopping at THREE different stores in minus 30 degree temperatures with ZERO visibility? Guess what... I have! AND I didn't lose any of my kids, get mad once, or have to pull a single strand of my hair out. so you see... Yay for me.





We spent some time over at my sisters house this week, because she is AMAZING and fed us the yummiest food ever! (Cafe Rio tacos with shredded pork, a green Tomoteo sauce, and homemade gauc and salsa,) ....oh my, you know I've digressed when I start salivating all over the computer. eh hem. As I was saying, John loves going to Jewel`s house, because there they have a piano. It`s small but nonetheless it is a piano. He gravitates to that thing like a moth to a flame. Like a tornado to a trailer park. Like Ugly on a Moose as my Dad used to say. Bottom line is I think John was itching to sitting down and tickle those keys all day.
As I sat there holding my nephew and listening to him play I could not help but get chills. He`s good. Truly, if there was anything I could ever do for him that would mean something ... it would be to get him a piano. I want to give that to him so bad. Yay for him for playing it so well.





This week, Jessica has managed to wear everything BUT an actual outfit.


Despite that, she still manages to come out looking so darn CUTE! Yay for her!








Sam. Ahhh Sam. Perhaps he has accomplished more this week then any of us. He`s officially learned how to throw a ball, overhand that is. In the past he`s really made quite measly attempts that just result in pouting and sulking because he just "can`t do it right". One day I was working on the computer and the kids were playing with a ball on my bed and Sam was of course, frustrated at his inability to throw the ball effectively. I, (being the good mom I wish I really was), stopped what I was doing to teach him how to release the ball at the right time yadda yadda yadda. After a few tips, he was excited to give it a try. Let s just say that he`s a fast learner. That golf ball went flying. ....right through our bedroom window!!! It's a pretty crummy thing when your child breaks a window and you can`t even get mad about it, because you are the one to blame. Mind you, I left a few of those details out when I relayed the story to John, and seeing as John never really reads this blog, it looks like I've gotten off scott free. (YAY for me again...)



Sam redeemed himself this week though by going potty by himself TWICE in one day. ....so, in the end, YAY for HIM!





And a big yeah goes to LUCI my sister in law who has just landed a almost, not quite but practically a lead role in an upcoming local production of FOOTLOOSE. We are so proud of her! I can`t wait to brag to all the town that I am "related to ETHEL" in real life! Unless she does a terrible job playing the part, and in that case, I`ll be sure to clarify that we are, in fact, related only through marriage. :)

This proud moment brought to you by...

SAM!

Check this out! Without being asked, bribed, threatened, or told- he is vacuuming all by himself. I had to get a picture of it- this may never happen again!

In case you have noticed Sam's backwards shirt- he also insisted on dressing himself today.

Do my eyes mistake me? Could this little guy be growing up?

Next step: Potty training. It's time. It won't be easy. Need help. Suggestions please?

An old fashioned Christmas

One week into December and I've already been feeling overwhelmed with all the holiday rush. It doesn't help that I am a fairly frantic person by nature- I just have the holidays now to blame that on. :) No doubt, I'm not the only one feeling stretched by all of the concerts, firesides, parties and such. There is so much going on, and yet, I don't want to miss out on any of it!  How to squeeze it all in?  That's my dilemma. 

One of my favorite activities so far has been the Pioneer Christmas party that we attended at our local museum. It was a great afternoon, one filled with crafts, cookie decorating, sleigh rides, Christmas music, dutch oven cooking and a Christmas movie ...theatre style!

And of course what would a party be without a picture with Santa! If you cant' tell in the photo- Jessica would have been fine without that traditional visit. I swear there hasn't been a year that I haven't held my children forcing them to "be happy- it's SANTA!" Maybe I'm just trying to live through them, but honestly why WHY do kids cry at the sight of Santa? Jessica climbs to the TOP of the kids' bunk bed and leans over the railing dangerously without any fear, she runs out onto a busy street and thinks she's playing a game. Bring her near jolly old Santa though and the girl falls apart.

The sleigh ride was a favorite for all of us, and I've decided that the ONLY thing I want for Christmas is a horse.  Oh and a barn to put it in. ...OK on second thought... how about,  just a farm.


They had a dutch-oven cook off. I LOVE dutch oven cooking! John and I enjoyed samples of turkey, goose, hasty pudding, roasted apples, praline sweet potatoes and more. It made me feel all warm and cozy inside as we filled our tummies and then settled down with the kids to watch a Christmas Carol in the theatre.  

The kids had a great time and John and I did to.  Therefore...a HIT!  It made me wish (and this isn't the first time I've wished this), but I couldn't help but long to have lived back then.  Back when things seemed so much simpler  - even Christmas.  

My goal for the next couple of weeks is to not let the busyness that I find myself in at times, take away from the peace I can feel at this time of year.    I got a little reminder of that this weekend- and was grateful for it!  

Another tag...but this one is a FUN one

This tag requires VERY little effort- so all those of you who are tired of writing about where you were ten years ago and what your 10 favorite foods are will enjoy this one.  Let's get this out of the way first.  Lorin, CRYSTAL (because I know you love these), Nikki, and Paula- I hope you are up for this one:

Simply, go to your Pictures file on your computer.  Find the 4th folder.  Got it?  good.  Now find the 4th photo.  Got that?  Now...post it.  Oh yeah and don't forget to tell us about it!  

It was fun to review our Disneyland photos.  Thanks again to Aaron and Gina!!  This photo definitely represents a summer highlight.   No, the highlight wasn't our  David Hasselhoff sighting- but rather seeing the ocean.   Sandy beach, rolling waves, setting sun and all!      

That's it.  I'm going back!  Hold my calls! 

The benefits of a VERY chilly day

The view of the mountains are spectacular!

(You'll have to click on the picture to really appreciate how close the mountains seem on days like this)

Oh sorry - do I have a bad attitude?

I'm a little confused these days!  It seems as though everyone has an opinion about the recent threats of a coalition government, and I find myself wanting to take a stand...but which side to stand on, I'm not sure anymore. For the first time ever I'm not 100% behind the party I used to stand behind. ? I think my problem is that I'm getting completely bored of all the change and drama and frankly losing faith in the system.

Bottom line is that politics recently seems to be more about bullying, dodging and manipulating then anything else.     They are ALL equally petty and guilty of dirty play.  If the party leaders put as much effort into environmental, health care, or economical issues as they do in how to get rid of each other, then maybe we'd have a functioning government longer then 6 weeks! 

Someone help me understand why this government is not working. I don't mean that rhetorically. Please anyone, I really want to know.


I was going to post a link to my sister- in law's blog because she wrote very passionately against a coalition government, but I didn't want to do that without her permission, so if she is ok with everyone reading her rant then she can add a link in the comment section.   Instead here is a Rant from good ol' Rick, who offers a different perspective.    I have to say I agree with both sides, which has been crumby.    I'm afraid in this case- it's been hard for me to define who is MORE WRONG and MORE dirty then the other.    Then again, I really don't have to decide anything (enter lethargic attitude) because WE aren't the ones deciding anymore.  We are just observers in this country watching a really bad sports match that won't END.  So I guess all I have to do is sit back and watch the game.  Who knows who's court the ball will land in - but chances are it won't be there long.      

Rick's Rant:
http://www.cbc.ca/mercerreport/video.html?maven_playerId=rmrseason6player&maven_referralParentPlaylistId=67c7d02ddecec9284b96e9071a249a58b36737f0&maven_referralPlaylistId=57e422921c5ac7c67be857d1389a78df01311c86&maven_referralObject=947975116

Signed, 

Confused and tired of it all

Kicking off the season

My sister in law was singing the song "tradition" from Fidler on the Roof the other day, so perhaps she is the culprit guilty of inspiring this post.  With today being the first day of December, it's time to kick off some of our families Christmas traditions. There are a few things that we do each year.  Without them, it just wouldn't seem like Christmas me.

first

One thing we did in my family for as long as I can remember is to eat dinner by candlelight every night for the entire month of December. As a child, I looked forward to this as it gave my siblings and I a chance to play with FIRE. We'd dip our fingers in the wax... try to burn our napkins, or strands of hair, meanwhile my Dad threatening to take the candles away if we didn't STOP messing with them. As a parent, I have loved this tradition because it brings some excitement to the table each evening, candle light is VERY calming, and I've noticed we all linger around the table longer than normal through out this month. Such a simple thing that really does bring us together for that time. I LOVE it and Abby is really looking forward to getting "her" candle tomorrow.

Second

My Dad's birthday was on Christmas Day, and growing up there were only two things that he EVER asked for as gifts.  For his Birthday) He wanted 1 hour of uninterrupted sleep. Being a single parent, sleep must have been a rare thing for him.  For Christmas) A Bacon and Tomato Sandwich for breakfast. Yes that's right. For breakfast. Looking back I'm not sure if we ever did give him that precious hour of sleep he wanted, but we've sure enjoyed those sandwiches.

Tomato, bacon, salt, pepper, mayo and toasted bread. sooo good! Come to think of it - I don't know why we reserve this for Christmas morning. A sandwich this good should be enjoyed all through the year. But Tradition is Tradition I suppose!

Driving around looking at Christmas lights

Who doesn't do this? We've already been out a few times to enjoy other peoples lights, but that week before Christmas is the best time to go. It's nice to be stuck in a van with the clan and know that we are all enjoying it. No arguing, no "are we there yet?" It's probably the only time I don't come close to shouting, "That's it -Everybody out!"    I'm not in any rush to get anywhere, which is a Christmas miracle in itself- John would say.   The kids just stare out the window with bulging eyes and thoughtful moods, the reflection of lights twinkling on their cute little faces.  Sam is usually the one who breaks the silence every time we pass a new home with lights, as he excitedly shrieks, "I see Christmas!"  Abby, always the teacher, is willing to actually converse with him on these occasions, and she explains why there is a nativity.  Then she gets all spiritual and asks us to tell her the story of when Jesus was born.  It's true- our family metamorphasizes into a calm, tranquil,  group on nights like that.   It really is bliss!

Other Christmas traditions I love are: Those Christmas firecracker things with the cheap crown and jokes inside, gift exchanges, Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer, Delivering sugar cookies, and an advent calendar. This year I learned of a great idea for an advent calendar that I'd love to incorporate. Check out Nikki's blog for details.

Whatever your traditions are - the time is almost here to start them.   I hope you'll share some of your favorites with us.  Our family is young, and we're always looking for ideas.

This will never happen to me.

If you are a mom chances are you've contemplated at times how great it would be to have twins! This past weekend I got to take some photos of the cutest twins I know. They are so similar in so many ways it was adorable. I found myself thinking of how much i would LOVE to have a set of multiples.


And then....we went to church. Jessica spilled and stepped on an entire bag of crackers, screamed non stop through the most important part of the meeting, threw a tantrum right when I was supposed to join the Relief Society Women in an intermediate song, and then during John's talk (which was AMAZING) she tried non-stop to make her way to the stand to join him. How can one person...(one very cute person), but one person just the same cause so much trouble?

I was grateful for the reminder that I can only do so much. Apparently God knows that some people can handle TWO. Some of us ...could NOT! I'm convinced that mothers who have more then one baby at a time, automatically go to heaven.

(For some pics of those adorable twins check out our other blog!)

To our "Yankee" Relatives...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We'll probably eat a big turkey too- just so we feel like we aren't missing out on anything.

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Disclaimer: This darling little girl is not mine. She's my neice. For more photos of her family check out our other blog:

Not Quite Picasso