The Makings of a Cozy Night - Part I

I made the mistake of telling my kids a few weeks back that Uncle Chad let's his kids  sleep under the Christmas tree.  Well ever since then my little ones have been begging me to let them do the same. 

Now that there is not a "School Night" in sight the kids have happily taken residence in our front room.    I have to admit-it did make for a delightful Christmasy night as they snuggled in under their blankets and listened happily while I began our annual reading of "A Christmas Carol."  

And an added bonus:   During the day -  this queen size mattress serves as a crash mat for Sam as he practices his flips off our couch.     I don't know.  This mattress may be here to stay;)

Perhaps a puppy for Christmas...?

To say that John does not like pets is a little bit of an understatement. John does NOT like pets (with a capital NOT)!     I've known this about him from the very beginning of our relationship, and I have to admit I decided way back then to just over look that fact. After all, John was drop dead gorgeous, pretty awesome in every way, and willing to marry ME to boot?     Who was I to get all picky over the issue of "pets."      For the most part I have accepted this and John and I have managed to live harmoniously without any animal related disagreements.

For the most part.

Then there was the time, almost exactly a year ago, when the cutest sweetest most adorable chocolate lab appeared on our doorstep. We had just barely moved in to our "new" home and this little guy showed up and much to the kids and my delight, spent the day sleeping on our front steps.

I took it as a sign that we were supposed to be one happy family.   Him (the dog that is) and us.    I began a concentrated effort to convince that sweet little thing to stay -which involved sneaking him all of the scraps of meat that I possibly could.    Oh yes I did!     Until at least....John caught me with a slab of deli ham dangling from my trembling hands.    For the record, that is probably the only time I have EVER seen John get mad at me.   Not even when I recently crashed our van into our own truck did he get upset.   But feed a poor, homeless, stray dog and LOOK OUT!

Fast forward to last night. As I was putting the kids to bed, I told them about the time when I was little and my Dad creatively put a real live floppy eared dwarf bunny inside my sister Crystal's stocking one year.   It was awesome, and I laughed as I tried to convey it to my own little ones.   Suddenly...I had an idea!  A brilliant, wonderful, awesome idea!   What if I got the kids a puppy and presented it in the same way on Christmas Day!

Oh the kids would love it!

So..I tenderly...very cautiously...went into the kitchen where John was playing with his remote control flying simulation game.    (Note: I was very careful to be sure I did not complain about that stupid game like I usually would. Not this time)     Instead, I rubbed his back for a minute.   Then, when I thought it was safe to proceed, I looked up into his adorable and handsome face that I love so much and began to ask the question.    It went something like this:

"Ahem. Hey hun? Um...like, what would you say if I maybe got the kids a puppy for Christmas?"

That's when the vein started popping out of his neck.  THE vein.    His jaw became very set.    His hands gripped the remote control he was holding more tightly.    He turned to look at me, and that was when I knew.  We wouldn't be getting a puppy for Christmas.

Perhaps, he would have gone for the bunny idea?

(photo courtesy of fotostock.com)

My Favourite Christmas. Ever.

I never go Christmas shopping without thinking about my favorite Christmas that I ever experienced.   My siblings remember this year well, and I think it's safe to say they have equally fond memories of it to. It was 1985, and seeing as I was only 5 at the time, a lot of the details are probably lost due to the fact that the only thing on a five year old's mind at Christmas is what Santa is going to bring right?    I do remember that my mom was ill.   Very ill.    In fact, though we did not know it at the time, this particular Christmas was going to be her last.  One thing I do remember clearly was that money was scarce.   Together my parents had decided that they would not purchase a single thing for us for Christmas  but instead, they each would make us something.   My Dad called it a "Homemade Christmas" and I have to admit I felt slightly worried about that.    I mean what kind of Christmas could it be without any of those toys I'd had my sights set on all year.    Well, as Christmas neared, my Dad sorta disappeared into the basement.      It been deemed "OFF LIMITS" to all of us kids, and it was there that my Dad worked tirelessly...every single day, in his make shift work shop.   I imagine we drove my Dad crazy as we tried to catch a glimpse of all that he was working on.    All we knew was that it was something great!    On Christmas morning we woke up and went downstairs to the spare room to find that it had been turned into a life sized play house, full of the most beautiful play set we had ever seen. I still have not found a play set that would match this one.   There isn't one.   It took up the entire room!     This play set was big, it had everything a kid would need- real dials, faucets, a dishwasher, food...the works!   My sisters and I played in that room for years, with the odd invasion from my brother and some of his He-Man figurines.

From that day on, that room is pretty much where my sisters and I could be found.    It is in that room that we baked, washed dishes (albeit pretend ones), raised our little cabbage patch children, quarrelled, made up, and made believe.    Perhaps that is the gift my Dad wanted to give most of all. As he knew we would be losing our mother, maybe what he wanted to give us, more than anything else, was the ability to just...play.     To just be kids.

Even now this play set occupies a room at my sisters house and all of our girls love to play with it as much as we once did.   I am pretty sure my Dad never regretted those countless hours he spent building it.


 These were the homemade pajamas that my Mom had made for us.    Somehow, without us ever really noticing, she'd sewn matching silk nightgowns for us girls and pajama set for my brother.  

Some times when I think back on this particular year, I try to imagine just how much TIME my parents spent on our behalf, and I can't help but think that TIME really is the best gift we ever really can give somebody.   That's how we give of ourselves right!    Oh I love my parents!      They both taught me an important lesson that year, that I shamefully too often forget.    It usually happens right about now, that the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, planning and SPENDING take over my life and I lose complete sense of what's most important.     

When that happens though, all I need to do is think back to the Best Christmas I have ever had.  

                

  The one where nothing was purchased but so much was given.       

4 for 4 and a cool Giveaway!

What do you get when you put Pink Eye, Bronchitis,  the Flu AND a reaction to Immunizations all together?

THIS!!

Sure, they might look cute- but I'd stay away from them if I were you!   

In a matter of ten hours - 4 out of 4 cute kids came down with one of the above.    I mean really- what are the chances of that?    (Apparently,  better then I ever thought.)   Seriously,  I am suffering from a serous case of the heebie jeebies here!     Just think of all the GERMS!!!     It's pretty safe to say that I'm more then a little trigger happy with the disinfectant spray right now.  

On the bright side:  It's a pretty safe bet we'll be over this just in time to really enjoy Christmas break.    (knock on wood)

Only THREE MORE SLEEPS until School's out!!!
*******
Oh and be sure to check out this cool Website.   
My friend at Chicks that Click Photography is hosting an awesome giveaway. 
   Feel free to go and look but don't you DARE enter!

Candy Cane kind of Christmas

I just love the Christmas Season! 

  LOVE. LOVE. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!

This past week has been a very busy one, filled with a trip to Calgary, appointments, school, concerts, and Shopping.  Normally, a week like this would have seemed overwhelming to say the least, yet somehow, just knowing that Christmas is right around the corner sorta energizes us all.    The kids are literally bouncing off the walls at times with excitement!

The most exciting event of the week came on Thursday, when Abby performed in her very first Junior Choir Concert!    I still remember the time (like a few months ago) when I worried that Abby would not be selected to even join choir.     I so badly wanted her to be a part of this group, and I was thrilled when a letter was sent home back in the fall inviting her to join.     Obviously her choir director can see the diamonds in the rough.   It's a far cry from her days of singing "Taylor Swift" songs in the shower, but I think Abby is learning so much and loving it! 

                                                                                  

 And gosh darnit - doesn't she look cute in her gown?

It was a beautiful concert and my heart melted every time I caught Abby's eyes straying from the director.   I knew she was scanning the audience looking for me- you know, to make sure I wasn't missing a second of watching her!   

This year I decided to tackle my Christmas shopping a little bit differently, by doing it all online!    I think it was motivated by the fact that just a few short weeks ago I still felt so limited and in pain that the thought of walking through a Mall was the last thing I wanted to do.    I have to say- I am convinced that  this is definitely the way to go.   Now I just sit back and wait for all of the packages to come to me, AND  I've saved so much money in the process!    Just think of all those Christmas "deals" that I've missed out on by not even entering a store!     I tell ya - it's a money saving way to go.  (This is usually when John would interject and remind me of what his older brother Dave often says... and I quote, 

"I can not afford to save this much money!")

I had a few appointments in Calgary this past week, and was so grateful for John's brother Ben and his wife Kat for letting us stay at their house, and it was also equally nice to visit with my Brother and his family the next day.     I was happy with what the Dr. told me at one of the appointments.  In short, I am almost completely back to normal and this arthritis is pretty close to being subdued.    I'm not lying I really did hug that lady when she told me.  I was just so grateful for all that she has done.  Months ago she said she'd get me feeling good again, and I didn't believe her at all.   What a blessing it is to be able to simply "move."   I am grateful looking back for the things I've learned about myself through this process.  Mainly- that I am a wimp.    However,  I'm a little bit less of a wimp now then I used to be-so that's good right?                     

    

John, Abby and Sam are about to enter their final week of school before Christmas break!    This is a pretty big deal if you happen to be married to a school teacher.    You could ask any one of them how many more "sleeps" until school's out and they would surely tell you!   Well...if they couldn't tell you, I sure can.   

Five. 

  

That's right, FIVE more sleeps until every single day is filled with nothing but family, snow  hot chocolate, movie nights, drives to look at lights, and cozy evenings with John without any hint of a test to grade at all!    Of course, our main focus will be finding a way to remember the true meaning of Christmas, which I must admit- is sorta lost on the kids right now.    I recently asked Jessica "WHY we celebrate Christmas" and her answer was a definitive and confident:   "Because it's FUN!"   

  If you have any tips on how to help your kids focus on the Spiritual part of Christmas-I'd love to hear it!

    

I'm including a clip of Abby performing on Thursday night.   I have to admit, I thought she was the cutest little bug up there and I couldn't help but notice what an adorable little profile she has!   If you think listening to Abby is fun-you'll enjoy WATCHING her sing it's a Candy Cane kind of Christmas!

We hope you all enjoy your last week before Christmas Break!!

What the first week of December looks like

    Thanks to a mean little bout of bronchitis for Nate and I,  the past couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur, and now here we are already well into December.     Geesh!    However, somewhere amidst all of our coughing, sneezing and wheezing we were able to enjoy the company of some visiting family.     Our newest little nephew was blessed last week, and as a result we were thrilled to get to see a few of John's siblings whom we don't see often.     Sarah & Ed, Jordan & Luce and all of their awesome kids travelled up for a few days and there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING that my kids love more then to get to see their American cousins.      Jessica and Libby picked up right where they left off the last time they were together- playing dress up!     Abigail latched on to Caleb and Mala and seemed perfectly content to do pretty much anything they were doing.     John and his brothers didn't seem to skip a beat either.     Before long, they had home made rockets built and were launching them high into the sky with their innovative self made Rocket Launchers!    It was great to see them all!

Now that life has returned to normal (and I use that term loosely) the past few days have been all about Christmas.   But of course!    It's DECEMBER now after all. 

The kids attended the cutest primary party this weekend.   A pajama party!    They got to show up in their jammies, eat pancakes loaded with all sorts of fun toppings (candy canes, marshmallows, chocolate chips etc), decorate cookies, and then visit with SANTA himself!    

Jessica was on cloud 9 to say the least.  Partly because she got to eat a pancake LOADED with candy, and partly because this marks her very 1st primary party ever!    Yup - our little princess is graduating from nursery in just a few short weeks, and considering she is almost 4-she was more then excited to get to join the "Big Kids."

                                          

Here Jessica is telling Santa that all she wants for Christmas is a Barbie doll.   oops.  too bad Santa is just learning this now;)      

 I didn't quite get a picture of Sam sitting on Santa's knee because by this point, he was too busy (running around in the dark up on the stage) to be bothered with something like meeting Santa Clause!  

 On Friday night we all went down to the local theatre to watch the production of "The Night the Reindeer Rocked!"   Our niece Ava was in it, and we may be a little bit biased but we all agreed that she was the best DASHER we've ever seen!  

I love this photo.   I know you can't really see Ava (far right standing beside the stairs) but you can see Nate's cute little head as he peered over the seat in front of him.  

For the record, he gave the show two very cute little thumbs up!

 With it being December we have begun our annual Christmas tradition of eating dinner by Candlelight.   As a kid my Dad would always light candles and place them by our plates every night for the entire Month!    Now, it has become one of my favorite things to do with my family to.     We turn down the lights, eat our food more slowly then usual, visit a little bit more- and then, THEN we all hold hands and sing Christmas songs while....

....yeah OK that is not really how things work.  Usually someone insists on blowing out the candles mid meal causing me to threaten some sort of absurd punishment.    Then, Sam picks the meal apart muttering under his breath all sorts of comments about how gross it is and how I never make his "favorite," because I am like totally supposed to make spaghetti every single day according to him.   Abby and John usually start up some sort of classy dinner conversation - like the time they talked about the proper way to de-bone a fish.   Fish eyes, Guts and all! 

   All of this is pretty typical for a dinner at our house.  But gosh darn it,  somehow it is more enjoyable over the sweet glow of candlelight!

This picture does not have much to do with "Christmas" but I had to throw it in.    

I came home one night from a Relief Society dinner to find the kids already tucked into bed, fast asleep. 

For the life of me though- I still can not figure out why Sam would choose to sleep with socks on his hands.    I've learned though, that it's sometimes easier not to question too much.  

Well that is what the first week of December looks like around here.

We hope you are enjoying the Christmas Season in your neck of the woods!

Brrr......

It is Coooold outside!! Like-REALLY cold!
We are expecting a lot of family this weekend for our nephews baby blessing. Unfortunately some of the family had to turn around and return to their homes due to bad driving conditions. They might be relieved to know that the other day our area was officially the 2nd coldest place on the PLANET! (second only to Antarctica!) Geesh!

Praying for one of those famous southern Alberta Chinooks right about now. In the mean time Abby has kept busy compiling her Holiday "To Do" List.

It's quite long as you can see.

Some of the things on her list include: decorating, making fudge, create a popcorn string for the tree, put up Holly and Mistletoe, and Hot Chocolate. Lot's and lots of Hot Chocolate!

Sounds like the perfect antidote for a chilly week.

STAY WARM!!!

Predictions

John has been watching the weather lately with bated breath.  You see, earlier in the year, we experienced a lot of fog.  Like...a LOT!   The foggy weather seemed to last for days at a time in the early days of spring, and we even had fog in the summer!  (Actually, that isn't very shocking considering the cool and drizzly summer we had.)

Anyways- John was reminded of the old Farmers Almanac prediction that predicts snow 90 days after a fog.    Perhaps the Almanac really calls for "precipitation" - but let's just say snow.

Well back in the summer, whenever we experienced a foggy day, John would go to our Calendar on the fridge, turn ahead 90 days and leave his weather prediction based on the intensity of the fog. 

And what do you think he predicted for November 17th?

"SNOW DAY!"

Alright, so his prediction is off in a couple of ways, seeing as it was the surrounding school districts that just got a SNOW DAY, and on the 16th of November - rather then the 17th. 

But he's close right? 

And we certainly did get a LOT of snow today.

  I'm actually OK with this change in weather.  It makes setting up our Christmas Tree seem a little less impulsive.

   And I've not given up on John's prediction- 

 I'm still banking on that SNOW DAY tomorrow!

Blending Memories

Could anything be better then a four day weekend?    That's exactly what we got this week thanks to Remembrance Day on Thursday and then a PD day on Friday.      On Thursday, we joined many others in town at the local civic center and enjoyed a hour long ceremony before gathering outside for a moment of silence.    John and I always look forward to the Remembrance day ceremony.   There is something about being silent as a large but unified group of people that sends chills down my spine.    \

Another thing that gave me chills was hearing the young choir (made up of Elementary Students) SING the words to "In Flanders Field."   It is a beautiful poem, and one that always makes me reflect on those who fought for our freedom. 

After the ceremony, John went to his Dad's house to help with some work, and I snuggled up next to my baby boy for a pleasant afternoon nap while the other kids watched a movie.   Ohhh that was cozy, and I think I'd be ok if we spent EVERY holiday in that same way.     I think Abby may have been inspired by the holiday because she came upstairs later that day holding her puppy dog "Clover."     Poor little guy had just returned home from war and was nursing a few battle wounds. 

I'm happy to report that Clover is doing much better now, and is probably back to being stuffed between couch cushions and being chewed on by a hungry, but cute, one year old boy.    Tsk tsk..    How quick we forget what some dogs go through.  

Later in the week all of those hair ribbons resurfaced again, only in a different way.

Over the course of a couple of days, Abby and her cousins kept themselves happy filling every inch of their hair with every bow/ribbon/barrette possible.    They actually got quite inventive.   At one point Ava was sporting a pink frilly bath sponge over one pony tail, while Abby had a toy lizard weaved through hers.    Once they'd completed their hairstyles and felt happy with it all, they did what anyone with their amount of energy would do.   They choreographed a couple of dances.     Oh it made me laugh so hard to hear them plan, and practice, and plan some more.    Watching them perform their dance, (while looking ridiculous like that) reminded me of me and my three sisters when we were young.   There were many days when we would slip our puffy church slips over our clothes and make up dances on the trampoline and THEN go perform them for anyone unfortunate enough to be within earshot.     I don't think we ever felt dumb about it either- though ....we should have.    I still remember the moves Jewel taught us to "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul! 

Ha Ha.   Oh dear.  Let's forget about that one.

On Friday, John and I went on a Date!   I think the last time we went on a real date was back in the springtime before I got sick.   Jewel and Kendall watched our kids for us so that we could go into Lethbridge.      We spent a little while shoe shopping for some shoes that I could wear to church.   (I still can not fit into most of my old shoes due to swelling, and I've grown tired of limping around in crummy payless footwear.)    Luckily, we found a very lovely (ahem) pair of shoes without any heel and lots of padding inside.   I had no idea how much difference a good pair of shoes could make, but I already feel as though I don't limp as much when wearing them.    Anyways, after shoe shopping we headed to Costco to buy a new food processor to replace the one that I broke last week.    We had planned to take advantage of the evening sans children, however after running those two errands my feet hurt and we decided to just head home.  There I was, food processor in one arm, and a brown pair of "grandma shoes" in the other, limping to the van complaining of my aches and pains.  

It was an incredibly hot date for sure;)

I suppose this is when I should mention that we got home and once again, the first time I tried to shred cheese with this new processor- I broke it.    Is anyone sick of how redundant this seems?     John got mad at me, which doesn't happen often.    Honestly though, I don't think it's my fault that it broke this time.    Luckily, Costco has a great return policy right?   

And our family has officially been bit by the Christmas bug.      John put the lights up on our house this week, and yes, go ahead and take note ...the tree is up as well.     I think we got a little carried away.    We'd meant only to put up the exterior lights, but then the kids started begging to do more, and seeing as John and I both have short fuses when the kids start nagging, well we just sorta caved and set up everything.    We sure feel bit silly now, and I'm pretty sure I'll be sick of these lights by the end of the month, but whatever. 
  

Seeing as the Christmas spirit is just brimming around here, the kids have begun making their Christmas Wish lists.     Thanks to the Sears Wish book, multiple letters have already been written to Santa, all containing a short list (including cut out photos) of toys and gifts that they would hope to receive.   Which, let's face it -they likely won't.    I mean really, Sam has his heart set on a Pogo Stick.   Can you picture Sam on a Pogo Stick?  He'd kill himself trying, AND THEN...he'd pick up that stick and probably kill someone else out of pure frustration.   No....a stick of any sort is the wrong sort of gift for Sam.   But I'm not the one who has to explain this to him.   It's all  in "Santa's" hands!   

These little wish lists serve a really important purpose in our home.  You see, they help to keep the spirit of Santa alive and well, therefore making the whole "Santa Blackmail" that I resort to each year all that much more effective.   

 For example, I have more then once said something along the lines of : 

 "Sam please be nice to your sister.  You don't want Santa to put you on the naughty list do you?"  

Or  "Oh Abby you really changed Nate's diaper?  Well, I'm sure that Santa will remember that.")  

Or my personal favorite and hugely overused, "Kids!  Go to bed RIGHT NOW or Santa won't come at all!"

Works like a charm every time.  

I know that this is probably a little manipulative, but it makes parenting so.much.easier.   

It's not right, and perhaps I should do a better job of teaching them the most important things about this Christmas rather then focsing on Santa so much.   

I'll get to all that good stuff though ...promise. 

It is after all- still only November!

Is it summer still?

Wow, we are being spoiled here in our neck of the woods. Here it is, already the first week of November and my kids were wearing SHORTS to school!!! The kids' bikes are still being ridden (is that a word?), the side walk chalk is still being used, and many other summer time activities are being enjoyed  as we all ignore the date on the Calendar and pretend it is really the middle of July. The only thing I wouldn't let the kids do this week was set up a lemonade stand.

That would have been just tacky.

Aside from the Awesome weather,  there are a few other things that have brought us a lot of happiness this week. For starters- John is officially finished coaching for this years Volleyball Season!      YIPPEEEE!!!    In all fairness, I think I'm adjusting to the whole coaching lifestyle, and it really did go by somewhat quickly. But we are very VERY excited at the thought of having John around just a little bit more.

Yesterday was John's final league tournament in Lethbridge, and even though they did not place to high in the standings they still played well.   He must have had some time in between games to do some shopping because John came home later that evening carrying a large gift.

For ME!

I actually cried when he gave it to me. I know this isn't necessarily what every woman would want as a gift, but it will make those little kitchen tasks that cause my joints so much discomfort that much easier. I think it was John's little way of saying, "I understand your pain."

(Or perhaps it was John's way of making a peace offering for cutting off Nate's hair last week, against my wishes.)     Hmmmm.   Whatever John was trying to say with this gift- it worked.    Unfortunately, within two minutes of using it - I broke it.      So...until the replacement part arrives, it is back to the boring ol' cutting board for me.


One of my favorite things about the fall is the late time in which each day begins.    The sun is literally rising as the kids prepare and leave for school.   The other day Abby rode off on her bike, and I watched as she petalled away against a beautiful backdrop of vibrant pink, orange, and purple hues. And I just adore these large windows in our front sitting room. 

                                              
The early morning sun streams in brilliantly and makes our house glow for a few precious minutes. Love it! And I LOVE the fact that we don't have to get up at 5:30 am to enjoy it, like we do in the summer months.

Speaking of beautiful mornings.    Is there any thing more awesome in the morning then a happy and cuddly baby!   I don't think so.

These Charlie Brown Pajamas once belonged to Sam!      It's scary to see Nate fitting into them now!



I've spent the week trying to sort through the boxes and boxes of kids clothes we have downstairs.   The playroom has become my work room and is now filled with labeled containers, and piles of baby outfits everywhere.   I'm attempting to sort what Nate will still use, and what we don't need anymore.    It's a big task, and one that packs a lot of emotion as I remember how cute my kids have looked in each.and.every.outfit!   But, it is time to give them away and I have several bags set aside for one person or another who hopefully will get some use out of them. 


Our Friday Family Movie Night was a HIT this week as the kids got to see Toy Story 3 for the first time!   I don't know who enjoyed it more, the kids...or John!  
                                     
There is one particular scene in which Buzz Light year is accidentally put into "spanish mode" that was especially funny to the kids.   There is something about watching Buzz dance the Flamingo that literally had my whole family in stitches!     It makes my heart feel good to hear the kids laugh that much, and I'm really looking forward to the future re-enactments of that scene that John will surely grace us with;)

We also spent some time this week preparing our garden and yard for the winter.   Things were really neglected this past summer as I was not able to get out and weed, and care about it as I normally would have.     I was shocked when John and his Dad came in for dinner after tilling and carried in their hands several fat, juicy red STRAWBERRIES!   Strawberries in November?    That's a first!    It felt good to get the old growth pulled up and tilled into the ground.   The flowers in our front flower beds are cut back, and I'm beginning to think that we might actually be ready for winter.

Though we are definitely enjoying the wait!

The fight I never got to have

 I don't like to highlight the moments in which John and I don't see eye -to- eye.   Mostly because it doesn't happen often that we don't agree, and when we do, it usually turns out that I'm right anyways.  And who wants to brag right?  

But here is a little story for ya.  It is titled:

 "The Day my Husband Betrayed Me."

One day, one measly week ago, John looked at Nathan and noticed that our bald little baby had indeed begun to sprout some actual hair.    Not just little baby fuzz, but actual bonafide hair.   I was thrilled!  John was not.  Instantly, he set his jaw firm and square and vowed to give Nate a haircut as soon as possible.

Well, I don't like to fight, but I must admit, I absolutely put my foot down.   I mean the kid barely even has any hair and John wants to go cut the precious little bit of it off?   Who am I - if not my child's advocate?  Right?   I tried to argue diplomatically and give John a chance to explain why, WHY on earth should our little boy not get to have a head full of  hair like everybody else.  

John's explanation:   (Something along the lines of,)   "blah ...it just looks shaggy....blah....Don't you remember that talk President Hinckley once gave in which he discouraged boys from dressing too casual and ..sloppy...blah blah blah, and do we want sloppy and casual kids...blah blah blah, ...then why even set the precedence...blah blah blah. "

My Rebuttal:    "Uh...but...He's ONE!!!     And let's be serious, it's not like I'm trying to pierce his ears or slap a tattoo on him or anything.    I just want to see what one of my boys would look like with hair.   I mean for real, what if there is some adorable natural curl lurking there and we have no clue?    Besides, winter is coming, and it would only help to keep his head warm right?" (I was totally going for practical with that last part)

All in all, I thought my argument was not only valid, but superior to John's.   Still,  his handsome jaw remained firmly set.  So I took a different, more desperate approach.  I begged John, literally BEGGED him to give me ONE MONTH to just enjoy Nate's cute little fuzzy hair.    One itty bitty month, and  then John could cut it as much as he pleased.

Sounds fair right?     That - was barely over a week ago, and I can not tell you how much I have been looking forward to actually being able to rub some gel into Nate's little locks this coming Sunday and finally style it a bit.  

Well,  tonight the kids and I were having dinner without John, when I glanced over at Nate and it hit me like a load of bricks.    Something was different.  Something was very wrong,  and I could not believe that I had not noticed sooner.  

Do you know what I noticed?

Nate had NO HAIR!!!!     John had cut it!   After only 1 week- John had buzzed all that cute wispy feathery hair right off!!!

And behind my back even!   I honestly don't even know when he found the time to do it, or how he was able to do it without me knowing - but somehow gosh darnit- that wiley little coyote actually cut Nate's hair!      

(Don't let this photo fool you.   Nate is just as ANGRY about it as I am.)

I tell ya, that John is tricky.  Sure, he's handsome, I'll give ya that, but the man is NOT to be trusted.

He'd just better not be surprised if I bring Nate home with a nice TATOO!

I'm thinking "MOM" would look nice!

One Year Already

It is a little bit difficult for me to admit that it has already been 12 months!    1 year ago today I was in a hospital room holding a brand new baby.  MY baby.    Pregnancy with him had been long... so, so long, and I remember so many times promising to anybody and everybody that "this was the LAST time I was going to go through that pregnancy garbage."    Then one day it was over, and he was here.   9 lbs 3 ounces of pure sweetness!   That first week home with Nate was a rough one, as the same day that we brought Nate home our other three kids came down with the Swine Flu.   For TWO weeks we all had to wear face masks around him and I remember how badly I wanted to bring him close to me and kiss his little face- but couldn't.   
                                        



Oh, but what a dream baby he has been!   He has been a happy, smiley boy from day 1, and we could not have possibly enjoyed an easier first year than what we've just enjoyed. 
He LOVES to talk to people, and spends most of his days merrily following his older siblings around.   He is running now, eating everything, and flashing his gorgeous smile to anyone who looks his way.   

I shudder to think that I ever whined about carrying this special little boy.    Recently we were told  that we should not have any more kids.   Instantly I wanted to take back every complaint I ever made.    What's a measly 9 months anyways?

 I'd do it a hundred times more for another Nate!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

We love you!

                                 

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Things you hope the neighbors don't see, and why I love the Birthday Boy

Do you ever have those moments when you do something dumb and worry if the neighbors saw?    Like, for example, one time I caught myself yelling at the kids, like grouch mother yelling, only to realize afterwards that the windows were wide open.    You know- that kind of thing.  

Well- I had one of those moments again this past week. It happened last Saturday night as we were getting ready to leave for the Adult Session of our Stake Conference. John had been away all day and came home just minutes before we were supposed to leave again. He was rushing to get ready, and I needed to go get the sitter. Normally that would not be a big deal, but on this particular day I was tired. Not a normal tired - but a new kinda tired. Stiff. Sore. Swollen. Tired. I really did not want to drive all the way to the other side of town to pick up the sitter, but somehow I managed to lumber out to the van.     As I was slowly backing out of the garage I hit the button which triggers our garage door to close.     It is at this moment that I felt a thud, and heard the sickening sound of crushing metal. Clearly I was hitting something behind me. I craned my sore neck to see what it possibly could be.

Our truck.

The only choice I had was to pull back into the garage. But wait a minute- the garage door was coming down. Ahhhh! Panic Hit, and I put the van in reverse again. Only to feel that awful thud, and hear that sickening sound of metal.

Darn that truck!

I was stuck. Stuck between an old red Chevy and a Closing Garage Door. I had nowhere to go.   And then I heard the still small voice in the back of my mind.   It was the softest, faintest voice ever, but I clearly heard it.

It said... "Your neighbors can totally see this."

I burst into to tears, and then finally did something smart.   I reached for the garage door opener and hit the button, sending the door upwards again and making it possible for me to navigate away our van away from our stupid, dumb, and always in my way - truck.

Now there is only one reason why I am even daring to tell this story, and it is this. Because as I sat there wondering what to do - I looked up in the rear view mirror and saw John.    There he was, standing in our driveway almost ready for the meeting, with a look of complete bewilderment. I gripped the steering wheel, unsure of how he was going to react.

 And do you know what he did?

He looked at the van for a moment. Then he looked me. Then he looked at the van again and said, "Hun It's just a scratch," and he went back in the house to finish getting ready.

He has not mentioned it again.  Not once!

And as for that "Scratch"? Well - there are actually TWO "Scratches",  and I'm pretty sure that I could fit my head into one of them!

Which brings me to the point of this entire post today. 

  Today is JOHN's BIRTHDAY!!!  

(yup he's a Halloween Baby- freaky eh!)  

I've spent the past week wondering how I could possibly convey to him all of the love and gratitude that I feel for him.   Not only is he the best Dad ever, but he is my Best friend.   I have felt that more then ever over the past few months.  As I have felt unwell, John has truly stepped in and made up for it all.   When it was difficult for me to even move my arms - he carried everything.   When I couldn't walk easily- he ran all of the errands.   When I couldn't find any reason to feel hopeful - he was optimistic.    When I do something completely stupid and clumsy - he doesn't rub it in and hold it against me.

He literally makes up for what I lack, and builds me up in the process.

In his 35 years of life he has figured out how to be EVERYTHING that I need. 

  And that is how I know that he is MY better half.

So how do you celebrate someone who means everything to you?

I'm hoping it is with a pan of homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu and a Carrot Cake in the shape of, get this ...

A GHOST!

Now, if that doesn't say true love, I don't know what will!

Pajama Boy, Taylor Swift, and the only brown dodge Caravan in town with ...two dents!

Wow is it really the end of October?   Really?      The weather sure hasn't been acting like it is- we've been spoiled with beautiful temperatures that have made up for the chilly summer we had.   At least I for one have forgiven whoever it is that plans the weather.  This has been nice!   I think the only indication to me  that October is almost over is the awareness that one of our most favorite holidays EVER is quickly approaching.   Well..I for one, think it is one of the Best Holidays ever and the kids seem to agree with me.  

We've narrowed down what each of the kids are going to dress up as, and more then once I have seen them running around the cul-de sac dressed up as if it was already Halloween night.  Several times in the past couple of weeks I have looked out the window to see  Spider man, A witch, a princess and their neighborhood friend walking from door to door with hands full of some sort of treat they collected.    Our neighbors are just too darn nice!

Only when you are young and cute can you get away with Trick or Treating multiple times throughout the month!

I'm still trying to sort out the logistics of John's Halloween costume.   Every year he tells me that he doesn't care what he goes as...but this year he had an idea that I actually think would be perfect for him.  It's right up his alley.     I should really just let him go with it and create the costume himself- but I made that mistake this past week when his school had a "pajama day."     I sat back and watched as he went to school looking like this:

Actually I didn't sit back and just watch.  I tried to stop him - I honestly did.   However, when John first began teaching, years ago,  he decided that his personal dress standard would entail a tie and dress shirt each day.     Apparently this rule applies always...even on Pajama Day!!!     (For the record, I know John looks a little bit annoyed to be having his picture taken but that is only because I told him I was going to post it on the blog and humiliate him!  Bwahahahah!)    

Oh I LOVE this man, I really do.     But I'm officially designating myself in charge of his Halloween costume.   Believe me -there will be NO TIE involved!!!!     Stay tuned.....


Other news to report:  

 Brent and Rachel came out on Friday for a few hours and it was so fun to visit with them.    It is crazy to think that Rachel is about to have a BABY!!!      And can you believe it?  At 9 months pregnant...Aunt Rach and Uncle Brent took my kids golfing!!!!     Alright, actually they just took Abby and Sam golfing.  (Like I'd allow Rach to take ALL my kids.   She's about to have a baby for goodness sake!)     Sam officially has found a new best friend in Brent, despite the fact that Sam continuously calls him "dumb Rat!"   I think it has become a term of endearment really, and I admit, I allow it- because really Brent eggs him on.   Thanks Brent and Rach!


I am happy to report that I cleaned my house this week AND baked cupcakes!!!     I'm going to take that as a sign that life is beginning to feel more normal.     John was happy to discover that for the first time in four months- the fresh baked smell that wafted through the house did not come from a Scentsy candle for once.   He hugged and kissed me and acted like I was superwoman or something.    And that is when I vowed to never stop baking ever again.   Ever.    


Oh yes and I must share this story with you.     Abby came to me a few weeks ago and reported that Taylor Swift is her new favorite Rock Star!   I laughed out loud at that because I have not heard her ever speak of Taylor Swift before, nor have I ever heard her refer to someone as a Rock star.   In fact,  as far as I knew- she still loved the Wiggles.    Well over the past couple of weeks I have caught Abby several times singing one of Swift's songs.  

One day as I heard her sing, I decided to be a nice mom, and pay her a compliment.
 I said, "Wow Abby.  You sound really good."  (which, by the way, she didn't)
Abby replied.  "I know.   I totally sound just like the real Taylor Swift.  Even Ava and Mya think so."

Well that was it.   Since then, I've made it my mission to capture Abby's prize winning rendition on video.    Because, you know, it is going to be important to show something like this right before her first date or at her wedding or during some future family reunion when her own kids will be able to sit back and laugh at her.     I imagine we will get a kick out of this for years and years ...and YEARS to come.      


Well that's pretty much been our week.  I know that it might appear as thought I've spent the week making fun of my family, but seeing as I still can not walk normally AND I put TWO dents in our van this week...

....I'm all about highlighting whatever takes the attention off of me.



Enough said.

HAPPY SUNDAY!


ABBY SINGING IN THE SHOWER:

Dreaming of the Day...

This past week was a busy week!     (Does it seem as though all of my entries recently begin with that statement?) So many times John and I have crawled into bed and with tired voices and in the few split seconds that exist before we fall asleep one of us mumbles something along the lines of ..."It isn't always going to be like this."   Perhaps that is John's way of trying to reassure me that he isn't always going to be this busy.    Perhaps it is my way of trying to reassure John that I am not always going to be this pathetic.    Whatever the reason, it is a promise we attempt to give each other that one day...life will be calm again.

This week, for John, was FULL of meetings, volleyball practices, and special school events. There have been some nights in which he literally walks into the house for dinner, eats standing up, and leaves again, not to be seen until well past 10!   This past weekend he was away at his second Volleyball Tournament of the season.   Sadly,  he came home a little bit bummed out that they did not place - but they'll surely do better next time.     And guess what?   Only TWO more tournaments before the season draws to a close. I know that John enjoys coaching, and yeah yeah I'm happy for him and all that.    But believe me when I say, I am DREAMING of the day when he walks through the door at 5:00 and is home to stay!   I tell ya, it's tough stuff putting kids to bed alone.    Odds are always better when it is two against four!

The kids, on the other hand, will likely miss the little bus rides they sometimes get when John returns from an away game.    Often before John returns the bus he'll pick up the kids and take them on a surprise ride around the block.   I think he just does it to solidify in their minds that fact that he is the "coolest Dad EVER!"


I had an appointment this week in Calgary, and was so relieved to learn from the rheumatologist that things are improving.    She showed me some blood work results which indicate that the inflammatory response my body has been going through is beginning to subside.    I practically KISSED the woman - I was so relieved to hear that!     I have admittedly felt an increase in energy and overall well being, but I  so often get discouraged (and down right depressed!)  about all of the things that I still can NOT do.      My doctor was very encouraging though, and assured me that this takes time, and in the whole scheme of things, THREE months of pain is really not that long and likely not enough time to permanently damage joints.      In fact, she was very confident that I will get back to the way I was before this whole flare up even hit.   Believe me,   I have spent every free minute since that appointment DREAMING of the days ahead:     What will it be like to be able to walk normally again?    Or ride my bike with the kids?      Or how nice it will be to be able to go buy milk at the store and not come home with ankles as swollen and big as Nate's head!    Or to be able to open my mouth wide enough to bite into an apple again....or to be able to yell at my kids without it hurting....   (kidding...sorta)

Oh I can't Wait!        I know that this is something I will always live with now, but I do feel as though  the worst is behind us.    (Fingers Crossed.)


This little guy is putting us through our paces this week.     It is hard to believe that in just a couple of short weeks Nate will be 1!        A Whole YEAR already!    Could you not just eat him up?

Sure, he is cute, but  Boy oh Boy is he busy!     He's reached that stage where he must and I do mean MUST be walking at ALL times.     He learned to walk a couple of months ago, and he has barely stopped to rest.     This works out great on a normal typical day as I've not had to carry him around much at all.     He sort of just wanders around the house destroying something here, or making a mess over there.     Always Happy.     Always Content.     Unfortunately, Sunday always seems to come along, and for a few tedious hours we try to hold him down, just a bit, while we attempt to get something out of our church meetings.    It takes a LOT of work to keep Nate sitting happily for that amount of time.     In fact, it takes about two bottles, one sippy cup of milk, a bag of fishy crackers, a bag of pretzels, a bag of mini marshmallows (for desperate moments), 5 finger puppets, lots of random toys, my set of keys and a plethora of items from my bag that frankly really aught to stay deep down in my bag.      

All of that usually gets me through the first 10 minutes of Relief Society.   After that - we can usually be found walking the halls.

Needless to say I have spent several moments Dreaming of the Day that all Moms in my position dream of. That's right - NURSERY!!!   Only 6 1/2 months away now;)

Deep down I know that what I need to do is STOP DREAMING and enjoy the place we are at.     Right now.  

 I know that one day I will look back and remember with fondness the moments that we are living now. Like the excitement the kids have when John surprisingly arrives home before they've fallen asleep, thus giving them an excuse to get out of bed. Because really, who can resist a goodnight hug from Daddy?

I know that I will one day look back and wish for my kids to all be little again.   I'll probably remember nothing about irreverent Sundays, cheesy stains on my dress,  and exhausting efforts to keep them happy.

Who knows. Maybe one day I'll look back and long for a time when the only thing that caused me pain was ...arthritis.

It's weird, but when I stop to think about it, it really sinks in. 

  We are living the  "Good Old Days" this very minute!

And believe me - our Days are SO GOOD!

Happy Sunday!!!