Christmas 2010

Ahhhh, Christmas. It was a good year. A quiet one at home with Jeremy's parents and his sister Celeste. A few highlights - this is the first year that I made the girls Christmas pajamas. I had planned to make them for everyone else but after I made Jeremy's two sizes too big there wasn't enough fabric left over for Garrett or myself. Woops.

We acted out the Christmas story on Christmas Eve. And again this year we had two Mary's and two babies' Jesus. Not quite accurate but I think having happy kids is better than complete accuracy at this point. Garrett was a shepherd boy, Jeremy was the inn keeper and I had a costume on but I don't think I actually played a part except to get everyone else in their costumes.

And the picture of popcorn on the floor, that happened a few days before Christmas when we were making presents for a few friends. I knocked off almost all of the popcorn right in the middle of making caramel popcorn. Yup, good one, but on the bright side Garrett enjoyed it before I got it cleaned up.

The Stockings are Hung From the Floor Lamp with Care

It's Christmas time. I'm not a humbug...but I'm not a serious Christmas decorator either. We've debated whether or not hanging stockings from the fireplace is really wise. We use it for all our heat so its always going. (We're a little paranoid about starting houses on fire.) The girls hung them from the floor lamp while we have been debating and I suspect that's where they'll stay. For some reason I think I should be bothered by it but I'm not.

Our tree, which is one of the nicest ones we've ever had, looks a little odd. The ornaments are slowly working their way up to the top as we attempt to keep them from Garrett's curious hands. Our nativity set which in our apartment looked cool IN the fireplace has landed on the mantle, again to stay out of curious hands...but it looks out of place. We can't find two boxes of Christmas stuff, which means all of our lights and few other things are MIA.

I guess that's what happens when you move unexpectedly...or when you move on purpose for that matter. Everything feels a bit discombobulated (biggest word I've every blogged). So our first Christmas in an actual house has me scratching my head as to how I should make it look...more...Christmasy.

Uh, and I put pictures of two of the kids because they're so cute. Little monsters.

That I Might Remain Humble

This isn't the first post that revolves around my children keeping me humble and I am sure there are more to come. I spent the day out and about visiting relatives, going to dinner, hitting IKEA. I had dressed nicely. You know fixed my hair, applied make up, the works. At the end of the day, as Madilyn is heading off to bed she says to me "You could wear that shirt and be a clown."

Yes, apparently I wore a clown shirt all day thinking I was looking pretty fashionable. She had no ill intentions behind her words but there you go.

Woohoo, New Computer!

I finally got a new computer, which means I can finally download my pictures from my camera. Quick flashback to the last couple of months...in no particular order.

List - I'm Thankful For

I've been so distracted by sickness that I really didn't think a whole lot of what I'm thankful for at Thanksgiving, sad but true. Ugh, even writing it I feel terrible but it happened. I or at least two other members of my family have been sick for the entire month of November. Yup. Good times had by all. BUT now that I'm feeling better I'm doing my grateful list (It doesn't include everything because that would be a crazy long list. Plus some things I'm grateful for are too personal to post on a blog).

10. Sunny days, Rainy Days (as long as I don't have to go out in it for long), Snowy Days - They're all beautiful in their own way.
9. Thoughtful People - You know, the ones that let a mother with three children, two of which are crying, go ahead of them in the line at the grocery store.
8. My home - Its perfect for us and even though its not ours I love it.
7. Wood stove - It makes everything cozy.
6. Cherry Jam - Oh my goodness its like cherry pie in a jar. Yum!
5. Music - I seriously can't help myself. Sometimes I'm singing along and don't even know it.
4. Books
3. Laughter - It really is the best medicine.
2. My big family - All of them. My parents, brother, mother and father-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
1. My little family - Jeremy, Madilyn, Emma, and Garrett. There are not words to describe my feelings for them. They range from barely controlled anger to the most tender devoted love. My life would be empty without them. They give me purpose, laughter, and make me want to be a better person.

List - The Kids Have Won

1. They've watched so much tv in the last week that they've memorized the cartoon schedule.
2. You let your 6 year old go to school wearing an outfit that looks like she got dressed in the dark.
3. You eat macaroni and cheese for more than one meal a day.
4. You eat peanut butter and jelly for the other meal.
5. Halloween candy becomes an acceptable between meal snack.
6. Clean rooms are a thing of the past.
7. Clean house is a thing of the past.
8. Clean dishes are relative.
9. Watching your 15 month old eat off the floor you think, oh good I don't have to get him another snack now.
10. You feed them chocolate cake for breakfast.

In my own defense, we're on week two of fevers and ear infections.

On Turning Thirty

To be real honest, it hasn't bothered me to be turning thirty this year until about two weeks ago. I've been looking back at my twenties and, really, I've accomplished all the things I had planned on like graduating from college, getting a job, getting married, and having children.



But a couple of weeks ago, my voice teacher suggested that I enter a certain young artists competition. The day I looked at the information was the day the applications were due. I needed to have 5 songs, at least 2 languages, memorized and ready. This year it just wasn't going to happen. But, yes, you've guessed, next year I would be too old. I'll no longer be considered a 'young' artist.


Suddenly turning thirty became something inhibiting.


More than anything I think it made me realize I am leaving behind my twenties. I'm not the youngest one at the party. I'm not the new kid in town. I've been through childbirth 3 times, been through 4 Young Women presidencies, and two productions of The Savior of the World amongst other things.


And after a couple of rough days I came to the conclusion that it's ok. I'm ready. I hope I'm wiser and don't make quite as many mistakes but chances are there a some big ones coming. A few opportunities are gone but there are so many more ahead of me.

Bring it on Thirty.

Can Anyone Tell Me?

Can anyone tell me how some random blog is now showing up on my blog updates? It isn't on my list, nor do I know these people. I'm sure they are lovely but how do I not follow their blog when I didn't sign up for it?

Be Still My Geeking Heart

Stargeeks unite! I checked this book out from the library and I'm giddily geeking out. By reading it means 'reading' the show. Reading like how my communication (not communications, I could spend an entire post on the difference between those two) professors taught us to 'read' a speech, essay, tv show, or film.

Yes, its scholarly articles written about one of my favorite shows. Character analysis, post feminist comparisons, and the discussion of role playing video games on society (no I have not participated in a Stargate role playing game. Come to think of it I've never played any role playing game ever.) I feel like I'm sitting in Prof. Owens class all over again, examining camera angles, lighting techniques, and character development.

And I like it. I feel like a young (ok not so young) budding scholar all over again. My critical senses have been reawakened. Plus it talks about Stargates place amongst the sci-fi greats like Star Trek and The X-Files. Now that's something I can get behind.

List - Movies Part I

Movies I can (and do) watch over and over and over and over and over...

10. Remains of the Day (ok not over and over but at least once a year)

9. Star Trek (the new one)

8. Hook

7. White Christmas

6. Star Wars 4-6

5. Star Trek (All the other movies)

4. While You Were Sleeping

3. Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie

2. The Sound of Music (I had a summer growing up where I literally saw how many times I could watch it in one day. Three if you're wondering, four if no one had come home and made me shut it off.)

1. Galaxy Quest

I know I'm a little one or two sided, sci-fi or romantic comedy but I like what I like. What's your list look like?

Are these four year old feet?

My little Emma turned 4 this weekend. She went to go see Toy Story 3 (at the $2 theater) and then had a party complete with princess cake.

A few words about Emma...first take a look at Notable Quotables and you'll see that 85% of them are from Emma. She's has her own unique way of seeing the world and occasionally lets the rest of us see through her spectacles. She likes to cuddle, princesses, stuffed dogs (probably because we won't let our kids get a real one), books, drawing, coloring, and learning new things. She's an amazing builder. I know that sounds weird but the things the girl can do with blocks is fun to watch. She wants to be just like her older sister which has worked out well for her home preschooling. I guess she figures since Madilyn can read so should she. She's started basic reading and math mostly because she loves to learn.

She's a bit psychotic about flies (fruit flies) or anything that buzzes but considering she got stung twice this summer I can't blame her. I love this sweet girl and can hardly believe its been 4 years since she came into our family and we're so glad to have her.

Scream, Thunk!

That's what Jeremy heard at 4:00 this morning. Emma came in our room and needed to go to the bathroom. I sat on the edge of the bed and stood up to take her when guess what? My leg was asleep from my hip down. It was like there was nothing there and I went down hard. I didn't really crumple up it was more like 'timber!' I let out a startled gasp (could be categorized as a scream) and then hit the ground hard. I floor burned my toes.

Jer jumped up and was rightfully worried about me laying on the floor. But I told him what happened and to please take Emma to the bathroom. In the meantime I crawled into the bed and laid on my back until the feeling came back into my leg.

The Corn was as High as a Three Year Olds Eye

We planted a garden this year. It didn't work out exactly as we'd planned. Mostly because with moving into our house there were so many other projects to get done the garden got in late and was then neglected. As you can tell from the two foot tall corn stalks, dead potatoes, and squash we couldn't find in the weeds. Our only success was the tomatoes. (Uhh, the sun was in Emma's eyes and she wouldn't look at the camera.)

Did you know?

When the commercials say that concord grape juice tastes like concord grapes they really do! We have concord grapes in our backyard. They taste just like the juice...or the juice tastes like the grapes. Anyway, we eat'em off the vine.

Haircut!

Sigh...It was time. Her long beautiful hair was becoming a source of more tears. We don't need anymore of those. Monday it came off. Actually I wished I would have had it cut a long time ago because she looks so cute.

There are reasons...

...that I despise cooking. Take the latest example. We got two good sized zucchinis from our garden. I decided to make a double batch of zucchini bread. I've already got half the recipe done when I try to peal the zucchini. Hard as a rock and yellow inside. Hmmmm, I called Jer because I couldn't remember what zucchini was supposed to look like inside. Just so you know, not yellow and mushy.

Luckily the recipe I was using said you could substitute banana or carrots. Perfect! I think because I have 4 mushy bananas on my counter. So I start squishing them. I come to find out that one of them is so bad its liquidy. Yeah I know gross. Now I'm down to three bananas, not enough for my double batch. I read somewhere that you can use baby food carrots in recipes that call for shredded carrots, so I tossed a couple jars of baby food in too. And while the recipe said it needed to cook for 35 minutes turns out 25 was plenty. Grrr.

Yes I made banana carrot muffins instead of zucchini bread. THAT is why I hate cooking. Lucky they're pretty tasty. Emma showed them off for me.

Modeling

Madilyn was in a fashion show at the local church bookstore. She came out early to strike some poses for me. Garrett, Emma, and I waited in the car until the show started. Garrett drove.

Together We Can... (Another long Notable Quotable)

Is the theme for the annual Reflections contest at Madilyn's school. Kids can choose to do a project - drawing, story, music, film, etc. - on this theme. I asked Madilyn if she wanted to participate. She said sure. So I read her the theme:

Me - Together we can...

Madilyn - make money.

Me - Make money? Really.

Madilyn - Yeah.

Me - So what category do you want to enter into?

Madilyn - I want to take pictures.

Me - What will you take pictures of?

Madilyn - Money.

Her artistic vision is astounding. I'm not sure what this says about her but I'm sure the people who review her entry will wonder what kind of parents she has. Money grubbers.

Tale of the Attacking Spider

I was walking up the sidewalk to my back door when I saw a somewhat sizable black spider crossing ahead of me. I thought I'd wait for him to cross then go on my way. Then the little heathen sees me and starts charging! I am not kidding. Running right towards me as fast as it could. I'm thinking that's kind of scary. I wonder what kind of a spider attacks a human like that. Then I stepped on him and decided I really didn't care. (Note that I was going to let him pass on his merry way. He picked the fight but I ended it.)

In his brave yet futile honor more pics of our foggy, dewy mornings.

National Sewing Month

September was national sewing month. So here were my projects. I couldn't figure out how to rotate my pictures...or I was too lazy. Take your pick.

Two cloaks for Halloween (there's only one pictured but their identical so you get the idea.)


A pinafore for Emma's birthday.

Not pictured is a garbage bag for my car but its cold out and I didn't want to go take a picture.

All this massive sewing (I realize its not that much) has been to much for my machine which is now broken.

Fun Run

Anuual Fun Run time. Madilyn ran 15 laps in 1 hour - thats 3.75 miles. That's a lot considering she spent half her time talking to and running back and forth between her friends. She was awesome and we are proud of her.

Notable Quotable

This one was too long for the side bar.

Emma - How long does it take for a dog to die?

Me - What?

Emma - How long does it take for a dog to die?

Me - What?

Emma - How long does it take for a dog to die?

Me - A dog to...what...where...ugh...where did you hear that?

Emma - Madilyn was asking daddy.

Me - Oh. Honey Madilyn was asking how long it takes for paint to dry.

Emma - How long does it take for paint to dry?

Me - Depends on the kind of paint. Probably a day.

(Long pause)

Emma - How long does it take for a dog to die?

Children

Oh why? Oh why?

I love them so much and yet I think they're trying to do me in...slowly.

I got up this morning at 5:45 thinking that would be enough time for me to exercise uninterrupted before the kids got up.

5:50am Garrett was already making noises when I came into the living room.

6:00am Madilyn was up and laying on the couch.

6:10am Emma is up and laying on the couch and asking me questions about food.

6:15am I finally give in and go get Garrett who's now getting agitated.

All I wanted was a little quiet pilates. Is that so much to ask?

To be like Dad

He found it in the living room and couldn't leave it alone.

Cobweb Morning

A fine title of one of my favorite author's books. We had one, a cobweb morning. Love'em. (Although it did reveal all the cobwebs outside and that freaked me out a little.)

Where and When Do You Dream?

I mean in your actual dreams where are you and when in time? I ask simply because I am almost always on the farm/house where I grew up OR I'm at my high school. My dreams always include people I grew up with but hardly ever people I know now. Many of them I haven't seen or talked to since I graduated. And like all dreams, they are mixed up with my reality now.

For example, I can't get to basketball practice because I need someone to watch my kids so I'm wandering around the high school trying to find someone to watch them. Or I've dropped them off somewhere and when I get to practice I've forgotten my shoes.

I can go around in circles about why I dream what I dream but I'm more curious if anyone else has similar place and time recurrences as I do.

Anyone?

List - Girls Night Out

Why I like Girls' Night Out:

• When you say, "Don't you hate it when..." at least two people at the table know exactly what you're talking about.
• dessert
• You get put on your nice clothes that you don't want the kids to stain.
• You can talk about the after effects of childbirth without scarring anyone for life...or maybe you still can.
• You get to go somewhere without ANY children. (The silence in the car is AMAZING.)
• You realize there are other moms who start to go crazy at home with their kids.
• You don't have to put the kids to bed.
• dessert
• You don't have to gulp down your food so you can leave before one of the kids starts crying and/or breaks something or someone.
• And lastly, you don't have to share your dessert with anyone unless you want to!

First Grade and No Looking Back

I sent off a sassy six-year-old to first grade yesterday and it left me wondering where my little girl went. Little Miss Independent didn't want me to drive her school, she didn't last year either though. She was excited, ready to go, and already loves first grade. I, however, got teary-eyed.

Oddly enough, last year I didn't cry at all. It was a relief to send her off for a few hours. But this year its all different. She really is gone ALL day. And her friends influence is becoming stronger and stronger and I keep wondering if we've prepared her to make the right choices. I keep having conversations with myself like this - "We told her cheating is wrong right? We told her that? She knows what cheating is and she'd not supposed to do it?"

I'm taking deep breaths and...thats about all I can do. Say my prayers and trust her.

You Know You're Getting Old When

You try to buy new clothes but when you're at the store looking at the racks you can't figure out how one would wear the clothing. In fact, I began to wonder if I was in the right section and IF these really WERE clothing items - where on the body does it go exactly?

Straps, buckles, folds, and tucks where's a simple t-shirt when you want one?

Camping Part II

Since we had such a successful campout last weekend we decided to give it a try again this weekend. This time however we slept in a camp trailer. We pushed our luck. I do believe the words, "Write this in your journal kids because I am never taking you camping again, " came out of Jeremy's mouth. It didn't go so well....But Garrett had a great time in the dirt again. And there was a bright spot when we played by the river.

Soooo, I couldn't find my camera for most of the trip even though I brought it. These are pictures from the weekend before. I figured since it was almost in the same place I'd just post more pictures from the successful campout:)