Christmas Dinner

That's right Christmas Dinner gets it's own entry because it was one of the most amazing parts of our Christmas day! Here is a picture of Dan the Man with the unbelievable lobster dinner he cooked for all of us!

 

Incredible Lobster, BLT Potatoes that make your mouth water, Yummy Asparagus . . . Oh man just thinking about it takes me back. I think this is by far the most delicious meal I have EVER eaten!

 

 

Here I am Kissing the Cook! I wonder if we kiss the cook to encourage them to cook meals like this more often?!

 

The only thing that topped the amazing Christmas dinner was having my little sister Emily share Christmas with us. My parents vacationed in Bali with my baby sister and some of my siblings living in Asia so Emily was left home alone in Logan. We were just so grateful that she decided to join us for Christmas. Emily is such a darling and talented girl. She lights up a room, carries great conversations and is sure to make everyone laugh. Hopefully it was as memorable and enjoyable a holiday for her as it was for us!

 

Emily's boyfriend Burke joined us for Christmas dinner and while Dan was cooking they entertained us with some great singing and playing the guitars. Emmett especially loved the music and was bouncing to the rhythms with a great big grin!

Merry Christmas 2008!

 

Merry Christmas 2008 and indeed it was Merry! Emmett was the early bird Christmas morning and was up at 7:30am. Lucky for me my wonderful husband offered to get up with him and I was ever grateful because I had stayed up way too late working on my present to Emily (a cookbook). It turned out that letting Lydia stay up late watching a movie on Christmas Eve wasn't such a bad thing after all. She slept in until almost 9:30am! Wahoo, that means so did I! This year we decided to follow a tradition that Dan's family did as kids. Instead of having their stockings downstairs by the tree with all of the other presents, "Santa" would come put their stockings on the end of their beds in the night. Lydia loved this! I was laying in my bed when suddenly I heard a Gasp, Giggle of Excitement and then Lydia's little feet running into my bedroom and her saying, "Mama Santa Came, Santa Came!" She climbed up in my bed and began going through her stocking. It was fantastic to see her so elated over crayons in a princess pencil case and a My Little Pony notepad. She was giddy over every treat and surprise that came out of that stocking and she sat there enjoying them in our bed for a long time. Soon Daddy and Emmett came up to see the surprise and of course we all watched Emmett go through his stocking including a book and baby food! Finally, after about thirty minutes of stocking joy, we went downstairs and saw the Christmas tree.

Our presents for each other were all wrapped but our presents from Santa were just laying out in front of the tree. Lydia saw her baby doll set and fell in love. She would have been fine without anything else. Although she really did love the rocking chairs that her daddy made for her and Emmett! Dan worked very hard and cut, and sanded, built and painted two rocking chairs for the kids. They absolutely loved them (as does every little kid that comes over to our house)! However, I think I was the most excited of everyone with my Christmas surprise!

 

Yep! That's right, Dan spoiled me with a gorgeous GUITAR! He said that he knows since we've had kids I don't really take much time for myself anymore. He knew that I loved playing the guitar and haven't for a long time so he bought me this beautiful guitar and said I had to take at least a few minutes every day and play for me! Ok, twist my arm!

 

I love this picture of Dan looking so pleased while watching me "freak out" over the gift he gave me. I honestly was so surprised and had no idea. You have to understand that a few months ago we bought gates for our house and said that they were our Christmas presents for each other. We thought it would be fun to have something under the tree for each other and gave ourselves a $25.00 limit. So yes, I was obedient and stuck to the limit buying Dan a book. He on the other hand, totally cheated and spent way too much. He justified it by saying that he only spent $25 and that Lydia and Emmett paid for the rest(I'm still trying to figure out where they came up with it)! Dan however did manage to find reasons to buy a leaf blower, saw and sander (for the rocking chairs)and back pack this month so he put those under the tree and pretended to be real excited about them! The kids had fun opening presents and Emmett liked the bubble wrap and wrapping paper best of all. Lydia played with each gift for a while before she'd open another one. In fact she lost interest with opening new ones and started playing with her new baby doll again. I noticed that she still had a gift from me under the tree but decided to just leave it there. When it was still sitting under the tree un-noticed and untouched the next day I decided to just save it for her birthday in six weeks! Here she is with her new dolly, loving that her clothes are pink (her favorite color) and rocking in her new chair from daddy!

 

2008 Christmas Greetings!

Seeing as how we use our blog as more of a journal I thought I ought to post our Christmas card for 2008. It also serves as a nice way for anyone to read it who didn't receive a hard copy. If you didn't get one and would like one in the future we probably just don't have your address so be sure to send it our way. Until then Feliz Navidad!

A bright Christmas greeting is the reason
For this festive rhyme; ‘Tis the season
This may seem short compared to years past
Believe it or not our lives are settling down at last

We’ve finally done it; we purchased a home
Happy are we with no need to roam
And thus in attempt to send you a summary
Here are the joys of our small but growing family

Dan’s enjoying his new exercise perk
By riding his spiffy red bicycle to work
Cassie continues her interpreting education
As she tested and received State Certification

Lydia is full of life and always loves to sing
She dresses as a princess with accessories that bling
She dances, rides trikes, and loves to play games
Most impressive is her talent at remembering names

The highlight of our year was Emmett’s birth in June
His big contagious smile will make you want to hold him soon
A content and perfect baby, you just can’t resist his snuggling
He sits and rolls but best of all melts hearts with all his giggling

And now to you, friends and family so dear
We leave you our love wishing more of you were near
Thus we close by saying Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Santa Sighting!

Earlier this month we had a church Christmas party. It involved a dinner, entertainment by the primary kids and of course a visit from Santa Clause!

 

Last year Lydia was terrified of Santa and didn't want to sit on his lap. This year she was excited but seemingly nervous. We talked about it before we went to the party and she said she wanted to sit on his lap this year. Then just before he arrived she looked at me and said, "Mom, I have a Great Idea! I can sit on Santa's lap and you can hold my hand!" I smiled and of course thought this was a great idea too!

 

The funny thing was that every time we ask Lydia what she wants for Christmas she rattles off, "I want a baby doll and a bottle, and a crib and a high chair . . ." At first we'd planned on getting the kids a swing set but she was so set on the doll that we decided to wait on the swing set and that way Dan can build the one he's been wanting to this summer. So at this point we had decided against the swing set and "Santa" had already purchased the baby doll set instead. So here we are and Lydia is bravely sitting on Santa's lap while holding mama's hand when Santa asks her what she wants for Christmas and she says, "A Swing Set!" Ai-ai-ai let's hope she changes her mind again or she's going to start having Santa doubts at a young age! Emmett on the other hand had no fear of Santa and easily convinced him that he's been a good boy this year!

 

Lydia and Emmett looking excited about Christmas and the candy cane from Santa!

 

Oh the joy and wonder of youth! Why do we ever grow old?

Christmas Eve Part 2 - At Home!

 

After we came back home we read the Bible story of the Savior's birth according to Luke 2.

 

We also sang a few Christmas Carols and Emily accompanied them on her beautiful new shiny red guitar! Lydia was her back up band with the Xylophone!

 

Then we started a new Christmas Eve tradition of opening new pajamas! The girls especially loved it and we put them right on!

 

Nothing like a Christmas Eve Smooch!

Isn't matching just fun?! I mean honestly when else can you match as an adult and have it be considered cute?!

 

We later went downstairs and enjoyed watching "The Grinch" which allowed Lydia to stay up way too late! Before she went to bed we quickly rounded up some snacks to leave for Santa. Lydia did a pretty good job of making sure he got plenty of healthy snacks by including banana bread and craisins!

 

Little kids sure make things more exciting. Lydia was so anxious for Christmas that she was bouncing off the walls. After she sprinkled some reindeer food out the door the flue on our fireplace slammed shut on it's own and made a big bang noise. It startled us all and Dan said, "Uh-oh, that must be Santa and his reindeer!" Lydia's eyes grew ten times wider and she said "Santa?" We assured her that he wouldn't be able to come in unless she was asleep and she panicked saying hurry lets go. I have never seen her so eager to go to bed in my life! It was hillarious!

 

Christmas Eve (only a month later)

Here is a darling picture of the boys trying to keep warm

 

Christmas Eve was perfect! We started by playing secret Santa for a family in need. Nothing spells JOY like watching your three year old giggle with excitement as you ring a doorbell and run for your life! After that we drove over to the Temple grounds to see and listen to the Nativity. It was raining so we stood under the umbrella and were reminded of what Christmas really is all about.

 

Lydia & Auntie Em!

 

Me & My Girl!

 

After the nativity we went inside the visitors center where it was warm and we were able to see a table display with lots of different nativities. Before we left we sat in front of the statue of the Ressurrected Christ and listened to the recorded narration. It was powerful for me to reflect not only on His birth which we are celebrating, but to think about His life, His death, His Resurrection and His Love.

Catching up on Christmas

 

Here are some pictures from Sunday before Christmas. I wanted to get a shot of the kids all dressed up and looking cute but of course we didn't get any pictures until after church which meant we were not quite as cute! My little sister Emily joined us for the holiday and she and I sang a duet during the Sacrament meeting Christmas program. It was called "Mary's Lullaby," also known as Tonight You Are Mine. It sounded great and was so fun to sing with my sister again. A fun memory I'll always cherish! I don't know why we didn't get a picture of the two of us. But here she is with her boyfriend Burke.

Leave the Leaf and Let it Snow!

Less than two weeks ago Dan was cleaning up the leaves and Lydia was loving running, jumping and swimming in them!

 

Then suddenly the mild weather changed and the week before Christmas we actually got snow here in St. George, UT! Twice it snowed almost all day and into the night but by the time Lydia got to go out and play in it it was almost melted away. She was so excited to build a snow man that I couldn't let her down. He was a pretty cute one foot snowman even if he was rather skinny. After the second snow storm we fattened him up a little bit. Well we should say I fattened him up while Lydia ate snow and threw snowballs at me! She had a blast and I was so excited that she could have memories of playing in the snow this winter. We are all looking forward to playing in some "real snow" when we visit Grandma and Grandpa in Logan!

 

 

 

 

Take TIME

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the importance of listening. Listening to what others are really saying and taking the time to stop and listen to ourselves. Why do we sometimes say what we say? I think it is because we speak before we think. I fear that I am often guilty of listening while at the same time thinking of what I want to hurry and say next rather than just actively listening. I want to be sincere in my conversations but this tendency causes me to interrupt. Interrupting causes me to feel frustrated with myself and I fear it may appear as insincere to others. Hopefully I'm not the only one who feels this way or sometimes finds myself struggling in this arena so I thought I'd share what I have concluded.

It is essential to take TIME to think before you speak. So here is the little acronym I came up with. Before you speak take the TIME to ask yourself:
T= is it True?
I= is it Important?
M= is it Meaningful?
E= what Effect will it have?

It is amazing the power our words really have. Once said they can not be taken back. Whether uplifting, degrading, insightful or gossip, they are powerful but they are also ours. Since I have been more actively aware of thinking before I speak I have noticed the power I have over deciding what I do and don't say. Sometimes I have a really cool comment but the time is not appropriate and simply refraining from saying what I'm thinking has been wise. Other times I have recognized a need to say something and felt happy I shared it. I think I want to be remembered as one who used her words for good. Thus starting today I am going to make a greater effort to think before I speak and think about what I say. Better yet I think I will say less and listen more!

I'm Thankful!

Oh boy, it's been a while since I've written and I'm just going to go ahead and blame it on this time of the year. We are busy! Having said that I want to take a minute and reflect on some of the fun that has come with the busy! I'll try to do that with some pictures of what we've been up to. I also missed the opportunity to make a Thanksgiving entry but I am still feeling thankful so I'll try and share just a few things on my gigantic gratitude list. I am grateful to live in St.George, especially at this time of the year. We have so been enjoying the beautiful weather and although we now have to wear jackets, we are still able to go on walks to the park and play outside with friends. Here's a picture of Emmett excited to be going on a walk! Whenever we go outside he either has a great big grin or his eyes get big and he sticks his tongue out in anticipation for what's coming next!

 

I am grateful for the endless wonder and excitement that fill a babies eyes as he discovers the world around him. I am also thankful for little girls, specifically my Lydia. One of our favorite books is called, "Do Princesses Where Hiking Boots?" Well as you can see, Princesses wear running shoes and just about anything else that looks like fun to dress up in!

 

I am thankful for imaginations and for children who remind us to use ours. I am thankful for Lydia's laughter and her love of singing. She loves to sing and walks around singing about everything and anything. If she isn't singing she's usually talking (wonder where she gets that from!) and is quite the chatter box. She will talk out loud about what she's doing and likes to "read" out loud too. Our recent favorite is when she tells us about her "plans" or "great ideas!" For example, I was telling her that I was going to go put her brother down for a nap and then he'd stay home with Daddy while she and I ran some errands. Midway through my explanation she says, "Hey wait Mom, I have a Great Idea! Lets wait and let Emmett stay awake for a little bit longer, Daddy can come with us and we can all go get ICE CREAM!" I wish you could hear the presentation she says it with such enthusiasm as if she's trying to sell you on it! Another Gem was today when Dan and I were discussing something and it went a little like this:
Lydia: Mom, that is such a great idea!
Mom: Thanks Lydia
Lydia: What are you talking about anyway?

 

I am thankful for children who know we love them and who love each other too! Here they are asleep in the car holding hands. I know, it's PRECIOUS!

 

Lydia and Emmett are already best friends and it is a joy to see. They play so well together and Lydia can make Emmett laugh harder than anyone. She also loves it when I let him lay on top of her. She will often stick her face in his and then giggle saying, "No Emmett, Don't eat your sister's nose!" She will also sing to him and interpret what he is saying anytime he cries.

I am Thankful for Family. We were so blessed to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. The kids and I actually drove up early with my little sister Emily who had been so sweet to come play with us for a few days so we could drive up and see Auntie Tasha in her school musical. Tasha stole the show with her darling dancing! Dan had to work but joined us two days later. I am so thankful for remarkable parents who love us and love the Lord. They are wonderful examples to me and they are the best grandparents to my children. It was a Terrific Thanksgiving. Aside from the expected good food, we enjoyed walks and talks, babysitting while we attended the temple, going out for pizza, watching Walli and of course singing around the piano! Dan and my Dad had fun playing a round of golf and my mom and I had fun shopping, running errands and she even treated me to a fabulous early Christmas present of going and getting a one hour massage. She is too good to me! Christmas decorations went up and so did fun moments watching Lydia and Emmett play with Aunties and Grandparents! Just picture Lydia and Grandpa digging up carrots in the garden, rolling the ball up and down the slide and making the My Little Ponies play the piano! They gathered pine cones and put them in an empty egg carton taking turns uncovering the hidden dime (yet another one of Grandpa's clever game). Then there was Grandma sharing chocolate with Lydia and snuggling little Emmett on her shoulder. Emmett also found his voice while we were in Logan and sure enjoyed hearing himself squeal. Oddly enough he grew tired of it once we arrived back home and has resorted back to his grunting instead of squealing to communicate! I so wanted to post some fun pictures from our trip to Logan but can't get them off of our memory card. As soon as I figure it out I'll post them so we can enjoy the memories again. With or without pictures it was an Unforgettable Holiday. Thank you Family!

Lastly, I am so Thankful for my darling husband! He works so hard for our family and is the reason for so much of our joy! Thanks Dan, I love you!

The Ladies Man . . .

Emmett has a way with women, all it takes is making eye contact with him and instantly his big contagious smile melts your heart! But to add to his good looks and charm, his auntie April has provided a wardrobe that is sure to draw the ladies attention! You'd better watch out for this heart breaker!

 

Honestly, with a face like this it's no wonder he's irresistable!

 

And now for our all time favorite!

 

Where's the duct tape? This kid is ripped!