Advent!

Every year about this time I think,

Oh! I need to make that advent calendar!

But every year it's the day before December and there is no way I can/will whip out a crappy version of the idea in my head. I'd really like one that has a piece of the the nativity scene to pull out each day. It will involve a fair amount of work, so I don't want to make myself crazy. I think as part of my New Year's resolution, I will start the calendar in January. Then maybe it'll actually be done by next Christmas.

So instead, of letting another year pass, I am putting together a quickie version of another calendar I've been wanting. And if all goes well, next year, we will have both!

This one just involves 24 pretty little bags from Hobby Lobby hung up with clothespins on some yarn. Each bag will contain a paper with a Christmas activity to be done that day.

Do you have any family Christmas activities we should try?

Here is our list, in case you are looking for some ideas.

In no particular order (gotta figure that out before I stuff the bags, I guess):

Take a drive to see the lights

Drink hot chocolate

Put up our outdoor decorations

Eat snowman pancakes for dinner

Bake a treat

Read a holiday book before bed

Dan's work's kids Christmas party

Church Christmas Social

Go to the live Nativity

Set up our nativity

Wear crazy holiday socks to school

Have a holiday music dance party

Deliver Christmas goodies to the neighbors

Make a holiday craft (Honeycomb cereal snowflakes?)

Make family Christmas shirts

Make a gingerbread house

Pick a tag from the Giving Tree

Shop for the Giving Tree presents

Drop off the Giving Tree presents

Have a fire and watch a Christmas movie

Stuff, stamp, and mail Christmas cards

Celebrate our family's anniversary-go out to eat!

Read and act out the Christmas Story

Visit Santa at Bass Pro

***Edited to add a couple of photos and also mention the fact that I scrapped the pretty bags as soon as I opened the package and realized I would not be tolerating their glitter diarrhea. It was absurd, actually. All it took was a glance for 1,000 flecks of glitter to fall off and stick to everything in sight. I ended up cutting the tops off some brown lunch sacks and adding the numbers to the front. And I think I like it just as well.

Thanksgiving and the Zoo

Can you believe I didn't take one picture of Thanksgiving?

The day got off to a rocky start but once Dan and I let go of the idea of a "relaxing" holiday things sort of lined themselves up. Our relaxing Thanksgiving days are over, at least until our kids quit their whiny ways.

This year like all the others, really makes me remember just how excellent I have it. My life is good and when I try to list all the things I am grateful for it's eye opening.

Over the course of the last six days I saw license plates from Florida, then New Hampshire, Kansas, and then Kentucky (Fayette County, even). Quite the coincidence of you ask me. I couldn't help but collect them all in my mind and feel immense gratitude for the places my life has taken me and for all of the wonderful people I've met along the way.

Mom and I split up the responsibilities this time, and while it all turned out yummy, I think we kept ourselves running around enough that the camera never made it out of the bag.

Mom cooked at her house, and I at mine. Though we did have a mid morning rendezvous in my kitchen just to get the feel of cooking together.

At 2 o'clock my parents came over, with bounteous baskets of food and dishes and we had my brother's best friend and his wife and their two kids (who now live in Dallas) join us as well.

My cooking duties included the rolls, the mashed potatoes, the deviled eggs, and the strawberry jello.

I've made mashed potatoes so many times, they don't scare me. Deviled eggs? Nothin! Jello? I must confess I can hardly call myself Mormon because my last year's jello assignment never made it to the table; it never set up. Who can't make jello?Anyway, it was a leap of faith to give me that job again.

Really though, the rolls on Thanksgiving are kind of a big deal. And bread and I don't have the best relationship. But in a grand surprise I turned out some pretty fantastic rolls. One of our guests even said they were "the best rolls I've ever had!" and I didn't even have to fish for that compliment. I made 48 and they were going, going, gone! Once again I must pay homage to Pinterest.

As we were about mid-way through the meal, we realized that we totally forgot the stuffing. It never even got made. I think that might be a Thanksgiving sin, but honestly I don't think anyone missed it that much.

And then as we were clearing the plates, my mom pointed out that my jello, again, never made it to the table. Poor stuff, right in the fridge, jiggly as ever, waiting for its debut, that would never come.

Dan tried to be nice and eat some today but his nostrils flared when he put it in his mouth, so I know he doesn't really like it.

He did ask me to make more rolls tonight so I think I can forgive him.

And because a post is hardly a post without some pictures, here's a series from a perfect- weathered Day-before-Thanksgiving adventure at the zoo. The highlight of which, was probably Max's love affair with the goats. And as expected, there are way more pictures of the kids than there are of the animals. Who needs another picture of a capybara when you could have one of a Max? Or an Ava? Or a Luke?

Max squared

Waiting for the giraffe to be let out

Once he was, he showed his excitement by running

It was like watching in slow motion, so graceful

And then we got to the goats

Jumping for joy!

Twilight Zone

I usually don't go so long between posts but I think it might be because I am walking around in a sleep deprivation/Toy Story fog. That might sound like a weird form of torture, but it's actually not that bad, except for the fact that I am a bit... foggy.

And Max has been sick on top of his newborn-revisited sleeping habits and I am desperately trying to get at least part of the house put back together.

There is one more contributing factor to my general absence and confusion. And that would be the fact that truly weird things are happening around here. I am getting strange text messages. With links to strange websites.

My husband seems to be in some sort of confused state as well. Because those messages are from him.

I observe this scene with frequency,




which probably doesn't look that strange unless you can see what is on the computer screen.



One day I get a text like this: Let's wait.

The next day it's this with a link to some adorable puppies: Which one do you want?

A few months ago, we had a discussion (argument). It was so bizarre that I literally laughed and cried in a period of 5 minutes just out of emotional overload. Phrases were coming out of our mouths that I would have very seriously bet thousands (millions, if I had them) of dollars that we never would have said.

The whole thing is a blur and how it came down to this, no one could know. All that's really important is that the last words were these:

"You can go to Europe and I will get my dog!"

Now, if you had to guess, which one of us said those words?

That's right, based on the shock I already mentioned, those were words straight out of Dan's mouth. Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either, especially if you remember back when we got the trampoline and explained that Dan NEVER wanted a dog.

Well, pigs were flying that night!

In all honesty, I never thought I would be arguing to not get a dog. And I never thought Dan would be arguing for one. I realize that my capacities are pretty much tapped out at the moment and the amount of work and love that a dog needs are more than I can do. Dan, on the very weird other hand, sees the benefit for the kids and is willing to put in the work that I can't. Maybe. That's why we're confused over here.

To dog or not to dog, that is the question.

I love that Dan is even considering this. Not because I want a dog right now, but because I know that he is really thinking of the kids.

And in case you are wondering, I didn't forget about our argument. Europe plans are currently underway.

Lately and Do You Believe in Miracles?

Man, I know I already said that I hate Daylight Savings, but I still do. The kids are still waking up early and the dark evenings are making me feel like it should be bedtime at 6 pm. Actually tonight we decided, "The kids are waking up so early, we might as well put them down early"

Why hello there, 6:30 bedtime!

Ava has been such a great version of herself these days. She doesn't seem to mind school and her reading is improving so much. I went up to the school to volunteer for the Turkey Trot yesterday. Physical activities are definitely not her forte. It's hard for me to watch sometimes, because those types of physical activities always came naturally and were a great source of enjoyment and accomplishment for me as a child. Sometimes I worry that she's missing those things. But as a stood on the side of the track cheering for the kids and watching as they ran/walked lap after lap, a girl walked up to me and stopped.

"Whose mom are you?"

"I'm Ava's mom"

"Oh, Ava! She is my friend. She was in my class last year. Ava is so kind."

It came to me then that if I could pick one quality or talent for my daughter to possess, that would probably be my first choice.

She is so in love with dolphins and horses right now. She draws picture after picture and writes book after book featuring both animals.

Luke is also growing and blooming. His writing skills have just exploded. He loves to "do homework" right alongside Ava. Which usually entails him writing the alphabet or numbers to 20. I love to hear him work because he generally sings the song and writes letter by letter.

"ABCD...E! E comes next!"

Then he writes it down and begins again pointing to each letter as he sings, "ABCDE...F! F comes next!" And then he writes his F. And he does the same thing with his numbers.



He pronounces zero, "cereal" which he explained is aptly named because cheerios have the same shape as the number.

It's amazing how helpful it is to have your child be able to get themselves entirely ready, which is something he can now do. At night when I kiss him goodnight I want to hug him and squeeze him and tell him that I appreciate the fact that he gets himself dressed, that he doesn't care if the seams on his socks are crooked, that he wears whatever is in his drawer, and that he doesn't need ice in his water to be able to drink it. Of course I love my other child who doesn't fit that same bill, but Luke sure is nice to have around.

Max just had his two year old post right down there and he continues to run me right out of patience and energy. I wanted to take his pictures today but he somehow managed to get a gigantic scrape on his face so we'll have to postpone them a while.

The best thing he's doing these days is saying, "To Amon!" Which took me a few days to realize was his version of "To infinity and beyond!" My other favorite is "fruit poops" (fruit loops) which along with me desperately missing Ava's 2 year old version of movies, ("boobies") probably means that I should still be in fourth grade because I, apparently, still have a soft spot for bathroom humor.


Dan and I have been squeaking by on a little less sleep and staying very busy. I've been working steadily on house projects, and I can't see an end in sight. Which, in a way, is good because I enjoy them. But I also enjoy checking things off my list, so actually finishing something would feel good right about now, instead of juggling 50 different, half way done things.

Earlier this week after Luke was at preschool, Max and I headed to my parents to make use of my dad's table saw. As I drove I organized my ideas and wrote in my mind, which is generally what I find myself doing when I'm alone with my thoughts. I had something really good going. As soon as I could I needed to write it out so I wouldn't forget it. But now I cannot remember what it was.

I drove down the two lane road, cars in front and cars in back, at about 45-50mph. Cars were coming at the same rate and frequency in the other direction. And then I can hardly explain what happened next. A truck was coming towards me in the other lane. I watched the giant ladder it was carrying start to sway. It went back and forth and then like a sideways pendulum and was coming straight at me. As I said, there were cars in front and behind me, this truck and ladder to my left and a steep drop off to my right. And the fact that it all happened in the space of about 2 seconds, left me no options. I am not exaggerating when I say that I gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles, saw a close-up of the metal ladder directly on the other side of the windshield right before I closed my eyes, and thought, I am going to die.

But the impact never came. I have no way to explain how that ladder not only didn't crash right into my face, it didn't even touch my car. I looked up in time to see it hit the road right behind me in my rear view mirror. It might seem like a lucky bounce or maybe I overreacted, but I know differently.

I was immediately overcome and tears rolled down my cheeks like rain. I have never felt so close to dying. And I also can't adequately explain how I felt. There was shock and fear and relief and gratitude. Mostly gratitude to a watchful Father in Heaven.

I pulled up and ran into my dad's arms and tried to explain the whole thing. All I know now is that I am alive and I am supposed to be, because there is no physical explanation for what happened.

It's probably not right to shove this personal and spiritual experience right in next to fruit poops, but that is life. At least that is my life. There really isn't much separation between the facets of my life. This regular, old, crazy life of ups and downs and ins and outs that I am feeling extra grateful for right now.

It's not always this bad but,

let me just say that I hate Daylight Savings.

Coincidentally (or not) Max started waking up at the booty crack of dawn a week or so ago. We went through this with Luke a few times. He'd wake up early (4:30am, anyone?) for weeks at a time. There wasn't much we could do about it but endure. And then, just like that, he'd resume his regular sleep schedule and we would all be happy again.

So Max wandering into our room at 5:00am last week, really only made us groan and grit our teeth as we planned to wait it out.

And then Daylight Savings came along. We tried to compensate by skipping naps and staying up late, but to no avail.

So Sunday morning when it felt like the day should have been nearly over, we looked at the clock, saw it was 8:30am, and I wanted to cry.


A few days out, Max is up around 5:30am, the other two are kicking by 6:00am and Armageddon hits by 6:15am. Just because they're all awake doesn't mean they're all well rested and/or happy.

The only thing that makes up for it is the fact that from 5:30 to 6:00, before the other kids come down to complain that they cannot stand to watch it one more time, I can put Toy Story on for Max,


and this is what I see before I sneak back to my bed to squeeze out the last few drips of sleep in preparation for what feels like a 18 hour day.

2

We haven't celebrated or done his birthday photo shoot yet, but as I planned what I would write about my little dumpling turning two last weekend, I was struck with the phrase, "Say it ain't so!" I was thinking about how I really didn't want him to grow up.

Then I went to Goodwill to find a few Halloween costume accessories. And I happened to find a perfect bike for Luke. Have you ever heard a gigantic 1.99 year old wail over the fact that his brother is getting a bike and he is not? No? I don't think any of the patrons or employees had either, based on their facial expressions.

I started pushing my cart around looking for where you drop off donations, and was going to ask the cashier but could tell right away they weren't interested in reselling any screaming children.



That boy is stubborn. The climbing-out-of-the-crib soap opera continues. We moved on to the doorknob contraption, which only took him about 3 minutes to totally disassemble. Now we are back to the jump rope.

I know, I know, "Give it up!" you say. "He has probably outgrown his nap," you say. But he hasn't. He's still crazy tired in the afternoon and sleeps for about 3 hours once he finally stops fighting it. I'm not about to give it up. For him it's not even about the sleep, it's about getting his way. I will win this war! I can't make him sleep, but there will be quiet time in our house. Even if I can hear him yelling from down here.

"Buuuuzzzzzzzzzz!"


"Woooooooeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy!"


Buzz and Woody, as in Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story. The boy is absolutely obsessed. He loves Woody like Luke loves fans.

He takes any opportunity to sneak into the garage, get in the van, and push the button on the sun visor to raise and lower the garage door. Which will all be fine and good until he drives the car into the kitchen.



Like some sort of subconscious reaction, when we say our family prayer each night, he takes his cue to tackle people. And we might have a future offensive lineman on our hands, because he can take you down! Really, and especially if your eyes are closed. It's like you never saw it coming. Now I feel like I have to pray with one eye open.

He has strong opinions about what songs we listen to in the car. Fireflies is #1 on his billboard.

He has words for everything and insists that you repeat what he says so he can verify that a) you are paying attention and b) you understand what he said. The problem with that is, we can't understand half of what he is talking about. And he lets us know that he is angry about it in some very demonstrative ways.

If you cross him, which you are likely to do if, you don't understand him, you tell him "no", you don't give into his never ending requests for food (samich! ot dog! abble!), etc, etc, etc. then you can watch the anger flash across his face while his eyes scan the vicinity for things to mess up.

When he's angry he rakes everything off of the table, he runs for any open container of liquid to dump it on the floor, he searches for things to throw.

Maybe not wanting him to grow up, isn't quite right. Getting past the two's seems like a really good game plan.

Have I painted a negative picture of my little love bunny? I hope not. Because he is literally one of the cutest little people I've ever met.

He loves to do anything the big kids are doing. He's been getting on and off the trampoline by himself for a few months now. And he can do most of the stuff Luke does at the play ground.

He loves nursery and talks about the "bubbles" there, all week.

He calls Ava, "Avy" and it just about makes my heart turn into jelly every time.

He loves his daddy, and he loves me too. I'd even venture to say that I'm not in second place anymore. Or maybe it's a really close second.

He says "you" for "I love you".

He gives hugs and kisses that knock our socks off.

He loves looking at books.

He loves animals.

His laugh is infectious!

He loves construction sites and eagerly anticipates seeing a "deeger" (digger).

Coloring has become one of his favorite activities.

He loves, loves, loves to play and wrestle with the his siblings.

And for every ounce of stubborn anger, he compensates with a pound of sweetness.

See, not wanting him to grow up seems an appropriate reaction to the summary above, right?. So which is it? I don't know, grow up? Stay little? I'm thinking I better just try to enjoy the ride.




My house kind of looks like it threw up right now. I'm redoing the toy room so everything in there has been relocated to the living room so I could paint the walls. Tons of frames are stacked on the dining room table waiting for paint, furniture is sitting in strange places waiting to be put back, sold, or put in the garage.

In the midst of all this, I propped a large mirror up against the wall. It got moved here and there and somewhere along the way my mom and I commented how awesome that mirror was. I seriously loved it. It had a very simple frame and it was old and heavy. It's reflection and light was so beautiful and my mom told me that it was because it was very old (she gave it to me) and that you can't hardly buy mirror like that anymore, it's glass was so thick. Notice my use of the past tense.

October 29, I heard a crash from where I stood in the kitchen. I ran to the toy room expecting to see the ironing board collapsed, instead I saw this.

My favorite, beautiful, antique, gigantic mirror shattered,


courtesy of my delightsome, bright, adorable, spirited 2 year old. "Happy Birthday!" I thought, "In honor of your day I am going to let you live!"

Just kidding.

I was a little sick about the mirror for a few days, though. I was glad that Max wasn't hurt. The whole situation could have been avoided, if not for my carelessness.


Enjoy the ride. I really couldn't love my little Max anymore than I do right now.


I may be run ragged by him and it goes against all common superstitions, but I feel lucky everyday to have that boy for a son. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel that way for the next 7 million years.

Halloween 2011

Ava's only wish was to be Hermione Granger.



Or as she would say, "Humione"


Luke was going to be his "packpack fan" from last year, but after a little convincing, was stoked to be Harry Potter.


They run around every night casting spells on each other anyway, so once they had the costumes, they were thrilled!

And I think the easiest costume to sew has to be Hogwarts robes, so that was a big bonus in my book.



Max donned The Lion, made many years ago by Grandma Linda for our nephew.


Luke wore it two years ago, and this year size and season were in perfect correspondence, so Max seized his chance.




Now there is a big pile of robes and fur in the family room and we are eating candy for every meal, which to me, sounds just about right.