Christmas 2007 recap

Okay, so not everything this year was bad... we DID have a pretty wonderful Christmas! We were able to spend it this year with my family in Utah. It was such a treat to be with my parents, both of my sisters and their husbands, both my neices, all my aunts, all my uncles, all my cousins (except for the one serving a mission), and Grandpa Bill. The only person missing was Grandma Joyce, but we know she was there in spirit, especially during the times that we were enjoying some of her favorite traditions. My aunt Molly, one of my idols, organized the week jam-packed with activities and although we knew it would be inevitable to feel Grandma Joyce's void, it was so great to have all the fun memories that were created interim. We had so much fun, in fact, that we ended up extending our visit for a few more days.

Maggie was just fascinated with leaving cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and celery for the reindeer.

And Grant was just fascinated with the cookies.  

Oh, you should have seen how upset Maggie was when she discovered Grant eating one of Santa's cookies!

Maggie and cousin Lauren decorating a gingerbread house. 

We took a drive down to BYU to visit the bookstore and snapped a picture near the building where Cory spent a good portion of his time at there. 

A sledding outing with Maggie and Lauren . 

It was so fun!

Uncle Ricky came, too!

The lights at Temple Square. 

Well, now we're home and although our house looks like we threw up Christmas, we're happy and healthy and so grateful for our wonderful family both near and far!  

Maggie-isms

We all agree that kids say the darndest things, right? Well, if I don't get these written down on my blog, then I'm afraid they'll be lost forever in the depths of that big, black hole of my forgetfulness, thanks to the side effects of childbearing. (anyone relate here?) Here are the latest ones from this week that had us cracking up:

• While Cory and I were helping her say her bedtime prayer, Cory said, "And thank you for Grandpa Bill and all our aunts and uncles..." Maggie repeated, "And thank you for Grandpa Bill and all his knuckles..."


• When our plane landed in Utah, the ground was snow covered. Maggie was looking out the window, then with a worried expression turned to Cory and said, "Oh no Dad! We forgot my muffins!" (AKA mittens)


• Cory and I overheard Maggie doing pretend play with her new princess barbies. In a princess voice she said, "Let's get dressed to go to the MALL to dance". Ummm, do you mean BALL, Maggie?

Christmas magic...

What a joy this month has been, to see Christmas through the eyes of my kids!  It has been a real treat, to say the least!  

An eye opener for me: to see my little boy sitting at the table eating a Christmas cookie.  He's all grown up!!

We attended our church's community creche celebration where Maggie got to dress up with her friend Jack to act out the nativity. 

This is the biggest Christmas tree I've ever seen!  It's 20,000 pounds and can be found at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 

Maggie helped me make sugar cookies for our family Christmas party. 

Cory discovered a place where you can go pick out your very own Christmas tree and chop it down.  

My friend Heather told us about a great neighborhood that decks out with Christmas lights. 

The highlight of the season for Maggie, meeting the man who will make it all come true!

Christmas preferences...

1.  WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS?  It depends on what I have more of at the time.  And what it is I have to wrap.  I think it is more fun to open a present that has been wrapped, but gift bags are easy.  I'd have to say, both!  

2.  TREE: REAL OR ARTIFICIAL?  I say artificial, but Cory says real.  I had both growing up.  Something really funky happened to us last year.  About 2 or 3 weeks into having our real tree, it started to stink.  I can't even think of how to describe the smell other than rotten animal pee.  It was awful!  Anyone ever have this problem?  I still say artificial and Cory still says real.  

  

3.  WHEN DOES THE CHRISTMAS TREE GO UP?  As soon as I can talk Cory into picking one up.  Usually the first week of December.  

4.  WHEN DOES THE TREE COME DOWN?  When it stinks... before Christmas is even over. 

5.  EGG NOG?  Yes, please! 

6.  DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE?  A little one that I made in college out of upside down miniature clay pots.  It's cute, but I'm thinking it's time to retire that one and upgrade to a fancier one.  I've been eyeing the Willow Tree one for a couple of years now.  

  

7.  FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD?  When I was about 12, I got an iridescent pink cassette player/FM radio.  Now, that was cool!  

8.  HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?  My dad, for sure!  He's a very simple man and doesn't require much.  Dad, if you're reading this, please tell me what you want for Christmas!!  

9.  EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?  I'll make it easy for you.  I've got a pretty long wish list.  Maggie has made it pretty easy this year by pointing out EVERY toy commercial to me on Nickelodeon.  How many times have I repeated, "You'll have to ask Santa"??   

10.  WORST CHRISTMAS PRESENT?  When I was really young, I remember getting a "bucket of coal" on Christmas.  Even though the "coal" was really candy licorice, I remember being too young to understand what it meant and I remember my uncles getting a big kick out of it.  Ha, ha, ha.    

11.  MAIL OR EMAIL A CHRISTMAS CARD?  I would love either, but there's nothing like getting Christmas cards in the mail.  

12.  FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE?  A Christmas Story.  Home Alone is pretty good, too!  

13.  WHEN DO YOU START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?  At the end of August.  The summer is just about over and I start to look forward to what's next.  

14.  HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT?  Not that I recall.  But I do remember getting some silicone muffin cups that hadn't been thoroughly washed...hmmmm.  

15.  FAVORITE FOOD TO EAT DURING CHRISTMAS?  Cornflake wreaths!  

16.  CLEAR OR COLORED TREE LIGHTS?  Clear... and lots of them!  Stand back from the tree, squint your eyes and if there's any holes... you need more!    

17.  FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?  O Holy Night.  Oh, and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town... of course!   

18.  TRAVEL DURING CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME?  What is Christmas without being with our loved ones?  I have to admit though, I'm looking forward to the day when Santa visits our house!  

19.  CAN YOU NAME SANTA'S REINDEER?  Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!  On Comet!  On Cupid!  On Donner and Blitzen!  And Rudolph.  Did I get 'em all?

20.  ANGEL OR STAR ON TREE TOP?  Angel.

21.  OPEN PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS MORNING?  I want to know who gets to opens their presents on Christmas Eve?  Lucky!  Actually, the only present we got to open on Christmas Eve was jammies from our Grandma Joyce. 

 

22.  MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR?  I'd have to say any sort of encounter with an irate fellow shopper who is fed up and frustrated with shopping crowds.  Where's your Christmas Spirit, people?  Patience!  And shopping at Michaels... I have yet to meet a friendly sales associate... nationwide.  

Now, tag!  You're it!

Maggie and Grant have a new cousin!

And we can't wait to meet him!  Ryan Austin was born yesterday at 8 lbs and 4 oz.  His original due date was December 28th, but apparently Uncle Danny and Aunt Julianna got their Christmas present early this year!  Congratulations!  

Where have I been!?

Today, the kids and I were cruising around in the car, rockin' out to Christmas music when the best Christmas song ever came on the radio: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.  It was like listening to a choir of heavenly angels.  Have you ever listened to the lyrics?

You better watch out 

You better not cry 

Better not pout 

I'm telling you why 

Santa Claus is coming to town 

He's making a list 

And checking it twice; 

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice 

Santa Claus is coming to town 

He sees you when you're sleeping 

He knows when you're awake 

He knows if you've been bad or good 

So be good for goodness sake!

This is like the best day ever!  We turned the radio off and memorized this song.  This song brings us to a whole new level of discipline... or bribery, whatever you want to call it, but it works!  Call me slow if you must, but at least I've caught on and you won't believe the things I've gotten Maggie to do today just by reminding her that Santa Claus knows when she's been good!  YIPPEE!!  

"Grandma Airplane"

As a child, her nickname made perfect sense to us: she was the grandma who took the airplane to visit us!  She lived in Chicago and we were on the west coast and we got to see her at least once a year, usually at Christmas.  What lucky kids we were!  Her visits would last up to 2 weeks.  Then, about 5 years ago, the traveling became too difficult for her so in the last 3 years I was blessed with the opportunity to visit her once a year.  She even got to meet Maggie and Grant.  She seemed so smitten with Grant, always noting how much he reminded her of my dad when he was a baby.  Yesterday, she reunited with her husband, my grandpa who passed when I was only 2.  I know that must have been a joyous occasion for her!   For 30 years, she has missed him.  I'm glad they are together again, even though I will miss her dearly!  Her passing is bittersweet...    

Thanksgiving revisited

I love Thanksgiving dinner!  I love it so much that I recreated it last night for our Sunday dinner.  (Well, I had to... we had leftover cranberry relish).  We had turkey with cranberry relish, yams with whipped cinnamon butter, and stuffing.  Maggie and Grant even ate all of it!  In the last couple of years, I've discovered that you can buy just the turkey breast on the bone, who likes the dark meat anyway?  Mmmm... turkey sandwiches all week!  

Our real Thanksgiving dinner was a treat as well!  We spent it with Cory's family.  Maggie and Grant had a good time with their cousins, Seth and Laura.  And Danny and Julianna saved the day with pumpkin pie!  Thanks guys!    

A little dance to kick off the holiday season...

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Attention Napoleon Dynamite Fans!!

Cory made a movie called The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang with some of the friends that he made Napoleon Dynamite with a couple of years ago.  They renamed it The Sasquatch Gang and now it's being released at the end of November.  I like the movie, I think it's funny!  It's definitely got its quirks (like Napoleon Dynamite) but it's good, clean humor for the whole family.  Check out the trailer if you're curious.  And if you're intrigued, here is where you can see it starting November 30th: 

Layton, UT: Cinemark Tinseltown 17

West Jordan, UT: Cinemark 24 at Jordan Landing

Provo, UT: Carmike Wynnsong 12

Los Angeles: Regency Fairfax Cinema

Orange County: AMC 30 at the Block

Seattle: AMC Uptown

Tell your family and friends!  

Uh huh... it sure is... sasquatch poo.

Happy Birthday DAD!

Happy birthday to the best dad I know,

A father I love and respect,

A dad who fulfills all his duties

To teach, to guide, to protect.

If everyone had such a father,

A really good dad like mine,

The world would be so much better,

It would look more like God’s own design.

A great, big, orange balloon ride

Not much has been going on lately.  However, this past Saturday, we were excited to be able to spend some time together as a family.  It's been a while since we've had a Saturday free without other all-day commitments, so we decided to do something that we've been meaning to do for awhile... a balloon ride!  We headed over to the old El Toro Marine Air Base where this big, orange balloon has been stationed as a free ride to promote "The Great Park", the first major metropolitan park of the 21st Century with over 1300 acres of public spaces including botanical gardens, performing art venues, nature preserves, memorials and museums.  Right now from the air, the Great Park looks like an abandoned military base but I'm sure that someday it will be beautiful.  In the meantime, now I can say we've been up in the country's largest helium balloon! 

A family portrait... by Maggie.

I'm so proud of our little artist!  I know that probably nobody but me finds this more adorable than anything else, but I just had to share cause I love these little creatures!  I get giddy with laughter when she draws her people cause they are so cute and I'm amazed that she just started drawing them by herself... and with such great detail, too!  From left to right: a snowman, mom, dad, Maggie and Grant.  Good job, Maggie!

Halloween 2007

10 pounds of candy, 2 carved pumkins, 4 pumpkin patches, 2 trick-or-treating events and 3 costumes later... I feel like we all enjoyed Halloween this year!

It's hard to say what Maggie was for Halloween this year.  In August, she received a very beautiful Cinderella costume from a good friend for her birthday.  But, from August to October, she wore the costume so much that the week before Halloween she started telling everyone she was going to be a butterfly princess.  So, for the church Trunk or Treat Halloween party, she was a beautiful butterfly princess.  

But, lookie here!  She decided the day before Halloween to be Cinderella again.  So, the Fairy GodMOTHER waved her wand and Cinderella it is!  (No, this will not happen every year.)  Grant and cousin Laura were lions and cousin Seth was a scary vampire.  

Maggie and cousin Laura trick or treating. 

Maggie and Grant walking down the street. 

Grant was just practicing trick or treating this year.  He'll be a pro next year! 

Our first pumpkin patch of the season.  Maggie couldn't believe how cute and little this pumpkin was. 

Here's a cute tradition picture that my friends Alison and Carrie have done for the past couple of years.  How fun that we could be part of it this year!

Pumpkin Patch #2

Mmmm... hay... good! 

I couldn't resist, what a cute picture with dad! 

 

So, I'm not kidding about the 10 pounds of candy!  After the church Trunk or Treat, Trick or Treating on Halloween and leftover candy that didn't get passed out at the Halloween party... we have too much candy!  Anyone have that problem, too?  Maggie hasn't even asked to eat any of it and I'm looking at all this candy thinking: Cory and I don't need to eat all of this!!  So, here's an idea that I stumbled across on the internet: 

Excess Halloween candy can be donated to Meals on Wheels, nursing or veterans' homes, and shelters or agencies that work with children such as foster care, group, or transition homes. Treats like these are especially appreciated on Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving or at other holiday parties. Most of the wrapped candy can be frozen or refrigerated.    

1. Separate the “obvious” Halloween wrapped candy from the other pieces. Discard any opened or unwrapped candy.
2. Wrap in cellophane and tie a ribbon around several pieces or put several pieces in a baggie and tie with a ribbon.
3. Make a small tag fitting the occasion and attach to the ribbon.
4. Deliver to an agency.

I thought this would be a great activity to even include Maggie in!    

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Bugs and Hisses to everyone!  

(Blood donors needed... see the Count!)

Our Autumn Retreat...

We were missing grandma Deb, so we got on an airplane and headed to Utah for a little visit.  We had so much fun!  Grandma didn't even seem to mind all the chaos and commotion that comes along with having all 4 of her grandchildren (under the age of 4, mind you) at her house.  (Although, I think I heard her say, "Glad you came... happy to see you go!")  While we were there, Maggie and Grant got to play with cousins Lauren and Brooke.   

The weather was all over the place.  It was mostly nice, but a storm blew through one night and put 6 inches of snow on the ground!  It stayed long enough for uncle Mike to show Maggie and cousin Lauren how to make snowballs.  

Grandma took us to the "Barnyard Boo".  What a blast!  (You know I'm a sucker for those pumpkin patches!)  First, the kids spent about an hour on a giant jumping pillow. 

Grant and I discovered a sandbox full of corn.  He loved that!  Who wouldn't love that?  What a great idea!

We got lost in a corn maze.  Okay, not really.

Maggie milked a cow.  Okay, not really. 

But we did ride the cow train. 

And a hayride!  

Aunt Amy inspired Maggie and I to be festive with black toe nailpolish for Halloween!