Christmas

     What a fabulous Day!!  We have had such an undeniably wonderful year.  This has been the first year that our kids really got it.  The first year in fact, that we, as parents, had to get up early.  If you know me, that is not my favorite thing to do but, it was so worth seeing the joy on their faces.

     We set out cookies and milk for Santa and we had told Aidan that if, the cookies were gone when he woke up that he could come wake us up and go unwrap presents.  Tony happened to wake up just a few minutes before Aidan came out of his room.  So, he was able to witness his reaction first hand. Aidan walked over to the plate and said, "The cookies are gone...the cookies are gone.."  he ran into our room and came over to my side of the bed.  He woke me up and told me that Santa had come.  He was so excited.

      I went in to get Ember out of bed (almost 3 hours earlier then normal).  You could tell she was so stinkin' tired (her head was bobbing and her eyes half closed) but, she kept repeating, "I had a good nap...I had a good nap."  I think she was excited albeit tired, and was afraid I would put her back in her bed if she hadn't 'had a good nap'.  What a cutie pie.

Note:  We didn't take any still photos of Christmas so, I stole this pic off the Internet somewhere.  Err I mean, isn't my house lovely!

The Untold Story of the Ages

Some time ago an old friend made mention of one of my most triumphant achievements that has eluded my attention in recent years. We will forgo the argument of what accomplishments this is being judged against (i.e. marriage and sealing to my wife, births of my three children, serving a mission, etc.) and will suffice it to say that it exists in a category of its own.

The Robinson Estate was one which many of us flocked to in our adolescent days. The family was well-known and incredibly hospitable to friend and stranger alike. However, while it was a place of retreat and happiness, it was also a den of intense competition. They have a “Goalrilla” basketball hoop that is in the upper echelon of the known standards of today. It was as if you were playing on a professional stage yet with a playground atmosphere. It created an utter respect for all, yet a deep yearning to trounce whomever ventured onto the driveway at Dutch and Karen’s Manor.

Such was the arena not long after I had considered my retirement from the sport of basketball. It seemed that hundreds were loitering around enjoying a hot evening with a few leisurely conversations as summer boredom had assembled there at the Robinson's. In the midst of this tedium, an idea was spontaneously hatched to hold an event for those who wanted to participate in a challenge for the ages. A two-on-two, single-elimination tournament featuring collegiate athletes, former-high-school stars, and the seasoned church-ball veterans- all craving to be the victor of this contest of contests. Calls were made and the news had spread. People were gathering from miles away.

Feeling nothing short of being inspired, my teammate and I were drawn together like numerous other famous duos had in history: Martin and Lewis, Montana and Rice, Jemaine and Bret, Shaggy and Scooby, and after this tournament….. Sheen and Dressen. You see Justin Sheen was and is known for his many talents and plain genius, nonetheless he was and more than likely still is not recognized as a basketball player. Did that deter us? Absolutely not. In fact I waited as everyone divvied up into their supposed squads which left Justin near the end of the veritable “last kid picked” line. Thanks to their mindless assumptions that Justin was a mere nerd that had no athleticism whatsoever, I being the ying was left with my yang.

No detailed stories need be told of how our success came to fruition. Dunks were made, comebacks transpired, and game-winning shots went down. We beat friends, foes, unknowns, the superior, the un-favored, and anyone else that dared. We won.

Why you ask? Why has this not been told of before in the West Jordan annals of history? The answer is quite straightforward actually. No one has dared admit that they lost at the hands of Justin and I. They have bottled up the recollection of losing the perpetual battle that is basketball to the two people they never would’ve predicted to suffer defeat from. And to be honest, I’d suppress those memories too if I lost to a toothpick-redhead and the kid who scored better than everyone else on the ACT.

Santa Sightings

     I absolutely love this time of year.  Having kids has only magnified my love for the season.  For me, there are so many things to enjoy about this time of year. I am one of those nerdy people who could listen to Christmas music everyday.  I enjoy shopping for people I love.  I love to spend time with my Family.  I can't get enough of the Holiday goodies. It is great when people use this time of year to help lift one another up.  And the list goes on.  

     I have absolutely loved watching Aidan and Ember revel in the season.  They are so taken by all the lights and decor and have utterly loved seeing Santa. 

    The other day we went to Sam's club.  We moseyed around and ate a few samples.  One of the demo-ers was an old guy with a white beard and a Santa hat.  When we got to his table, he shouted, "Merry Christmas" and then, "Ho Ho Ho!"  The look on my kids faces was just priceless.  They were so tickled.  Then, either the same day or the next, we walked into Walmart where to greeter was also wearing a Santa hat and had a similar gray beard.  The kids looked at him and then looked at each other with pure joy.  The looks on their faces were priceless. 

3rd Times the Charm

Ember discovered how to open my mascara!  She was so pleased, she marched right up to me to be sure I could see how beautiful she looked!  I was a bit shocked.  I didn't think she would be able to open the lid herself (I don't even think Aidan has quite figured it out).  So I assumed that I must not have tightened it properly.  That is until she did it again...and then again!

Needless to say, I have now moved my mascara from its usual location.

More Christmas

What a beautiful Christmas Present!!

Aidan didn't want to miss out on the picture taking action.

Nativity

We were setting up all the Christmas decorations and then I looked over at Ember and she was doing this:

I looked a little closer and she was trying to ride this tiny horse from one of our nativity sets.  It was so funny.

At the same time, Aidan was stacking a different Nativity set.

Who knew these were so much fun?

Bangs

After much deliberation on my part, I finally gave Ember bangs.  I am so glad.  I love them.  She looks so cute I think.  It kinda of tames her adorable, wild curls.  What do you think?:

Before

After

Don't Mind her adorably messy face!!! (but frosting is oh so yummy)

Christmas Decor

We got our tree decorated! 

     We tried something a little different this year.  I decided since there is no chance of the kids leaving the tree alone and especially the ornaments, I would buy new decorations at the dollar store.  This way they could pick them all out, decorate the tree with me and demolish whatever and I wouldn't really care.  They had so much fun.  We picked all sorts of good stuff and it has taken a lot of stress off.  Which as almost everyone knows, allows for much more Christmas spirit!

    The kids have actually been pretty good at leaving everything alone.

I thought it would be a good idea to put these tiny little present ornaments on the tree but, as it turned out, they were far too tempting.  I tried to explain to Aidan and Ember that they weren't really presents just decorations.  I think Aidan understood but, Ember just kept unwrapping them.  After, Aidan realized Ember wasn't getting in trouble.  He went to town unwrapping as well.  So, within a matter of minutes, all we had was this!  Oh well, lesson learned.

Polar Express

My parents took our entire family (minus Chad and his wife, who had to work) on the polar express for an early Christmas present.  That means there were 14 adults and 17 grandkids, quite a group.  It was so much fun, even Ember, who had been terribly sick, enjoyed herself.  My kids are very familiar with the movie and book so, they were soo excited to climb ABOARD!

The more the merrier, right? From left to right: Zack, Aidan, Kaden, Ember and Brock

Ember is clutching the bell that Santa gave her.

Aidan admiring his bell (which he promptly lost and then later found again).

Even Eden liked her bell.

Oh, Tony, what a poop!

Ember chatting with one of the elves.  While Aidan can't keep his eyes off the tracks.

The kids with the conductor.

Showing off the tickets after they got punched!  Which Aidan also lost and then later found.

Posing in front of our train.

And of course, Santa Clause!!

Simplify

We had a terrific lesson in Relief Society today about simplifying our lives.  I think the title of the lesson was something like..."simplifying our lives can bring spiritual happiness."  When I read the title on the board my first thoughts were how true that is in my life.  I know that my life is often quite full of chaos amidst 3 kids under age 4.  Every time I feel myself getting overwhelmed by the goings on I try to evaluate what it is that is really stressing me out and 9 times out of 10 it is my need to slow down and enjoy my life.

I know that this is a really easy concept but, somehow I find myself struggling with it over and over.  That is probably why I liked this lesson so much.  I love when something I feel to be true is validated and elaborated upon by apostles and prophets. I am always so amazed at the truthfulness of the gospel in its many facets.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple yet, so complex.  Leaving me eons to understand it all.  Yet, with each new insight the more sure I become of its surety.

That being said I felt truly inspired to take a look at my life and see how I might better alleviate some of the madness that occurs in my life.  One aspect the lesson focused on was finances.  It was really nice to put into perspective my financial situation.  And really made me realize how important it is to live within your means.  In the midst of this economic crisis this idea rings truer then ever.  It made me realize how grateful I am for the goals Tony and I have reached in paying off debt and for the blessing it is that I have been able to stay home with my babies.

Aidans Pirate Party

Aidan had a fun pirate themed birthday party this year.  He invited his cousins Zack and Kaden and neighbor Andre'.  They had a treasure hunt, ate cake, opened presents and played at the park.  I was amazed at the speed in which the boys completed the treasure hunt...it was so fun to watch.  

He is already trying to plan the theme of his party for next year.

Aaarg Matey!

I hid each of these maps at a different location.

They were so excited with each find.

Ahh they found it!!!  The treasure buried in the sandbox.

Blowing out candles.

My attempt at a pirate cake.

Opening presents.  Aidan couldn't keep his eyes off the gifts long enough to take this picture.

Playing at the park.  All the pirates either lost or broke their swords here at the park. 

Tumbling

     Today marked the last day for the kids tumbling class.  They enjoyed themselves more some days then others but, over had a good time...I think.  Ember wasn't old enough for me to actually enroll in the class but, the teacher was nice enough to let her participate when she felt like it. 

     Aidan struggled with the whole standing line thing. I didn't realize it could be so traumatic.  I think Ember prefered practicing her 'straight jumps' and other moves at home. 

Here are a few pictures of my little cuties.

Kids at Play.

Aidan mastering his somersaults.

Ember attempting the same thing.

Waiting in line with their friend Becca.

Ember walking on sunshine...ok just her hands.

Dressen up for Christmas!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday Aidan!

Aidan turned 4 years old today.  I can't believe it.  He is growing up so fast.  He is  a very sweet and tender kid.  He always has lots of hugs and kisses for me.  He can't stand for anyone to be upset with him. The mere thought brings him to tears.  He is a great big brother too!

Here are a few of his favorite things:

Lightning McQueen

Trains

Watching Movies

Going to McDonalds

Superheroes

Digging in the Sandbox

Playing with his Friends

Going to Grandparents

Thanksgiving

     There is so much I am thankful for.  I could really make this post annoyingly long but, I will try to keep it as short as possible.  I am grateful for my amazing husband. He makes me happy everyday in just about every way.  He is a terrific father and so diligently provides for our family.  He is such a great example to me in so many areas. He makes me want to be a better person.  

     I am grateful for my kids.  Aidan tries so hard to be good and make me happy. Ember loves to make us laugh and Eden is such a sweet patient little thing.  I love them all to pieces.

I am grateful for great parents and in-laws.  I am so lucky to really truly love them all.  They are so stinkin' generous and wonderful examples of how to live.

     I am grateful for all my siblings, in-laws and friends.  It is so wonderful to have such a great support system. So many people I can and have leaned on.  What a blessing they all are.

     I am grateful for the amazing feast we enjoyed this afternoon and the company with which we were able to enjoy it with.

     I am grateful for my health and for the health of my children and loved ones. 

     I am grateful for my home.

     I am grateful for the Gospel.  Without it, I honestly don't know where I would be.  

     I am grateful for the knowledge of my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.  

     I am grateful for His atonement which has given me hope and allows me to be with my family forever.

     I am grateful that I didn't have to stand up in front of anyone today and say what I am grateful for.

Boo

My kids and I dropped off my brother, Brett, at the airport tonight.  He was flying out to meet his family in Vegas.  My kids were watching Monsters Inc. on the DVD player in the car.  Thank heaven for movies, they make all my running around 10x easier.  The entire drive there, Ember kept asking..."Where's Boo?"  (She is the little girl in the movie for any of you unlucky adults who are somehow unfamiliar with the DVD)

Then upon seeing the little girl, Ember said, "I don't have pig tails , mom." 

 "Um, no you don't."  I replied.  

"What do I have?" She asked

"Just a barrette."  I said

Suddenly Aidan chimed in, "We just took him to the airport."

Ahh kids.  Aren't they so much fun.

Super kids

Aidan is such a 'super' big brother.  He is usually so sweet to his little sisters.  He love to make me happy and he always tells me so. 

 The other day he went up to Eden and was talking to her in baby talk and said, "You are so go-gious."  It is so funny to hear yourself in your kids.

P.s. Don't mind Eden's little blue boy jammies.

Our Stick Figure Family

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MOMs

I just wanted to pass this on.  I've seen it on a couple blogs and, I thought it was worth reading. (click on it and it will be easier to read)