Pen Pals with Santa

For the last several years, Sydney has left a list of questions for Santa Claus next to the plate of cookies. Santa has always been very kind to answer each and every question.

Dear Santa,

Thank you for coming to our house. We hope you and your reindeer like the treats we laid out. Here are some questions for you:

1.   Do you get treats at EVERY house?

Not every house, but certainly those houses that want to impress me in hopes I will leave more gifts.

2.  Do you have a hot tub to keep you warm?

I got one just this year. Thanks for asking. I look forward to getting home and trying it out.

3.  Do reindeer ever give presents to children?

NEVER!

4.  Have you gained/loss any weight?

I lost weight up to Halloween. Then I gained it all back L

5.  If there is a fire at the bottom of the chimney, how do you get down?

Just pick the lock and come through the front door – No Problem.

6.  Do you always wear your red suit?

One year, I wore my purple suit. Mrs. Claus won’t let me do that again.

7.  Do you get anything for Christmas?

Satisfaction, love and peace!

                Do you r elves get gifts?

                Satisfaction, love and blisters.

8.  How many elfs work at your factory?

I hired 4,263,184 more this year. I now have 46,761,652,176 elfs working for me. Can you imagine what it is like at dinner time? Bedtime?

9.  Do you and Mrs. Clause and the elfs go to church?

Yes. Every week. In fact, I’m speaking in church today. I can’t be late.

10.  What’s your favorite part of Christmas?

Eggnog.

Christmas

foreword:

**there is a funny story about Bryce at the end of the post

**traditions we will be keeping: service chain, Mr. Krueger's Christmas, questions for Santa and socks

Christmas Eve

I think I'm still trying to figure out exactly how we want to do Christmas Eve. Its different every year. Here's a brief recap of our traditions in past years.

2008

2008

2009

2010

And here's how it went down this year.

After a leisurely morning and lunch, we went downtown to the RoadHome homeless shelter. I think it was an eye-opener for the kids. At first, all we saw were men, but after we entered the building, we saw families with children the same age as our own. We worked in the warehouse, sorting donations. That was an eye-opener for me. They were only keeping new items with tags on them or nice looking men's jeans. Everything else they forwarded to Deseret Industries. They were just already maxed out in storage. The only things worth the limited space were the new things. They info will definitely affect how I donate next year. So, we were there for about an hour and then headed home.

For dinner we had a Bethlehem dinner. My parents did this with us growing up and was a much enjoyed tradition. This is where you prepare a dinner similar to what might have been eaten the night Christ was born. We had fish, rice, cheese, grapes, pomegranite, flat bread, and grapejuice. We ate by candlelight. I also had an oil lantern I thought would work awesome but it didn't work, hardly at all. So we learned that we really should get some better candles and more of them in case of an emergency.

By the end of dinner and clean up, Ster and I were exhausted so forgive me if I forget parts here and there. I do believe we went downstairs and watched "Mr. Krueger's Christmas." That movie is a must for us every Christmas Eve. I love the spirit it sets, the beautiful music and message of love and service. Then we opened sibling gifts. Always great fun. THEN, Ster and I sat on the couch while the kids went crazy around us. This is not a tradition I want to keep but that's the way it happened this year. What can I say? We were tired.

file: 2011dec templebdaycmas

When we finally plucked ourselves off the couch, we went back to the tree and hung our service chain on it. Our service chain begins the first day of December. Everytime you do something nice for someone else, you get to write it on a strip of paper and add it to the chain. Its really fun and worked really well with our 12 Days of Service activity.

Here are some of my favorite ornaments that make me smile. Santa in a sombrero.

Santa in a kilt

Nativity

Finally, we urged the kids to brush their teeth and get ready for bed and most importantly, find their socks. We don't have store bought or home-made stockings for Santa. We just grab the biggest sock in our drawer. I quite like this tradition. And we lay them out on the table next to the cookies and drink. This year it was left-overs from other goodie plates and egg-nog.

Sydney also always writes a note to Santa. His responses are always AWESOME.

Christmas morning came early and was wonderful. I didn't get many pictures because I was enjoying the moment. We have even less traditions Christmas day. But this Christmas was special because we went to church at 9am. It was perfect. The music was beautiful, the spirit was strong, the family was close. I loved it. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing and enjoying each other.

Bryce would not let go of his peanut M&Ms. His hands were disgusting, but boy, did he love those things.

A funny story about Bryce during church. It was time for the primary kids to sing "Stars Were Gleaming." There are 2 primary pianists. I am one. But we never decided who would play for the musical number. As the kids were filing up, I asked the music director if I was playing and he looked at me like, "Uh, You are, aren't you?" Well, I hadn't brought my book so I ran out the side chapel door and raced all the way down the hall to the primary room, grabbed the music book (gratefully the spare was there) and ran back to the chapel and straight up to the piano. I played, the kids sang and everything was great until the end when I wondered where the heck Bryce was. My top 4 kids were in primary, singing but I didn't even remember putting Bryce down. I had no idea what had happened to him. As the kids filed off the stand, I looked down to our bench, 2nd from the front and there sat Bryce, still as a statue, waiting for me.

temple square

One of my bestest growing up friends came to visit for a week. She lives in Texas with her husband and 4 kids, who all happen to match up exactly with my top 4, except her oldest, who is a boy. We met them for a short time at temple square and enjoyed the lights and nativities. It was freezing but totally worth it. There's never enough time when it comes to decades old friends. I feel like we spent a majority of our time counting kids. Ah Sara. I love that woman. She is the one who made this video with me. She's also the one who came with me to China. I may not have made it up some of the Great Wall of China if it weren't for her.

12 Days of Service

About a week ago I read an article in the newspaper by Jason Wright. You know Jason, right? He wrote "Wednesday Letters" and "Christmas Jars." Anyway, he writes a column for the Deseret News and in this particular articles he suggests doing the 12 Days of Service for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. He goes on to list specific things to do those days. "What a GREAT idea!," I thought. I love the idea and now I don't even have to come up with my own 12 things to do. I just follow his outline. Perfect!
Are you interested? Here's the list:
(I included what I did for each day for no other reason than for personal memories)

On the first day of service, do something unexpected for a family member. Complete their chores without fanfare or offer to do the one thing you know they most dread each day.

(easy for moms, right?)

On the second day of service, do something nice for someone you don’t know. Open a door or pay for a breakfast in the drive-thru. Be creative, but be safe.

(I took the younger 2 kids and one of Rachel's friends to Thanksgiving Point, where we have a family membership and offered to pay for 2 moms and their young daughters, who were the same age as Rachel. They couldn't believe it! It was the best feeling. I think I'll do this more often!!!)

On the third day of service, do something in your community. Visit a nursing home or hospital for a few minutes. Volunteer at a shelter or food bank. Be sure to call ahead and ensure the timing is right for them to put you to work.

(We had to switch this one until the end because of scheduling with the RoadHome, but we are definitely going.)

On the fourth day of service, call or email someone you haven’t communicated with in a long time. What friend or family needs to hear from you? Who needs to be reminded you care?

(phone tag- what can I say. Still need to follow through)

On the fifth day of service, read to a child. Consider calling the nearest elementary school, whether you have children there or not, and offer to read a picture book to a younger class. The looks on their faces will stay with you long after the holidays slide past.

(Rachel and Bryce got an earful from all of us)

On the sixth day of service, take extra time to pray for someone with a specific need. Is your neighbor ill? Is someone from church out of work? Ask God to bless them and make their burdens light, and never underestimate the power of prayer.

(definitely not short on need of someone to pray for)

On the seventh day of service, share your talents. Put on a talent show at home. Call your grandmother and sing over the phone. Write a poem for your teacher. Offer to take Christmas photos of those special friends you know can't afford to have them taken.

(this also happened to be Sterling's bday. Syd organized the kids for a special talent show for their Dad. I took video but don't know when it will ever be posted. Syd and Parker even did a tango.)

On the eighth day of service, do something nice for someone in your ward or stake. Prayerfully identify the need and perform the service as a family, if possible.

(We dropped off doughnuts to someone who we thought would appreciate them)

On the ninth day of service, thank someone for the unnoticed, unheralded things they do. Thank a Sunday School teacher for her lesson. Thank the crosswalk attendant for keeping your children safe. Thank your mother for getting up early and helping you prepare for school.

(is this today? Yesterday was so crazy, I think we're probably behind now.)

On the 10th day of service, pay a specific compliment to someone for a smile, an attitude or a sense of humor. Look someone in the eye and give him a moment to shine. Then repeat as many times as possible throughout the day.

On the 11th day of service, share your testimony with someone about the true meaning of Christmas. Express your love of the Savior and invite someone to share what Christmas means to them too.

On the 12th day of service, sit with your family, no matter how large or small, and review the 11 days. Ask, what do you remember? What would you do differently? Who benefited most from your service: you, your family or the people you served?

So there is the list. I love it because it helps me focus my efforts on something specific. Each morning we read what the service is for that day and look for opportunities all day. Its even better when you have to think about it and plan for it, like serving at the homeless shelter or making a phone call or writing a letter. It has been wonderful to do this as a family. Some days were more gung-ho than others. Some days were full of small and simple experiences. This is definitely a keeper tradition. It has also helped us add to our service chain.

Merry Christmas!!!

Sterling's birthday

Sterling was treated to a delightfully entertaining performance by SC company in our basement for his birthday. If you have never seen SC perform before, its a must see. Sydney and Camille will often tape up posters around the house for performances they have written and practiced. Sometimes we have to pick up tickets and even have reserved seating.

Sterling was definitely in for a treat when we found out SC company was doing a performance in honor of his birthday.

After the performance, Sterling opened his birthday present from his brother, Grady. It is something that will be cherished, loved and well used.

Pictures: 2011 dec templebdaycmas

his and her diary

Men and Women are soooo different. Ster and I talk about it a lot, still trying to figure each other out sometimes and realizing that somethings are just the way we are wired. He sent me this email once and I laughed outloud. It just fit perfectly how differently men and women communicate sometimes.

Disclaimer - this is not about us, its fiction. And we do not have a boat.

HIS AND HER DIARY FORTHE SAME DAY:
Her Diary:
Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong; He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him thatI loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep- I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.

His Diary:
Boat wouldn't start, can't figure out why.

random December happenings

Here are some random things that happened this December. The girls made snowflakes with sparkly glue. They were supposed to be window clings but they didn't work. So we put a string through them and put them on the Christmas tree. They were cute and added a little sparkle and a homemade touch.

Sydney and Camille participated in the Reflections contest at school. The theme was "Diversity is..." I'm sorry I don't have a picture of their submissions but here is a picture of the group of kids that participated. It was a small group this year and rather unorganized. I remind myself, don't complain if you're not willing to get involved yourself. Maybe its time to get involved.

Here's a funny picture of Bryce. I went in to check on him one evening and found him slouching. I'm positive he was laying down earlier. He must be practicing waiting up for Santa.

And this video gives me hope that Sydney and Parker will eventually be friends for longer and longer periods of time. This video is of them performing a Tango they made up and practiced. They had fun and it warmed my heart to see them having fun together.

War Paint

Rachel painted Hash's face the other day with marker. It was awesome. It was also right before the kids came home from school. The house wasn't in the best shape. Neither, apparently, were the kids.

It started thinking about the after school rush that descends on this house, each and every day, without fail.  The after school rush brings with it lots of noise, mess and usually arguing. I usually try my best to clean up the house a bit and have it ready for the onslaught of kids. I make a concerted effort to pick up the floor and clear off the counters to make room for homework and snack. Some days are better than others, as the pictures indicate.

Many days, despite my best efforts, whether I clean or not, the minute the kids rush through the door, its chaos. Backpacks and jackets all over the couch and floor. Papers, folders, notes home and homework are all over the counter. A haphazard display of colored paper.

Then everyone launches into their daily report of how their day was, at the Same Time. Unless the day went bad. Then they sulk and snap at their siblings. Good grief. Can't we all just get along? And there are the days when I have no idea what to serve for snack. Saltine crackers, anyone? Oh, and what about piano practicing and chores on top of homework.  Don't forget the 3rd grade book report projects!

It definitely feels like a War Zone sometimes. Maybe I'd better follow Hash's example and put on some of my own war paint next time.

Generosity with a spouse

This morning in the newspaper was an article titled "Generosity with a spouse key to keeping married parents happy." This is front page, breaking news!!!

This is new research from the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. I link to the research at the bottom of the post. The researchers define generosity as "the virtue of giving good things to (one's spouse), freely and abundantly, and encompasses small acts of service..., the expression of affection, displays of respect and a willingness to forgive him/her for mistakes and failings."

So let's translate that, shall we? Generosity can be defined as being nice. And there's the key. Basically, being nice to your spouse keeps your marriage happy. I'm glad that research was done to clarify such a suspicious and elusive conclusion.

Simple, but not easy. Something I know but don't always live by. Time to recommit myself.


Also:
Make of it what you will, but here is the list of the top five for a happy marriage according to the research.
1. sexual satisfaction
2. commitment
3. generosity with spouse
4. positive attitude toward raising children
5. for women: social support - for men: spirituallity in marriage

Isn't that sooo interesting? Do you agree?

newspaper article found HERE
research found HERE. top 5 lists on pages 52-53.

Re-Posted

POWER OF MOMS re-posted this article of mine.

LEFT OVERS

 I sure enjoy this webiste. It has so many resources for moms who are deliberate and determined to be better mothers. I'm honored that they've posted some of the things I've written. You should head over and browse around the site. It would definitely be worth your time!

old pictures

I have too many emails in my inbox. Some of them are from 2007.  Most of those have pictures attached that I've just never downloaded to my computer. So I finally got around to doing that today and look at some of the gems I found.

CLASSIC!!!

These are pictures from a Father/Daughter activity for Activity Days over a year ago. I love them.

What a bunch of clowns.

file: Pictures: Sydney