We took down ALL of Christmas on Christmas night -- right after the kids went to bed. It felt SO good.
Brigham woke up the next morning and said "Where's Kifas?"
31 December 2008
Santa Finally Got it Right!
After 4 years, Santa finally figured out what toys my kids would really enjoy. He brought Disney figurines in Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Aladdin, & Little Mermaid. Chloe & Lily have been LOVING them! I think I've mentioned before that the kids don't love toys. They THINK they love them, but they just don't play with them. To my girls, playing with toys typically means taking them out of their containers, putting them in a basket or box of some sort, taking them to another spot in the house, and dumping them out. Toys have basically existed as a means for mess making. Not so with these little gems. The girls have played and imagined with them for hours and what's even better is that they've done it together. This is what I've always dreamed of with two little girls close in age and wow -- I'm actually seeing a glimpse of it!
They've even used some of their old toys (that they've never really played with) as part of their imagining. The Little People castle is now Jasmine's house and the dollhouse is Aladdin's house or Cinderella's, depending on their adventure.
This afternoon they asked me to do their hair like Jasmine (Chloe) & Cinderella (Lily). I did my best and they were thrilled. This has definitely been the best Christmas success we've enjoyed.
Christmas was a lot of fun, by the way. We had several very fun family parties (my extended party in PV, Stanton's immediate family in HP, and my immediate family in B-town). They were all a lot of fun. The kids got a lot of fun presents (stick horses, Crayola toys, Aqua Doodles, Dump Trucks, etc....). The favorite of these so far is the wall Aqua Doodle. I just leave it up in the kitchen and the kids all go draw on it several times a day -- especially nice at dinner time when they want to be in the kitchen, but I don't want them crawling all over me. Thanks to all the family for the wonderful gifts! All of them!
We also used the kids' money from Dave & Judy (plus a little extra we kicked in) to buy the Wii. And my mom & dad got the Wii Fit for Stanton & my gift. We've enjoyed this one a lot. We purchased a Dora game for it and Chloe loves it. She's only asked to play it once, though and that's a-okay with me. She can also hit the ball in the tennis game on Wii sports. She amazes me how quickly she picks things up -- it only took her about 2 or 3 minutes before she had it figured out. I think the Wii will be a fun gift that will grow with all of us. We didn't get Rock Band 2, but I'm not feeling sad about that much at all. The Wii Sports are a lot of fun, as is the Wii Fit. Stanton got a Star Wars game that he has already conquered, too. All in all, a very fun gift.
I got Stanton Brian Regan tickets -- he's coming here in February. We'll be going with 2 of his siblings & spouses -- it'll be a lot of fun.
Finally, Stanton surprised me with two bound books that I had written! He had my blog printed and bound. It was such a fun surprise. I had planned to get this done at some point, but it was so nice to have it all done! The kids have LOVED looking at the pictures in them and remembering the year we've had. Looking back at it makes me realize we've had a pretty good year, in spite of the occasional week or more of insanity.
Good Christmas. Great Christmas, in fact. Hope yours was as good!
They've even used some of their old toys (that they've never really played with) as part of their imagining. The Little People castle is now Jasmine's house and the dollhouse is Aladdin's house or Cinderella's, depending on their adventure.
This afternoon they asked me to do their hair like Jasmine (Chloe) & Cinderella (Lily). I did my best and they were thrilled. This has definitely been the best Christmas success we've enjoyed.
Christmas was a lot of fun, by the way. We had several very fun family parties (my extended party in PV, Stanton's immediate family in HP, and my immediate family in B-town). They were all a lot of fun. The kids got a lot of fun presents (stick horses, Crayola toys, Aqua Doodles, Dump Trucks, etc....). The favorite of these so far is the wall Aqua Doodle. I just leave it up in the kitchen and the kids all go draw on it several times a day -- especially nice at dinner time when they want to be in the kitchen, but I don't want them crawling all over me. Thanks to all the family for the wonderful gifts! All of them!
We also used the kids' money from Dave & Judy (plus a little extra we kicked in) to buy the Wii. And my mom & dad got the Wii Fit for Stanton & my gift. We've enjoyed this one a lot. We purchased a Dora game for it and Chloe loves it. She's only asked to play it once, though and that's a-okay with me. She can also hit the ball in the tennis game on Wii sports. She amazes me how quickly she picks things up -- it only took her about 2 or 3 minutes before she had it figured out. I think the Wii will be a fun gift that will grow with all of us. We didn't get Rock Band 2, but I'm not feeling sad about that much at all. The Wii Sports are a lot of fun, as is the Wii Fit. Stanton got a Star Wars game that he has already conquered, too. All in all, a very fun gift.
I got Stanton Brian Regan tickets -- he's coming here in February. We'll be going with 2 of his siblings & spouses -- it'll be a lot of fun.
Finally, Stanton surprised me with two bound books that I had written! He had my blog printed and bound. It was such a fun surprise. I had planned to get this done at some point, but it was so nice to have it all done! The kids have LOVED looking at the pictures in them and remembering the year we've had. Looking back at it makes me realize we've had a pretty good year, in spite of the occasional week or more of insanity.
Good Christmas. Great Christmas, in fact. Hope yours was as good!
23 December 2008
18 December 2008
17 December 2008
16 December 2008
Kids Lately IV
While sitting on the toilet
Chloe: I know why my tears are coming down.
Me: Why?
Chloe: Because I need to go to the bathroom.
12/15 -
Chloe: I only have two things left to learn, Mom.
Me: Really? What?
Chloe: To snap my fingers and to whistle.
Other than that, she's pretty much got life figured out.
12/16 -
At the grocery store
Chloe: Mom, we should get fish sticks like I had at Angie's house.
Me: Okay.
We go to the frozen food section and I pick up a yellow box of fish sticks...
Chloe: No, Mom, it's the blue box.
Me: Are you sure?
Chloe: Yes. The blue box.
I purchase the blue box and cook them for lunch.
Chloe: Mom, these are the wrong ones. They're supposed to be circled. (In Chloe speak, that's cylinder-shaped)
Me: These are the ones you told me to get.
Chloe: Well, you should have ignored me!
--------
See this post for an explanation of why Lily even knows this word...
Lily to her doll:
You damn doll
Lily to me:
Mom, I want some damn milk.
(I have to admit, I had a hard time deciding whether to include these because it reflects pretty poorly on me, but if I really want this blog to be an authentic picture of these years, I've gotta keep it real...)
While saying personal prayers tonight:
Lily: Please bless that I can be a super hero tomorrow after I eat my breakfast.
------
12/12 Cannon is rolling over all the time. I didn't ever practice once with him -- in fact, I didn't even realize that he's already old enough to do that. He's moving through these stages so fast I can hardly keep up. It's a good thing he seems to be self motivated -- it's probably the only way he'll accomplish a darn thing in his life.
Chloe: I know why my tears are coming down.
Me: Why?
Chloe: Because I need to go to the bathroom.
12/15 -
Chloe: I only have two things left to learn, Mom.
Me: Really? What?
Chloe: To snap my fingers and to whistle.
Other than that, she's pretty much got life figured out.
12/16 -
At the grocery store
Chloe: Mom, we should get fish sticks like I had at Angie's house.
Me: Okay.
We go to the frozen food section and I pick up a yellow box of fish sticks...
Chloe: No, Mom, it's the blue box.
Me: Are you sure?
Chloe: Yes. The blue box.
I purchase the blue box and cook them for lunch.
Chloe: Mom, these are the wrong ones. They're supposed to be circled. (In Chloe speak, that's cylinder-shaped)
Me: These are the ones you told me to get.
Chloe: Well, you should have ignored me!
--------
See this post for an explanation of why Lily even knows this word...
Lily to her doll:
You damn doll
Lily to me:
Mom, I want some damn milk.
(I have to admit, I had a hard time deciding whether to include these because it reflects pretty poorly on me, but if I really want this blog to be an authentic picture of these years, I've gotta keep it real...)
While saying personal prayers tonight:
Lily: Please bless that I can be a super hero tomorrow after I eat my breakfast.
------
12/12 Cannon is rolling over all the time. I didn't ever practice once with him -- in fact, I didn't even realize that he's already old enough to do that. He's moving through these stages so fast I can hardly keep up. It's a good thing he seems to be self motivated -- it's probably the only way he'll accomplish a darn thing in his life.
13 December 2008
Unique Gift Ideas
I've been working like mad on the handmade Christmas. I needed a break tonight and visited the new blog of a friend from the Ohio days.
She and her sister have started a vinyl site -- but it's unlike anything you've seen before. Forget words. These gals are onto something and I think you'll like it. A lot.
Designer's Holiday
I think I noticed they're having a 30% off sale right now, too?
She and her sister have started a vinyl site -- but it's unlike anything you've seen before. Forget words. These gals are onto something and I think you'll like it. A lot.
Designer's Holiday
I think I noticed they're having a 30% off sale right now, too?
12 December 2008
You Can Never Have Enough of the Things You Don't Need
"You can never have enough of the things you don't need."
A very smart person said this -- I don't know who. But it's true. And my Christmas list is an excellent example of just that.
If I really could ask Santa for just one thing with the promise that it would come true, it would be that Jim & Rachel could get a baby next year.
I have 4 +1 of what I really need and I love them.
A very smart person said this -- I don't know who. But it's true. And my Christmas list is an excellent example of just that.
If I really could ask Santa for just one thing with the promise that it would come true, it would be that Jim & Rachel could get a baby next year.
I have 4 +1 of what I really need and I love them.
11 December 2008
My Grown-Up Christmas List
Not nearly as sentimental as Amy Grant's...but a girl can dream, right?
For nights spent making cards or folding laundry (Pride & Prejudice DVD)
Because the crusts are the best (All crust Brownie Pan)
This my last year of eligibility for American Idol (Karaoke Microphone)
For the family (Wii)
After the kids go to bed (Rock Band for the Wii)
Because mine really needs help (Decoration and organization in craft room)
For nights spent making cards or folding laundry (Pride & Prejudice DVD)
Because the crusts are the best (All crust Brownie Pan)
This my last year of eligibility for American Idol (Karaoke Microphone)
For the family (Wii)
After the kids go to bed (Rock Band for the Wii)
Because mine really needs help (Decoration and organization in craft room)
10 December 2008
Lily Day
Lily was really cute today. In fact, all the kids were really cute today. I just love a good day.
I decided to just give Lily extra love in the form of snuggles in the rocking chair and lots of hugs whenever she started to act out. It was successful for today. I even enjoyed her helping me cook dinner -- and with no one else to bug her, she was a great helper. She put the potatoes in the bowl after I cut them up (made these fries and they were great) and she tore all the lettuce off the head for the salad. It was one of the more fun "cooking with the kids" moments I've experienced.
Some conversations today:
While looking at an alphabet placemat with Chloe:
Chloe: Look Lily! There's Kung Fu Panda (by the letter P)
Lily: No, that's not Kung Fu Panda because he's eating grass not noodles.
While looking at a Sesame Street placemat:
Lily: Dad! Why is that guy in a garbage can? That's crazy!
Saying her personal prayers after Stanton "encouraged" her to do them without help:
Lily: Please bless that my dad will help me with my prayer.
On their way downstairs after sending she and Chloe back to bed for the second time (just loud enough for Stanton & I to hear):
Lily: Our mom and dad are ugly... and mean.
I decided to just give Lily extra love in the form of snuggles in the rocking chair and lots of hugs whenever she started to act out. It was successful for today. I even enjoyed her helping me cook dinner -- and with no one else to bug her, she was a great helper. She put the potatoes in the bowl after I cut them up (made these fries and they were great) and she tore all the lettuce off the head for the salad. It was one of the more fun "cooking with the kids" moments I've experienced.
Some conversations today:
While looking at an alphabet placemat with Chloe:
Chloe: Look Lily! There's Kung Fu Panda (by the letter P)
Lily: No, that's not Kung Fu Panda because he's eating grass not noodles.
While looking at a Sesame Street placemat:
Lily: Dad! Why is that guy in a garbage can? That's crazy!
Saying her personal prayers after Stanton "encouraged" her to do them without help:
Lily: Please bless that my dad will help me with my prayer.
On their way downstairs after sending she and Chloe back to bed for the second time (just loud enough for Stanton & I to hear):
Lily: Our mom and dad are ugly... and mean.
09 December 2008
Back in the Saddle. The Poopy Saddle.
*My computer is back. Stanton discovered the awesomeness that is Garage Band on our MacBook. It is so cool. We'll definitely be posting some clips from that one soon.
*We have to do a movie for the Allen Family Christmas Party on the 20th. The theme is "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" -- it can be whatever we want as long as it's along those lines. Any great ideas? Maybe add some cowbell?
*I HATE DIARRHEA. My children have had it off and on for the last oh, say 3 or 4 weeks. Grrrrr. It's prevented me from going to the gym for that long. It's driving me nuts-o. More than the not going to the gym part is the cleaning it up off the carpet part (2 different times today) and the changing of diaper after diaper after pair of underwear part. That part is completely and utterly not awesome.
*We have to do a movie for the Allen Family Christmas Party on the 20th. The theme is "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" -- it can be whatever we want as long as it's along those lines. Any great ideas? Maybe add some cowbell?
*I HATE DIARRHEA. My children have had it off and on for the last oh, say 3 or 4 weeks. Grrrrr. It's prevented me from going to the gym for that long. It's driving me nuts-o. More than the not going to the gym part is the cleaning it up off the carpet part (2 different times today) and the changing of diaper after diaper after pair of underwear part. That part is completely and utterly not awesome.
02 December 2008
So Long, Farewell
Tomorrow I will be taking my beloved little MacBook to the repair shop. I don't know when it will return which means I don't know when I'll be back here. I'll miss you.
Noteworthy
*Lily is sucking her thumb again --- aargh
*Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last night. His talk in October's general conference has had such a positive influence on Stanton & I over the last few months. It is worth reading whether you belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not -- whether you've read it recently or not.
*We enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving with all the Roses at my aunt & uncle's ranch. We decided to take the kids out Wednesday night -- we got there about 7 o'clock -- nobody got to bed on time, but it was a good experience for me to realize that we DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO GET TO BED ON TIME! I am so anal sometimes. The kids were so great on Thursday -- it is so fun to have everyone together. We had well over 50 people there -- it was a blast. The kids got to go on 4-wheelers and took a ride on Scott's tractor -- honestly --Brigham was in heaven. He took his "rightful" spot on the cab right by Scott and wouldn't move for anyone. It was adorable.
There was so much wonderful food -- so. much. wonderful. food. If there is one thing the Roses know how to do -- it is food. Wow. My favorite was my aunt Nancy's relish tray. I completely gorged myself on that and the other appetizers before dinner even started -- and then there was the pie -- and cheesecake -- and pie. We have the best family.
I loved being with my cousins and aunts and uncles -- I look at my grandparents and have such respect for them. I'm grateful for a great family. These every other year Thanksgivings with the Rose family are something I look forward to.
*The girls sang together in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. They sang "He Sent His Son" and did a great job. The practices were so so dicey and we thought this would either be great or a huge disaster. They peaked at the right moment and did great. It was fun to see each of their personalities come out -- love those girls.
*I spent Saturday in Park City with my sisters-in-law Emily & Julie and cousin-in-law Trish. We shopped like crazy and I was able to get Stanton some winter clothes. I love the outlets and we always seem to hit them when they are having seriously awesome sales. I did good again. More than the deals, though, it was so fun to hang out with family. I got so lucky marrying into the family I did. They are great --it's awesome to just gel so easily.
*This afternoon I went over to Judy & Dave's (MIL & FIL) where Ann, Judy, & I worked on the funnest project ever. Ann got her hands on 6 king-sized flannel sheets (thanks, Ann's MIL) so we decided to make Nativity costumes. After about 3 1/2 hours later, we had 30 costumes! It was a lot of fun to start and finish a project in one day. And WOOT! I have my very own Nativity costumes now!
*Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last night. His talk in October's general conference has had such a positive influence on Stanton & I over the last few months. It is worth reading whether you belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not -- whether you've read it recently or not.
*We enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving with all the Roses at my aunt & uncle's ranch. We decided to take the kids out Wednesday night -- we got there about 7 o'clock -- nobody got to bed on time, but it was a good experience for me to realize that we DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO GET TO BED ON TIME! I am so anal sometimes. The kids were so great on Thursday -- it is so fun to have everyone together. We had well over 50 people there -- it was a blast. The kids got to go on 4-wheelers and took a ride on Scott's tractor -- honestly --Brigham was in heaven. He took his "rightful" spot on the cab right by Scott and wouldn't move for anyone. It was adorable.
There was so much wonderful food -- so. much. wonderful. food. If there is one thing the Roses know how to do -- it is food. Wow. My favorite was my aunt Nancy's relish tray. I completely gorged myself on that and the other appetizers before dinner even started -- and then there was the pie -- and cheesecake -- and pie. We have the best family.
I loved being with my cousins and aunts and uncles -- I look at my grandparents and have such respect for them. I'm grateful for a great family. These every other year Thanksgivings with the Rose family are something I look forward to.
*The girls sang together in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. They sang "He Sent His Son" and did a great job. The practices were so so dicey and we thought this would either be great or a huge disaster. They peaked at the right moment and did great. It was fun to see each of their personalities come out -- love those girls.
*I spent Saturday in Park City with my sisters-in-law Emily & Julie and cousin-in-law Trish. We shopped like crazy and I was able to get Stanton some winter clothes. I love the outlets and we always seem to hit them when they are having seriously awesome sales. I did good again. More than the deals, though, it was so fun to hang out with family. I got so lucky marrying into the family I did. They are great --it's awesome to just gel so easily.
*This afternoon I went over to Judy & Dave's (MIL & FIL) where Ann, Judy, & I worked on the funnest project ever. Ann got her hands on 6 king-sized flannel sheets (thanks, Ann's MIL) so we decided to make Nativity costumes. After about 3 1/2 hours later, we had 30 costumes! It was a lot of fun to start and finish a project in one day. And WOOT! I have my very own Nativity costumes now!
How Could I Have Forgotten?
I'm now eating crow.
A few of you pointed out that I did not include A Christmas Story in my list of favorites (and somehow I forgot How the Grinch Stole Christmas, too). I could have sworn that I had A Christmas Story on there! I must have command-x'ed it without command-v'ing it back in! My apologies to you all and to myself.
Please accept this collection of classic lines as my offer of penance.
FaRaRaRaRaRaRaRaRa
A few of you pointed out that I did not include A Christmas Story in my list of favorites (and somehow I forgot How the Grinch Stole Christmas, too). I could have sworn that I had A Christmas Story on there! I must have command-x'ed it without command-v'ing it back in! My apologies to you all and to myself.
Please accept this collection of classic lines as my offer of penance.
FaRaRaRaRaRaRaRaRa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)