Well

Along with the rest of the mid west and eastern regions, we are bracing for what looks to be a nasty wintry mix that is promising to cause lots of snow, ice, blowing, power outages, and school closings.  In fact, I am quite certain that because I am sitting here typing instead of shopping, there may not be a gallon of milk or loaf of bread left when I finally head out to run errands. 

I was telling the girls that I hoped we would not have to cancel school.  Who wants to go to school in June when the weather is lovely when you could go in February when the weather is miserable?

"Well, it's obvious that you're not the one that has to walk out to the bus every day in the freezing cold," piped up one daughter.

To which I (maturely) retorted, "Well, it's obvious that someone is right about it being a good idea to wear your coats out to the bus."

"Well," added another daughter, "It's obvious someone's never had to try to cram all their stuff in a minuscule locker."

And one showed where her true worries lie.  "As long as Papa Johns stays open so we can order pizza for our birthday party, who cares if we have school or not?"

Well, I do.  But, I'm good with the pizza plan, too.  I wonder if they deliver during ice storms? 

Scripture Power!

January seems like the longest month in the year to me.  Does it feel that way to you?  I think it's because it's so cold, and so gray, and so, well, winterish. 

I'll admit, it's the month where I have the hardest time "pushing past the pain" and forcing myself to get out of the house and pretend I don't have a headache.  And, I think the weather helps those headaches be a lot harder to ignore, too.  So, I've been feeling a little sorry for myself and feeling a little (okay, a lot) lousy.  Which in and of itself is sometimes not such a bad thing, because of what it usually forces me to do--immerse myself in the scriptures.

I've been spending more time studying and thinking, and discussing with my brother (who is going through something not particularly easy right now) the things I'm learning.  And, while it doesn't make the skies any less gray, or the winter any less cold, I will say it helps my perspective and reminds me that there are more important things than weather and how bad my head hurts to worry about.  Every time I read, I get a boost of power that I need.  I've been humming the Children's Primary song, "Scripture Power" the past couple of weeks.

Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can,
I’m reading His instructions, I’m following His plan.
Because I want the power His word will give to me,
I’m changing how I live, I’m changing what I’ll be.
 
I’ll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn.
I’ll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn.
I’ll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord,
And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward.

[Chorus]
Scripture power keeps me safe from sin.
Scripture power is the power to win.
Scripture power! Ev’ryday I need
The power that I get each time I read. 

I love the simple message of the song.  God is good, His word is true, and following it's precepts can help us to increase our faith and change our lives for the better.  Sanctify our lives to Him.  

Now, don't misunderstand me--I'm ready for January to be over!  But I am also going into February with stronger armor and extra power.  

Which is probably really good, since the twins turn twelve next week.  Twelve!  How did this happen?!  When did they grow up so quickly?!  I don't know if I'm ready for this!

How-To Book Coming Soon!

One day while in St. George, my parents took us to dinner.  On the drive, one of the girls asked how much longer it would take to get there.  About two seconds after we got in the car. 

Grandpa suggested she wait five minutes, and ask again.  She lasted two minutes, and asked again, as we were pulling into the parking lot.

"We're here," Grandpa laughed and said, "Why would you ask now?"

"Just for fun," she said.

"We're trying to see how annoying we can be," said her sister.

"It's working, that's for sure," I quipped.

"I think you could write a book on it!" joked Grandpa.

There ensued a hilarious conversation where they laid out their plans for a new book--complete with chapter titles and a marketing plan.

How To Annoy Your Parents

(In the Car or Anywhere)

by The Three Sweet Terrors

Chapter 1:  "Guess What, Mom.  Guess What, Dad"  Repeat Several Times and Then "Forget" What You Were Going To Say

Chapter 2:  "Are We There Yet?  How Much Longer?"

Chapter 3:  "Mom, She's Touching Me."

Chapter 4:  "Mooooom, She's Looking AT ME!"

Chapter 5:  "Are We Almost There?  How Much Longer?"

Chapter 6:  "You Say That Funny."   

(This refers to Grandpa's Utah accent.  The girls kept asking why he pronounced things the way he did.  It was annoying.)

Chapter 7:  The Subtle Art of Making Small Repetitive Sounds

Chapter 8:  Annoying Songs to Sing Repeatedly

Chapter 9:  Don't Give Up: Annoyance is an Art Form

Chapter 10:  When Grandpa's Driving (New Ideas for an Older Generation)

Despite it being a very funny conversation, which resulted in me thinking my girls are pretty darn clever, it offered me some insight.  You see, they know all of these things are annoying, YET they continue to do them during travel.  I have decided that next time they try one of their neat little annoyance tricks, I will expect the full written chapter before they can get out of the car.  Seems fair, don't you think? 

Respect the Goals

Last night, for Family Home Evening, King talked with us about the importance of reviewing your lives, and setting goals to work toward.  He read a few verses of scripture, and then challenged us all to make at least nine goals.  Three personal goals, three family goals, and three marriage or sibling goals.  I was impressed as the girls immediately started scribbling down goals when he gave us time to brainstorm.

King, having pondered and planned this lesson, and being much more discerning than I, also added, "Oh, for every silly or disrespectful goal you come up with, you need to make two more serious ones."

"Aw, man!" the girls chorused.  And scratched out their first goals, which included, but were not limited to:
--"Cut out [Princess]'s tongue so she'll stop singing those annoying songs."
--"Ignore [Princess] whenever she comes near me.  Don't even look at her annoying face."
--"Improve my stellar awesomeness skills."

Needless to say, the scribbling slowed down a bit after King's last directions.  But, after some thinking, and re-working of their first (un)lofty goals, we got down to business and discussed some realistic family goals.

Endearingly (and, I'll admit, a little depressingly) all of the girls thought a family goal should be to do what they can to help me feel better and be helpful when I don't feel good.  And, so our list includes the all-encompassing (and almost comical in the way it  sort of a reminds me to listen to my body) goal which reads, "Respect Mom's headaches." 

One of my (ongoing) goals is to remember that even the small things matter.  Especially to God.  Just because I have to "respect the headaches" doesn't mean I can't do small things that are important and eternal.

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."--Alma 37:6-7

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.--David A Bednar (More Diligent and Concerned at Home)

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.--Galations 6:9

So, with all due respect, my great and abominable annoying headaches, you can't stop me from improving my girls' stellar awesomeness skills--with each small brushstroke.  After all, I have Divine help.  :)

Christmas Vacation: Southern California

We ended up leaving for California a day earlier than planned, so as to avoid bad weather.  We're glad we did--it worked out nicely.

(Oh, and thanks to my sister- and brother-in-law for all but 3 or 4 of the pictures in this post.  Again, I left the picture taking up to the girls (and others who were a bit more effective.))

On Monday, the 27th, we spent the morning packing and the afternoon driving.  The girls spent time making up their own musical group called "The Candy wRappers".  Which, I must say, with no bias whatsoever, is fairly clever.  Their first hit, called "The Candy Rap", was created on our drive and haunted the dreams of King and me for more than one night. 

We arrived in CA in time to have dinner with our cousins and open a few Christmas gifts. 

Tuesday morning, we woke up and headed to Knott's Berry Farm.  I thought it was extremely adorable that our six-year-old niece, J, thought we would be picking berries and petting farm animals.  Which probably would have been more my speed--but I do love those roller coasters!

The clan waiting in line for the Log Ride--minus Aunt K and Baby J

King talked me into riding in a wheelchair for most of the day, to conserve my energy and lessen headaches so I could ride the coasters.  It turned out to be a good idea, if a little awkward, and he said he enjoyed the excuse to "legitimately push me around" for an entire day. :)  I made it the whole day, too, because of that wheelchair, but shouldn't go into detail how awful I felt by the end, except to say that I came very close to losing my cookies, couldn't see at all, and thought I might die. (How's that for dramatic?!)  And I spent all but 5 hours of the next day in bed.  It was worth it to spend the day with the family, though!  We all had a great time.

Little J took a liking to Snow White and latched on to her the whole time we were in CA.  It was very cute--she wanted her hair done like SW, her clothes the same as SW, and SW humored her and went on a ride or two with her while at Knotts.  I love how SW can barely fit her legs in the car.  Adorable girls.

The next day I slept, mostly, so I can honestly say I have no idea what everyone else did.  It was raining, so I think there were a lot of games, video games, and movies involved.  We had a nice turkey dinner, and that's all I know.

Thursday evening, the kids had a party at home while the adults went to the wedding rehearsal and dinner.  It was very nice.

Friday, our little family drove an hour to see our friends from college days.  We met at IKEA (where else?)  ;)  After picking out the perfect dresser for Cinderella, which we didn't buy because shipping charges were $350, we headed for some lunch and browsed at the bookstore. 

We came back to Grandma's to ring in the New Year with lots and lots of delicious food (don't you dare look at the pictures at the beginning of our vacation and compare them to ones in the end--you will see a difference in the way my pants fit!), movies, a Nerf gun war at the church gym, and a dip in Grandma's hot tub.  (Where Uncle E dared the kids to go in the freezing cold pool for a dollar.  Only SW dared--and she was bummed she forgot to get her dollar.) :)

The next day, 1/1/11, was Sean's wedding day.  Aunt K made cute skirts for our girls, and dresses for her girls, and they all looked adorable. The boys were handsome as well.

Rebecca was a beautiful bride, the wedding was lovely, the food delicious, and the dancing fun.  King did a good job with his groomsman duties (he even remembered to kiss his Mom like he was told to), and looked mighty cute in his tux.  It was a great day. 

Grandma and Papa B with their 8 grandchildren.

The next morning, there was church (which I sadly missed--the previous day was just too fun for me), and then the drive back to St. George.  That night, Grandpa D made us meatloaf and baked potatoes, and the next day we had fun with Grandma and Grandpa D, did laundry, packed, shopped and went out to eat.  Then, it was a drive to the airport and a long flight home.

And then we all settled down for a long winter's nap.

Not really.  The next day the girls were up by 6:15 (which felt like 3:15!) for school and our week was back to normal.  It still sort of seems like our vacation was a dream.  It was fabulous!

An Announcement

We interrupt our regularly scheduled reporting of the vacation for this educational service announcement:

IF it is less than 32 degrees, a coat is not required IF you are:

• a)  between the ages of 11 and 14 years of age
• b)  crazy
• c)  stubborn, and don't care what your mother thinks
• d)  renting a locker at school that is only slightly larger than a postage stamp, OR
• e)  all of the above.

Which is why, I suppose, that for the past four days of school, (including this one, which feels like 10 degrees with the wind chill) my girls' coats are in the coat closet, and not on their bodies.  I tried to point out to them that there could be situations where they would regret their decision, such as a broken down bus, or one without heat.  But, I "don't get how the school works", apparently, because "the administrators would never let that happen...there's loads of buses, and they would just send a working one."  Duh. 

So, I just thought I'd let you know, as to save your precious worrying time or possibly the energy and breath to talk sense into your children.  Don't bother.

And now you know. 

Christmas Vacation: Southern Utah

It rained and rained and rained in St. George.  But, no matter, we had lots of things to do inside.  The girls spent a day swimming in Grandma and Grandpa's pool (indoor, phew) and we played a lot of games.  

I had to snap these pictures of Chutes and Ladders with Grandpa D because a)he never likes to play games, b)he somehow was talked into playing a game, but not just any game, c)it's Chutes and Ladders!  How old are they anyway?  In fact, they were so into the game that they were late to buy tickets to a movie and had to see the next showing.  Funny.

 

The girls went to see Tangled with their grandparents while King and I went on a date and did some last minute Christmas Shopping. We went to Cafe Rio, which you have to go to at least once when you visit Utah, or you can't claim being a Utah native.  

We spent plenty of hours baking and decorating sugar cookies, a tradition we've missed the last few years.

 The hours of work were worth the reward!

 

Christmas Eve, we had the traditional opening of the new pajamas (does anyone's family not do this?  I love it!)   Emily and Patrick joined us for dinner and festivities. 

Christmas morning, we had our breakfast of cinnamon pull-aparts, read the Christmas story in Luke, and eventually got around to opening some presents.  It was a nice day.  We played some more games, and, it must be said, that Patrick is one sneaky quick writer and I can roll some dice with the best of them.  Or better than the rest of them, I should say.  :)

Sunday morning we went to church with my parents and it was nice.  How blessed we are to have family to spend Christmas with.  I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.  He makes my life complete.  I love this time of year when everyone focuses on His birth and life.  It was a great Christmas! 

Christmas Vacation: Northern Utah

We had such a great time on our Christmas vacation.  For ease of remembering and reading, we'll break our trip into three reports, the Northern Utah, the Southern Utah, and the Southern California.  I can't say which part we enjoyed the most;  it was all lovely.  I think I felt better on the Northern Utah part, as I was pretty much burned out by the end, but I did hang in there and had a good time.  The kids adored seeing their grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles in all three destinations.  I think that was their favorite part.  (As evidenced by many, many pictures of their two littlest cousins, L and J, playing and eating, instead of pictures of the wedding couples or other important things going on.)

We flew in to Las Vegas on Thursday night, had a short drive to mom and dad's and then left early Friday morning to head to Northern Utah.  We got to go with my parents to see the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU Campus.  I recommend it to anyone, and if you go, rent the iPad.  It was full of fascinating information.  Inspiring, beautiful, amazing...we loved it. 

(And is it just me, or do my kids look gigantic in this picture?  How did they get so big?!)

Saturday, I finally woke up feeling more like my normal self (meaning the pneumonia was almost gone) which was good, since it was my sister, Emily's, wedding day.  My aunt and uncle hosted the wedding.  Their home is lovely, and the decorations were lovely, and the wedding was, well, lovely.  Everything was nice and simple and the hot fudge was amazing.  (Okay, I confess, I made it.  But I borrowed the recipe, so I can say, in all humility, it was super awesome, and I had nothing much to do with that.)  It was an ice cream sundae lover's dream, so perfect for Emily.

My cousin took lots of great pictures of the happy couple and their cute kids, and you can see those here.  I mostly have pictures of the little kids playing downstairs, since I never touched my camera.  (See first pictures posted.)

The next day, we went to church with Aunt Della and had a nice dinner with her, some of my cousins and their families, and my parents.  We also did some gift exchanging with the little cousins, which was pretty fun and adorable. 

The next morning, King and my dad, along with Snow White and Cinderella, headed down to St. George in the horrible snow towing a trailer to move all of Emily's stuff back up north.  They worked hard, and definitely earned their Christmas presents.  

My mom, Sleeping Beauty, Emily's boys and I did some shopping, and had an enjoyable evening with my Aunt Denise, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Renee.  We learned all about the weather from little E (he is five, and is going to be a weatherman when he grows up),  and then dropped Emily's boys off at their aunt's house to spend Christmas with their daddy. 

By the time SB, Grandma, and I drove down to St. George, Emily's house was all packed up and the trailer ready to drive back up.  Which is exactly what King and Dad did.  Aren't they good little elves?  They passed the trailer on to my brothers, and headed back down to enjoy a few days of Christmas fun in St. George, which is the next installment of our saga, coming shortly.  

Aren't you glad you stuck around for this? Exciting stuff, I must say.  ;)