When I'm Bigger You Can Buy Me a Saw

Merry Christmas! We are declaring this Christmas a success. Santa brought all the kids sleds. Preston had a tool box by his sled. He loved it. He carried his tool box around today helping Mike. It was so cute. My favorite was when he told Mike, "When I'm bigger you can buy me a saw." Haha. That made me laugh. I love that boy!

Preston

Mike had been working a long time on Jorja's present. He made a giant frog tank to hang on her wall. She loves it! It is now on her wall, but I didn't get a picture of that.

Jorja & Preston

Mike, Jorja, Preston

Maysen, Jorja, Mike

They can fill the pond with water from a funnel at the top.

Jorja & Cricket

Preston & Patch

Stockton got a basketball hoop. He was pretty excited about it. We played Horse and Tornado. I was terrible, so I didn't get much of a workout. Mike and Stockton were breathing hard. Looks like this is going to be a lot of fun.

Stockton

Looks like we didn't get any pictures of Maysen, but she got an art desk that is now in her room. Also, Santa brought Maysen and me Wicked tickets! I'm so excited! Santa also brought Jorja and me Lion King tickets! We will need to go to New Mexico to see it, but luckily there are some people we really want to see in New Mexico! That won't be until October though. Jorja was pretty excited she will get to see the play since last time she sat through the entire thing in complete pain and wasn't even able to open her eyes. Hopefully this time she won't cut her eye hours before the show begins! Silly Porge.

Santa also brought Matt Cornucopia. After opening presents, Matt went up to visit Sam. He called me a few hours later. Someone else had given him Cornucopia. Luckily he was able to trade it for Prosperity. Dominion at the cabin is going to be great!

This evening we went to my dad's house for dinner. We talked to Brett, Rachel & Marie on Skype. It is their Christmas too! I can't wait to go visit them. Hopefully Matt & Sam will set a wedding date so we can get on with our planning! While we were talking, Mike went to the airport to pick up Mallory! I finally got to hold her. She is so cute and tiny! This is going to be a fun few weeks. Oh, John and Cassie came too.

Christmas Eve!

Our kids have rarely had Christmas on the actual day. Actually only twice. The first one was when Grandma Honey died. That came quickly and we couldn't plan ahead, so we ended up celebrating Christmas in Utah. The second time was last year. We had Christmas up at the cabin. It's funny because the kids were so excited to move to Utah, but their major concern was, "Does this mean we will only have one Christmas?" They absolutely loved celebrating it early. Mike loves it too. So, this year we decided to surprise them and celebrate one day early. We didn't tell them until right before they went to bed. Maysen was so happy! They all were, but Maysen had a gigantic smile. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

Preston, Stockton, Jorja, Maysen

Shoes

Stockton now has new shoes.

This is the Place

We had a family party up at the This is the Place park-thing. Mike's dad had rented out one of the buildings. We had a huge dinner. I ate a lot . . I had to make up for my kids not eating anything. After dinner we wandered around the little village. They had crafts for the kids, a puppet show, a live nativity, train rides and Santa. They had more, but that is what I remembered off the top of my head. I went a little ahead of Mike for the live nativity. I stepped in there and immediately sent a text to Mike telling him to stay away! He didn't get my text and felt the effects as soon as he walked in. We were out of there fast! I couldn't believe how calm baby Jesus was. He was so still it was hard to tell that they were real people. Although, Sherry & Nathan and their families went later. That was not the case for them. The baby was screaming! I guess we got it at the perfect time.

I got a few pictures of the boys with Santa on my cell phone. Once again I forgot my camera. One day I will learn how to get the pictures off my cell phone . . . but that day is not today. The boys wanted to take the train back to our house-thing. The girls and I decided to walk. We got there at least 20 minutes before the boys. The boys had a great time and were happy they waited, so it was a win-win.

It was really cold tonight. The snow was beautiful as we walked along the village, but I didn't realized both of the girls wore crocs. They were cold. Stockton had holes in the bottom of his shoes, so he was cold too. It is hard to take the Georgia out of the kids I guess. I'll need to be more vigilant. I remembered to bring gloves for everyone, although Maysen was the only one who would wear them.

Scoop and Cori gave each of the kids a gift bag. Inside was an art set, journals and socks. Sherry immediately started playing a song that said, "Nothing says Christmas like socks." It was funny. We had a great time tonight, and we are really thankful for our warm house!

Racquetball

Matt, Bryan Leatherwood and I played racquetball this morning. I was terrible, but they let me play anyway. We played at the apartment complex where Mike & Christen lived when they were first married. They have been gone from there for about 7 years, but we still keep using their court. The box where you put your keys in it was broken, so we had to leave our wallets on the bench outside. Matt said he was going to complain and not come here anymore. Haha! I thought that was so funny.

Pageant

We had the Christmas Pageant today. I was upset with myself for not bringing our camera. All of my kids participated, which was nice. Preston didn't want to, but at the last second he crawled in among the sheep. He was wearing a dog hat, so we called that good. Jorja was an angel, Stockton was a shepherd . . . with tape on his eyebrows for some weird reason. Maysen was a sheep/donkey/angel/king. I think she was that last year as well. Erica was Mary and Conner was Joseph. Erica rode in on Taylor who was a donkey. He was pretty funny. It was really sweet and we had a good time.

Matt came today! He got here a little before midnight. I think he is pretty excited to see Sam tomorrow. It will be so much fun to have him here this week!

Stockton's Heaven

This morning we went to my dad's ward to hear him speak about his trip to Israel. We just snuck in and out so we could finish up at our ward. It was the last Sunday the kids will have with their teachers. Stockton has had Mike as a teacher and has loved it. I wonder if they will move Mike up with the boys . . . Stockton would love that.

Speaking of Stockton, he was in heaven today. Eating brownies while laying in front of a fire. Besides the fact that he is out of school for two weeks. Life doesn't get any better.

Stockton

We got a neighbor gift from a family on our street. They gave us a roll of wrapping paper with tape. Haha! It was great! Talk about a practical gift. We loved it.

Max's House

When I woke up this morning, I noticed one of our gingerbread houses hadn't been touched. It took me a bit to figure out what happened. Stockton didn't want to decorate a house. He had already done one this year, and for him one is enough. I sent home Sherry with a house for Connor to decorate. I thought this was Stockton's because Tage had brought a friend. Come to realize, I should have sent home two houses with Lisa. One for Taylor and one for Aimee. Anyway, we had one extra house this morning. I called up my dad and asked if he would like to bring Max up to decorate. They came this afternoon. Preston and Jorja also added to their houses while Max was here.

Max's house

I spent the rest of the day cleaning up and working on a Christmas surprise that I am really excited about. I don't know if I will be able to pull it off. I can see me making the deadline, but I can also see me falling short. I will be so disappointed if I can't do it! It would be sad to put so much effort into something and not be able to get it done on time. We'll see what this next week will bring! I love Christmas!

Gingerbread Festival . . . Again

I forgot to take pictures during our gingerbread land festival. I grabbed the camera and snatched a few at the end. Brandon's was awesome. He had a great yard with pathways and snowball fights. Michael had Santa's sleigh up on the roof. Tage had this cool metallic looking roof. I bought two bottles of spray (red & silver) that you can put on cupcakes. Preston loved it. That is what he spent most of his time doing. Xander loved it too, but turned his gingerbread marshmallows into a carnage scene outside his house. Sherry would say, "Let's do some happy things now." Xander is six. It was pretty funny and not what I was expecting the red spray to be used for. Why don't I think ahead?

Lisa arrived first and was a huge help getting the last minute details done. When I saw her scrubbing our sink I said, "You are just like your mom." Totally what Sharen would have done. It is a compliment, I wish I was more like them. Steve & Shannon brought pizza. That was a great help because I don't think I could have put one more thing on my 'to do' list. Jacob got sick while they were here and had to leave early. That must be depressing. Not only to get sick, but to be sick when there is a ton of free candy up for grabs. Hope he feels better soon.

Brandon

Tage

Michael & Millie (Tage's friend)

Derek & Melissa

Tage

Tage's house

Miah

Michael

After decorating we were able to watch The Sorcerer's Apprentice. It turned out to be a perfect day. As we were leaving Miah said to me, "Can we do this every year?" How sweet. Hopefully we can. Maybe by next year I will forget how much work it is to put it together. Or maybe I'll remember and start my baking earlier. Either way I am glad we were able to do this and I am glad the preparation is done!

You'll Never Know

We did it! We were able to put together sixteen gingerbread houses today! Tomorrow the fun begins with decorating. I spent almost every waking second getting these houses together. I was so worried I wouldn't be able to pull it off that I woke up at three in the morning. Not on purpose. I laid in bed until four and then decided I might as well get cracking. We finished up around midnight.

Mike and I did take a break this evening to listen to my friend Heather sing. She was AMAZING! I love listening to her. Heather was in town to sing at the Draper Christmas Festival. She sang all the songs she wrote as well as a few favorites she has. She sang a Frank Sinatra song that was so beautiful. The song was called You'll Never Know. Her voice was incredible. Plus, it was so cool to say hi for a few minutes before she heads back to Georgia. Coolest thing about this hobby Heather has . . . besides I get to listen to her sing whenever I want . . . is she comes to Utah! Love it!

Slow Going

I have no idea if the gingerbread factory will be able to meet its deadline. I'm really worried about that. I did get to the doctors today. I have been out of my medicine for several months. I am very grateful to have it again.

Viewing

Maysen and I went to Kaitlyn's mom's viewing today. (Kaitlyn is 15 years old.) I guess things like this make me a little more sensitive. Maybe even a little annoyed of what I have had to deal with in my life. I feel so bad for Kaitlyn. It is hard knowing the worst is yet to come.

Busy

Today was one of those days when I was busy all day, but there is absolutely nothing to write about. Who cares that I did laundry, made gingerbread dough, went to my presidency meeting and diving? I did almost forget to get the boys from middle school and take them to their elementary school. That would have been bad. Luckily it dawned on me just in time. I was able to pull up right as they walked up to the parking lot. I also found out Stockton received an A in his math class. I assumed he did, but I was glad to find out for sure.

Christmas Goodies

We were able to deliver all the plates of goodies we had planned for. I was excited about this because I was sure this project would last until Christmas! Now I am returning to the gingerbread factory. We decided to use the left over candy to make gingerbread houses with some cousins on Mike's side of the family. One thing led to another and . . . . now I need to make 16 gingerbread houses by Friday. It will be busy, but I'm excited about it.

We watched the finale of the Amazing Race. We were happy with it. It was cool seeing Atlanta and recognizing so many of the landmarks. That being said, if someone stopped me on the street and asked me, "What former residence was known as The Dump?" I would have no idea. Also, The Swan as the most recognizable landmark? I don't think so. The map challenge at Turner Field was super cool though. Cindy was amazing with that. Love that show!

Brownie Cake

I spent all day today in the kitchen. It was fun, but by about four I was exhausted. Mike said I was having a sugar crash from all the dough I was snitching. I've started making these brownies that Stockton loves. It is hard to get enough for the neighbors because he snitches it so fast. Actually he always asks, I just have a hard time not letting him snitch.

I talked to most of my brothers today. Brett is the only one I didn't talk to. He isn't going to the cabin which is what we talked about. It is going to be so fun! John & Matt are heading up on Christmas. They will stay one night at my grandma's house. Matt was funny, he kept saying, "Grandma has to meet Sam. She has to. She at least has to meet the person I'm going to marry." I talked to Grandpa last night. He seemed excited to have them stay the night. They will get to meet Sam and Mallory. How cool is that? We are hoping to come up on Christmas as well, but we are waiting to find out Bubs & Ange's plans. Bubs is waiting for his basketball schedule to be posted, Ange is not sure how she will feel. (Ange's feet are not ship shape yet, her pain medicine also makes her sick . . . not fun to be at the cabin feeling that way.) Anyway, I am so excited to go to the cabin this year! I just wish Brett and his family were able to come. At least we will get to see them in July! Thanks Matt!

Heartbreaking

Here is Stockton's after shot of his haircut. Love that boy!

Stockton ~ after

This has been a long, hard day. Many memories and feelings were brought to the surface. The mom of a girl in Maysen's Miamaid class died this morning. It was quite a shock. She was sick, but this was a surprise. We were over at her house last night for the Relief Society program. My heart is breaking for Katie. She is a little older than Matt was when my mom died. That is way too young to deal with something like this. I don't like it at all.

Hair Cuts

I took all four kids to get hair cuts today. I made them take before/after pictures. (They were thrilled.) I didn't get Stockton's after picture, so I will post that tomorrow.

Maysen ~ before

Preston ~ before

Love that mischievous boy!

Jorja ~ before

Maysen ~ after

Preston ~ after

We may or may have not gotten a frosty on the way home. You decide.

Jorja ~ after

Jorja just wanted a trim. She loves her hair long!

Jorja wrote all over her balloon. I thought it was pretty funny so I took some pictures. I think it says something like 'frog says hello'. I can't remember.

I had every intention of posting the kids before picture right next to their after picture, but I forgot. When I realized I posted the before pictures all together I didn't have the energy to fix it. Apparently I am extremely forgetful. I set up visiting teaching appointments yesterday. I set them up for Friday, but Sister Brockbank called this afternoon wondering where we were. I told her we were coming on Friday. At the Relief Society dinner tonight, Sister Longhurst asked me if I got lost. I was confused until she mentioned I missed the appointment. I told her I thought I set it up for Friday. She said not to worry about it because she was already visited. I asked her who visited her and she said Sister Peck. Sister Peck is my companion. I guess if three people thought I set up the appointments for today I must have done that. I did spend the entire day baking treats to take to my now nonexistent appointments tomorrow. How embarrassing.

Mike got a crown on his tooth today. It took about two hours to put it on. He has been hurting a lot. We didn't expect that. Hopefully this is his last day in pain. It has been quite a miserable few months for him . . tooth wise.

Root Canal! Yay!

Mike had his second root canal today. I have never looked so forward to a dentist appointment . . . especially for someone else. He has been in incredible pain for weeks. I can't remember the last time he was able to sleep through the night. Mike's mouth is sore today, but it is a different kind of pain and hopefully will go away. He needs to go back tomorrow for a crown. He still hasn't had a crown put on his last root canal, but the dentist said he needed to get a crown on this one quick.

Home from Israel

This afternoon I picked my dad up from Israel. He was asked to go as a tour guide, so he was able to go for free. He went there 21 years ago with my mom. I remember we stayed with Grandma & Grandpa Parry while they were gone . . . and I'm pretty sure Mike turned 1 while they were there. Anyway, my dad had the best time. When I asked him if he had fun he said, "Fun doesn't even begin to describe it." Pretty cool. Preston and I met him in the baggage claim area. Preston wanted to surprise him, so we were hiding behind something. When I pointed to my dad, Preston ran out to give him a hug. But he went to the wrong grandpa! Haha! Preston stopped short and was all confused. My dad was wearing a jacket he didn't recognize, so it took him a bit to find him. Preston was excited for him to come home. He has asked me many times, "When is grandpa going to play with me again?" My dad watches Preston every Wednesday for me while I volunteer in Jorja's class. Preston LOVES it! Anyway, when the other people waiting for their luggage found out I was Ron's daughter they would say things like, "Your dad is amazing." "Best tour guide ever." "He was wonderful." Sounds like he will get another free trip to Israel in the future. Also, for those curious . . . my dad broke his camera on this trip. If you are keeping score, the last three tours he has done he has either lost or broken a camera. Nice to keep traditions.

As soon as all the kids were home from school we went to pick up Mike from work. We stopped at the store and picked out a balloon and a poinsettia. We then took them to Grandma Honey's grave. She died six years ago today. Really wish that didn't happen. I wish both grandma's could be here with their grandchildren (and me). I love watching new grandmas excited about their adorable grandbabies. At the same time it is kind of sad because I realize my children never got to be adored like that. I just keep telling myself they were handpicked. My mom sent me the very best . . . that is why they are so amazing.

Preston, Maysen, Jorja, Stockton

Maysen and I served dinner at a homeless shelter with the youth in our ward tonight. The girls had prepared the dinner and did a fantastic job. When we walked into this giant warehouse like building we saw the entire thing covered with beds. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect that. The girls had a really good time. Many of them commented on the ages of the children. They asked if they went to school. I think it blew their minds that normal people have giant trials at such a young age.

Almost Date

Matt has an almost date! Matt has an almost date! I was thrilled to get an e-mail from my brother Matt letting me know his maybe dates for his wedding. He and Sam are thinking about getting married somewhere between July 2 - July 6. Awesome!

Little Things

We had a special session of Stake Conference today. We were able to listen to one of the 70s speak, but I can't remember his name. It was great though. Although Mike had to take Preston to the bathroom during one of the talks . . . and then Preston accidentally sprayed him. Been there.

Our Stake President talked about how during the atonement, Christ not only suffered for our sins, but for all the pain we would feel during our time on this earth. Pain that we didn't choose, or pain that others cause us. He talked about how his oldest son and daughter-in-law died thirteen years ago leaving behind a three year old and a one year old. (He has been raising them.) It was really interesting to listen to him speak, I agree with him completely but I can't explain exactly what I think about it . . . too complicated.

I liked what the random 70 guy talked about. He was a really good speaker. He talked about how if you put $65 away every month in a bank account from the time you are 25 years old, with 5% interest when you are 65 you should have a million dollars. (Or something like that.) If you wait to start saving until you are 45, in order to have a million dollars by the time you are 65 you will need to save over $300 a month. It is still possible, but it will take about six times the money.

When your kids are little, if you do the little things like family prayer, scripture study, family dinner, family home evening, and personal meetings with the kids, it all goes into an account. You can start teaching your kids later, but it will probably be six times as hard.

Anyway, I'm sure I messed up a ton of the bank thought . . . especially the numbers, but I really like that idea. I like being reminded that the little things really do matter.

Festival of Trees

Today I went with my family to the Festival of Trees. Granted, I seem to like it the best . . . but they were good sports. It was pretty cool to see the houses they had decorated. I have to say that the Gingerbread Village was our favorite. Besides the Sweet Shop.

Maysen's house

Stockton's house

Jorja's house

Here are a few random houses I took pictures of. I don't know why I didn't take more pictures. There was a gingerbread house of the Capitol in Washington D.C., the Madagascar one was pretty cool, but my favorite was Rapunzel. That one was awesome! I loved the purple licorice for the top of the tree. Wish I had a picture of all those, but I don't so these will have to do.

Arthur's Christmas

Stockton went to a movie with friends today. I find that weird. I can't believe he is old enough to do that. Logan's mom dropped them off. I didn't realize they would be at the theater by themselves. I'm not sure how I feel about this growing up thing.

Super Sad Porgie Porge

I did not want to write this post today, but here we go. As I was driving in our garage after picking Stockton up from dodgeball, Jorja opened the door and was screaming. Mike was right behind her holding her shoulders. One look at her face and I immediately knew one of her frogs had died. I was hoping beyond hope that it wasn't Padz. It was. We are not sure what happened. We think the water bowl might have been tipped, or maybe he wasn't eating his crickets, since there were still a few in his cage. I'm not sure but Jorja is devastated. She kept saying things like, "I'm not a good frog owner." Although mostly it was just a painful cry of, "Padz!" We had Jorja sleep in the guest room so she wouldn't bother the other kids. I laid with her until she fell asleep. I hope she does okay in the morning.

I have been wanting her to speak more Chinese to her teacher. I told Jorja that if she speaks three sentences a day to Ms. Wu, I will get her another tree frog. (Jorja bought this one with her own money and worked so hard for it! Plus the red-eyed tree frog is her favorite frog.) I know it is only two weeks and a day for a really cool present, but Jorja will have to be really brave to talk to Ms. Wu. This is something she struggles with in English. I'm hoping this will help her get over her shyness with Ms. Wu. I'm also kind of wondering if Jorja shouldn't handle her frogs as much as she does. She is very careful and always washes her hands (without soap) before she handles them. Especially Padz. She was very careful with him. Still, it was a lot of handling, but how do you tell a Porge not to play with her frogs. I wish I knew the right answer.