Christmas 2010

 

 

 

 

This year we got a real Christmas tree.  This was the first time in my whole life that I have had a real Christmas tree.  It was a lot of fun going to the tree lot as a family and picking out our special tree.  It totally beat doing the grunt work of hefting the fake one up the stairs.  It was also fun to have the pine smell throughout our house.  I was all for a pre-lit fake tree originally, but since Ashley wanted a real one and she was willing to put on the lights (my least favorite part of decorating a tree), I was all for it.

This year, the kids seemed disappointed to see that they each only received one small toy.  They mostly opened clothes from Mom and Dad.  We then opened stockings as a family before we brought out what Santa had brought.  Santa brought what appeared to be a simple Mickey and Minnie snow globe.  Attached to the top of the box, a little bit hidden, was the above pictured letter.  The kids got a personalized letter from Santa on his personal stationary.

The letter read as follows:

Last night I came to visit while your parents were fast asleep,

The stockings were hung by the chimney and your presents were in a heap.

I took out my “naughty and nice” list and looked to find your names

And soon discovered you’ll both receive something more than just games.

For girls and boys that are EXTRA good, I sometimes give a special gift,

I hope you hold on tight, your first DISNEYLAND ride might be swift.

Your tickets are bought and paid for, simply enter at the gate,

Say “hi” to Mickey and Minnie, next Monday is the date.

Your Mom and Dad agreed, that you deserved this too,

So they agreed to drive you, to where your dreams come true.

The adventure that awaits you, is not simply a cartoon,

It is something so fun and amazing, it will send you to the moon.

Remember I’m always watching, over my little girls and boys,

Those that are good can get, some wonderful, awesome toys.

I’ll see you in another year, don’t forget to hold someone’s hand,

When you are on your adventure, running through Disneyland!

Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas

Love,

Mr. C

 

The kids seemed to be in shock as they read the letter.  They didn’t know how to respond.  We then explained that we were leaving the next morning and heading to California.  We would spend two days in Disneyland/California Adventure.  After a day to rest in-between, we would then head to San Diego and spend one day at the San Diego Zoo and the next day at Sea World before beginning the drive back home.  It was a fun Christmas Day and the kids were really excited to get going.  While Mom has been to Disneyland at least 10 times, Dad has only been at age 8 and 14.  The kids have NEVER been to any of the amusement parks.  They are genuine first timers!  Even Mom and Dad were excited to head back to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo after over 20 years since our last visits.

Christmas Tradition

We began a new family Christmas tradition this year.  We decided that just before Christmas each year, we would go as a family to see a Christmas play, concert, etc.  This year we chose the symphony.  The symphony, as always, was amazing.  The kids really enjoyed it.  We especially thought Santa’s antics while guest conducting the symphony were funny.  There were even trains all set up in the lobby for us to see.  After the symphony, we finished off our afternoon by heading to Noodles & Co. for lunch.

Park City Weekend

October has been a fun month for our family.  Last weekend, Kent’s parents were generous, as always, and offered us a free night in Park City at their time share.  I was so excited to be surrounded by the fall colors because I know winter is approaching fast.

The time share was so nice with six outdoor hot tubs!

Our two rooms were separated by a living and dining area.  Our room had a HUGE tub.  It was divine.

The time share even had activities for the kids.  We played table tennis outside for hours.

We played life size chess as well.

For lunch on Saturday, we went to one of my favorite places to eat in Park City. It’s on Main Street and called Pizza and Noodles.  They have the best barbecue chicken pizza I’ve ever eaten. 

After lunch, we walked through some of the art galleries.  I wanted to show Ady how art can be made from a variety of mediums and I know Treven loves museums and would be interested too. 

Before we left Park City we stopped at the cute bookstore on main street.  It is so cozy and I love walking in every time I visit.  I knew Ady would love to see it because of the two cats that live in the store.

After our Park City adventures and church on Sunday, we went over to Grandpa’s to pick pumpkins.  Grandpa always plants enough pumpkins for each of his grand kids and it is tradition that the youngest pick first. 

Grandpa’s pumpkin patch is better than any pumpkin patch around because you always have to take a picture with Grandpa after you’ve picked your pumpkin!

We gladly carved our pumpkins for our Family Home Evening activity.  They aren’t the most elaborate but we like the homemade look the best.

We had such a great weekend thanks to Grandma and Grandpa!

Goodbye, Hello, Goodbye

VW Jetta

For some time before we got married, we talked about selling Ashley’s car.  The payment was a little higher then we liked, and rather then refinance it for longer, we thought maybe we should instead plan for the future by getting a larger vehicle.  I wanted to make sure Ashley was okay with all of this as well, especially since this was her first vehicle.  She had bought it on her own and it had ALL the options. We put it on KSL classifieds and less than a week later, we said our goodbyes. We had our other car and an old truck that I have had for years, but do not drive very often.  Our plan was to take plenty of time and not rush into anything.  Ashley could drive the car, I could begin driving the truck and we could take our time to make a great deal, all the while saving money. We wanted a three-row SUV, but we wanted something really inexpensive as well.  We were fairly resigned to the fact that we would probably meet our match in the dreaded mini-van category.  Nevertheless, we were going to take our time……that is until I mentioned our recent success selling our car through KSL to a friend.  He asked, “now what are you going to get to replace it?” I told him some of the SUVs we were considering, but explained the likelihood of a mini-van.  That is when everything changed.

 

Chevrolet Tahoe

He mentioned that he had a relative that REALLY needed to get rid of their car (before a repossession could take place).  It happened to be this beauty above.  We got an AMAZING deal on it.  In fact our deal was so great that if current values stay the same, we could drive this thing for two years and then sell it and STILL make money on it.  I love this car, and I think Ashley is slowly starting to have a relationship with it, even though she feels like she is on the rebound from her last car relationship. This car gives us everything we need.  It was inexpensive, is a safe vehicle, and we have room to grow (this post is not an announcement) as a family.  In the bonus category, it has every option imaginable, and it tows the boat and all our camping gear up over Parley’s Canyon at 75+ MPH.  I admit I am more excited than Ashley is, but we are both excited that we were so blessed with such an amazing purchase.  

 

 

 

1972 Ford F-100 Truck

 

“Big Yellow” 

 

 

 

We also came to the decision that we really do not need three cars right now.  Part of the problem is parking all three of them.  We also did not need the added cost of insurance, maintenance, etc.  Huge gaps of time have passed between our old truck being driven.  I came to the conclusion that I would much rather someone have this old beauty then allowing it to rot away.  I was sure there was someone who could get more use out of it, and could value it more than I currently was.  So, shortly after we got the Tahoe, I put the old truck up for sale on KSL.  Within 15 minutes I had six phone calls.  I placed the truck on there at a horrible time.  I thought it might be a couple of days before it really got attention, and that was fine because I was busy for a couple of days before I could really show anyone.  I was wrong! Two people called before I even finished the ad.  It took only three days, mostly because I was letting the calls, texts, and e-mails go to voicemail.  For some reason, while not answering any phone calls, I decided to answer just one.  It was from a man in a rural area who really wanted to fix this truck up with his 15 year old son.  The next day, he showed up with a trailer and claimed his new truck.  Apparently, the kid’s affectionate name of “Big Yellow” will not remain for long.  He plans to paint it Satin black with heavy chrome accents.  I can’t wait to see the progress (he apparently is going to post pictures on Face book).  In the end, I am glad it went to a good person with plans to care for it.  All in all, I had 57 phone calls in the three days (not from the same people) and there were over 1200 page views on KSL.  We are now excited to have our car dealing days behind us for a while.  We will miss our old truck, but maybe in 9-10 years, another son and his Dad will find an old truck to fix up together.

Unscripted and Unplugged

• I asked the kids where Ashley was when we were in a store.  Ady said she knew right where she was and led us right to her.  I asked her how she knew where she was.  Ady proclaimed, “Super Ady knows everything!” This made Treven respond with, “oh yeah, what is 5,216 + 922?”  Ady then responded with “I mean everything about where people are Treven!”
• Treven was playing soccer with some friends.  The soccer ball was kicked and hit Treven hard, squarely in the chest.  Just when I thought he was going to start crying, he said, “wow, that felt weird on my heart,” then he shrugged and went back to playing.
• We hung out with some friends a couple of months ago.  The kids were all downstairs watching a “Spy Kids 2” while we talked.  Our friend went down the stairs to check on the kids.  At the end, the girl is dancing around with a tiny bit of her stomach flesh showing.  We were told that all four boys seemed to be mesmerized when one suddenly piped up and said (in a somewhat lustful way), “I REALLY like her belt!” Luckily that one was NOT Treven. 
• We were going somewhere and Treven wanted to use the GPS.  It kept directing us a different way then I wanted to go, which I knew was slower.  I told the kids it was fine and that the GPS was wrong.  Finally Treven could take no more.  He said, “do you want me to wham you mister?”………he then whispered, “I wouldn’t really wham it Dad, I am just trying to get this guy to stop being so  unreasonable.”
• On our first boating trip of the season, I told the kids we would have to move them to bigger lifejackets because they had outgrown their last ones.  They seemed sort of sad to let their last ones go.  I told them it would be okay.  When I tried the news ones on them, Treven said, “oh I like this one better anyway, the last lifejacket really bothered my penis.”  The last ones did indeed have a strap that went under the kids legs for safety, something that this new one was lacking…….apparently for the better.
• Ashley was called as the kids’ Primary teacher for the first couple months we lived in the ward.  One week she taught a lesson on being a peacemaker.  They did some role-playing.  She picked the one kid that is known as the wildest amongst their Primary class, to role-play with her first.  Before the role-playing began, Treven very clearly stated to the little boy, “you had better not mess with my Mom or my sister, or you will be messing with me.”  He said this in a quite serious, hushed tone.  He is very protective of the ladies in our family.
• When we went camping/boating over Labor Day weekend, Treven really wanted Ashley to come in the tube with him.  He kept wanting to go faster and faster.  I went  a tiny bit faster and Treven soon realized the difference two or three MPH can make on the tube.  In between laughter, he shouted out, “I am a man, I am supposed to be able to handle this!!!!”
• Whenever we are driving in the car, the kids always want me to make up stories for them.  I always ask them to give me a subject and then away I go.  One particular time I decided I was going to make all sentences in the stories rhyme.  After I had told three brief stories to the kids, Treven asked me to tell them a story about them being super-heroes.  He then said, “…and please leave out your Dr. Seuss!”

 

• Ashley bought some pink lemonade in bottles from the store one week.  We were drinking it, when Ady said that we should get it again the next week.  I said, “maybe we could save some money and make our own.”  Ady said, “I just never thought of that because I don’t know where we buy pink lemons.”  She was dead serious.
• In Sacrament one week, Ady really seemed to need to blow her nose.  I quietly helped her.  She looked down at the tissue as I was folding it up, she proclaimed (a little too loudly) “whoa, I had some really strawberry boogers today!”

Don’t Judge

When I tell you my current addiction is Teen Mom on MTV.  It was late one night and nothing was on the television.  I was flipping through channels waiting for Kent to get done with some homework when I stopped on Teen Mom and was sucked into the lives of 4 teenage mothers.  Worst yet, I’m not alone.  Kent also stays up till 11:00 pm Tuesday nights to watch.  Why aren’t we like normal couples that get sucked into Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, Amazing Race, or The Bachelor?!  Please tell me someone else shares our addiction! 

Interpretation of a Family

Trev does not like to draw or color.  However, he will draw if he is bored in sacrament meeting and we forget (wink, wink) to bring the church bag!  This picture is our family.  Dad, Mom, Ady, Trev, little brother (?), little sister (?), and our dog (?).  Apparently we are missing three members of our family and Trev wants a brother first judging on the height difference.  Each one of us is holding a lollipop.  Trev is also holding an aunt farm while Ady has a balloon.  I'm the favorite member of the family so I have a huge ice cream cone that reaches the clouds.  Dad also has ice cream but it is melting and going to fall on my head at any moment (insert laughter).  Trev has long hair even though his head is always buzzed.  I'm not quite sure what's going on with the legs but at least they look functional.  There are flowers and grass but Trev left space for Ady to draw some flowers because she loves flowers.  Ady was not interested as she was drawing a unicorn instead.

This picture makes me happy.    

The Stranger

 

Today I am grateful for Autumn.  I love the browns, oranges, yellows, and reds that come with the season.  I love the smell of spiced pumpkin candles and pumpkin cookies in the oven. I love the excitement of college football and children starting a new school year. I love breaking out my boots and sweaters.  I love hearing my mom’s voice as she reads the children’s book “The Stranger” by Chris Van Allsburg each year. I love Sunday drives up the canyon.  And I LOVE watching October General Conference at home in my pajamas!     

Little Man Mitch

Last weekend I went to Idaho and visited my sister, brother-in-law, and their little man Mitch.  Mitch is a sweetheart and it was so fun to spend time with him.  He is quick to smile and is quite the flirt.  At church he was passed from one woman to the next.  Many referred to him as their boyfriend and they all stopped to talk to him in the halls.  Mitch without fail would turn his head to the side, bat his eyes, and give a smile every time. 

I know Mitch existed before he was given a body and came to this earth. I also know each child comes with their own personalities.  However, I have to give props to my sister, Kim, for being such an excellent mom.  It is a little weird to see your younger sibling become a parent but I’m also so impressed with Kim and proud of her.  I know each little spirit she brings to this world will be one lucky kid.

Thanks Kim for a wonderful, relaxing weekend!   

Primary Program

Trev and Ady had their annual Primary Program this past Sunday.  When we moved into the ward, the Bishop called me to team teach Trev and Ady’s class.  It was a wonderful opportunity to transition the kids to a new ward and help them make new friends.  Last week I was called to be the 1st counselor in the Young Women’s.

  

The kids were with me when I received the call.  Poor Trev immediately started crying that I wouldn’t be with him.  So I wasn’t surprised when I walked into the chapel on Sunday while the kids were practicing to find everyone standing and singing except Trev.  I made my way up to the stand with some treats in my hands because I know if he is hungry it is hard for him to change his mood.  After some coaxing and a few hugs, his attitude started to change.  I was so proud of him when he stood tall, sung with an intent little face, and read his part perfectly! 

Ady does much better with change and tends to roll with the flow.  She is always dancing about and singing as it is so I knew she would do a great job.  I was surprised when she told me she was nervous to give her part.  However, she did an excellent job and spoke confidently into the microphone.  She sang her little heart out and I could see the budding of sweet young lady. 

I’m so happy to have these great kids and their dad in my life. 

The Poor Man’s Vacation

Kent and I took the kids camping at Jordanelle Reservoir over Labor Day weekend.  It was so nice to escape the day-to-day grind. 

On Saturday we took grandpa’s boat out for wake boarding and water skiing.  We were lucky to have some of Kent’s family join us for the water activities.

Here is Kent wakeboarding.  He is so fun to watch because he loves the water.

Ady spent several hours playing in the sand on the beach and was covered in mud from head to toe.

So was her brother and cousin Ben.

Grandpa was nice and went REALLY slow while Ady was in the tubes because she hates to go fast.

Ben got bored and laid down.  Can you see his head?  Ethan decided he would try to surf in the tube.

Sunday we went to Cascade Springs.

The best part of going to the Springs was the air conditioned drive in the car!

After the springs we came back to camp and roasted hot dogs and ate in the shade.

Then we took the kids on a walk and taught them how to skip rocks.

And some of us even climbed rocks.

Each night we roasted mallows.  Treven made several s’mores for me and insisted I eat them.  When he wasn’t looking I would throw some of the s’mores into the fire!

Ady found her way into my sleeping bag one night.  She helped to keep me warm and toasty.  I am definitely no sleeping beauty!

 

Kent was a very happy camper.

I would say our first camping experience as a family was a success.  We didn’t burn down the forest and we only ran to the store 3 times for items we forgot!

My Ady Girl

(Ethan, Trev, Zach, Nathan, Ady, and Ben)

My sweet Ady is completely surround by boy cousins.  I sometimes wonder how she holds her own against this rambunctious group.  And then I remember how much these boys love Ady.  They are kind to her and make sure she is always included in the fun.  Nathan and Ady are especially close.    

Ady pushing Nathan on the swings.

I never lived close to my cousins so at times like these I look at my children and pray they are making life-long memories.  

A New Invention

Our 4th of July was fantastic.  Not because we went to a great neighborhood breakfast and parade.  Not because we met up with our good friends Jason and Emily (that was a blast).  Not because we had an amazing view of the fireworks.  No, our 4th of July was fantastic because we came up with a new invention.  This invention has not been patented yet so please don’t sell our idea. 

Ladies and Gents without further adieu,

The Corn Sword

 

This is not your ordinary everyday corn on the cob holders.  These are ergonomically designed as a 3 in 1 corn holder, tooth picker, and gum flosser.  It’s kid tested and mother approved.