Christmas 2011.."The Best Day Ever!"

Our Christmas started Christmas Eve at Matt and Nicole's. Nicole prepared a nice dinner which included soup bowls, tamales, and shrimp cocktail and chips, salsa and guacamole. The kids all ate up their soups and thought the bread bowls were cool. Guess they have never had them before. I think Ethan was intrigued by the fact that he could actually eat his bowl! Craig and Nicole's parents joined us for the evening. The kids had fun playing UNO, charades, etc. Aubrie was voted the best for charades as she pretended to be scissors! After the rest of the company left for the evening, we exchanged gifts. We got Matt and Nicole a hot cocoa machine, and an ornament that had things they had done in 2011 engraved on it. Lacey and Sophia gave each other the same toy (La La Loopsy) and they were equally excited about it. We got Carson and Shea gift certificates to Game Stop, and our boys got an Angry Birds game, which they soon rushed up to play with their cousins. Aubrie got a gymnastic necklace, which she immediately put on. Ben got a gift card to the golf course. My gift was saved for last, and rightly so. Nicole had emailed my friends and family and asked them things they liked about me. She compiled them along with her own feelings, and put them on subway art. She knows me well, and knew I had some heartbreaks about trusting some friends, who turned out not to be so great. It was so thoughtful of her to think of me like that. Here it is! She also gave me subway art for the rest of the year. I am grateful for how many wonderful friends I have. Though I have been disappointed by just a few, the Lord has surrounded me by so many wonderful caring people..too many to keep count, and Nicole has been one of them. So lucky to have a sister like her! After gifts, we sat around and talked for about 30 more minutes, and then headed home to finish our night.

At home we put out the cookies and reindeer food, and passed out their new PJ's. They were all too big, except for Sophia's! Oops! After they put them on, they came downstairs for a quick Christmas FHE. We usually do this Christmas morning, but since we had Church on Christmas day, we did it Christmas Eve. We started with a song and prayer, and then opened our cards we wrote to the Savior last Christmas. They were things we committed to work on. We opened them up and quietly thought about how we did. We all decided we had improved, but that we still could do better. Tonight, for FHE, we are adding something new to our list, and will continue to work on both. The point I made to the kids is that we did improve, so next year we should be even better with the first thing, and we should make some improvements on the new things. So ever year we should be improving on new things, and they will begin to multiply and we will become better people. I also passed out their new ornaments, and then Boston played Joy to the World, and we sang. Then the kids headed upstairs. The boys asked for the Christmas Benadryl (lol) and they were all out within 15 minutes.

Ben and I got the presents out, and I worked on a skirt that Jen Waishnora had given Sophia, that Sophia wanted to wear for church the next day. Then we watched a few episodes of Arrested Development. Yes, we have a bit of an addiction to Netflix! LOL Really, lately I just need at least a one episode of comedy every night to help me relax from the crazy days I have. It does help me sleep better. But I do admit, sometimes we get a bit carried away and watch too many in a row! We finally finished up a few more things, like eating the cookies and putting out Santa's letter, and then we went to bed around 12:30. We didn't even set our alarms, banking on an early wake up call from the kids.

I woke up to the clock reading 7:25! We quickly woke the kids, bc we had church at 9:00. Sophia was just sitting on the couch in the loft. Just like she had been waiting for us to all wake up for Christmas. We got the others to the top of the stairs, and when we got the video camera ready, we turned on the Christmas Tree lights, which lights up the living room, and they can see their Santa gifts. Sophia's excitement is indescribable. She was hugging her barbie RV and she was squealing in excitement over EVERYTHING in her stocking. Simple things like hair bows, candy, etc! I'm going to miss that! Aubrie got a Pogo Stick from Santa, Boston got a Haro bike, and Ethan and electric scooter. After they went through their stockings we rushed upstairs to get ready for church. Boston pulled me aside and said, "Mom, I'm a little worried about how much money all this cost." What a cute boy to be concerned about that, and also to think to pull me aside away from Sophia as to not cast any suspicion about Santa!"

We all got ready, ate and out the door in plenty of time for Church. They had the music program, which was really nice. It was also great to see everyone on Christmas. Such a more happy and joyous spirit resided there that day. The kids were VERY antsy, but it was a great start to Christmas Day. When we got back we made them wait an hour to open their gifts, which worked great because it gave them time to play with their Santa gift, and appreciate them a bit more. While they played I got the ribs in the crock pot and made some dishes for dinner. Our gift opening session lasted about an hour and a half. We open them one at a time, cleaning up after each one. The kids were super excited to get things they didn't expect. Especially the boys. They got some Reebok shoes and Neff jackets they weren't even expecting! Aubrie got A LOT of clothes, and Sophia got a little of everything. She was excited over everything she opened! Ben got some shoes, a golf pro exclusive umbrella, Al-Clad cookware, cuff links, and a few other odds and ends. Ben got me a new camera, along with some clothes and boots. The last gift was for the whole family. Ben surprised us with the XBOX 360 Kinect. I still haven't had a chance to really play it yet. Ben bought the Micheal Jackson Dance game, of course. (The girls favorite!) It was a great Christmas, but a seemed a little empty without my Mom, Dad and brother here.

After all the presents were unwrapped, I headed straight to the kitchen. Dinner was at 5:00 and I still had a lot to get done. Craig and his friend showed up about 3:30. We talked and watched the kids play the Kinect for a bit, while we waited on the Ribs and few other things to cook. We ate around 4:30. The dinner menu this year included; Ribs, Steak, Broccoli Bake, Mashed Potatoes, Jello, Seven Layer Salad, Rolls, and for dessert...Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. It was all super yummy, and I was STUFFED!!! The kids had a great time, and I was exhausted by the time the night was over. I told Ben there was a reason I like to have dinner Christmas Eve. I like relaxing Christmas Day, and also would rather spend my time getting the gifts and house picked up rather than spend it in the kitchen. The cooking wasn't hard, it was just a long day with church, presents, and the cooking. Luckily Craig's friend was great and helped me clean up! I knew I liked her! LOL We closed our night watching Sherlock Holmes, preparing us to see the second one with the kids the following day. Sophia was pooped and fell asleep within the first 5 minutes. It was one fun filled day for her. She kept saying "This is the best day ever! I LOVE Christmas!" Her enthusiasm made all my efforts worth every minute!

The Excitment over EVERY gift begins!!!

Christmas Fun!

The Holiday celebrations began at the Ward's Primary Christmas Party. The RS was having an Adult only Christmas Party, so the Bishop put on a party for the

kids. They had craft times, and he read them the book, "He Took My Lickin" for Me". Then they got to visit with Santa. While Sophia was waiting in line, she couldn't resist dancing to the Christmas Songs played on the piano by the Primary President. She had a great time. Boston was able to come for the last half hour, as he had a soccer game that morning.

This Holiday brought us a "white" celebration for the first time, as it began for the kids with "snow"! In the middle of the ward adult party people started going outside. When we went to see what all the excitement about, we saw that it had hailed and the whole parking lot was covered in white, including our cars. When I called Aubrie to tell her about it, they hadn't gotten any of it. That was CRAZY since the way the bird flys we are only about 2 miles from the church. Later, they got a bit in the front yard, but it didn't stick. The next morning at chruch, the kids were a few minutes late to sacrament meeting because they had to enjoy the snow in the front of the building for a few minutes!

Boston's field trip was the next holiday thing on the list. His classmates spent the month earning money, and then they took a fieldtrip to the Arrowhead Mall to pick a Christmas Angel. I went on the field trip, and was over Bostons group. They chose a boy. We ended up getting him three board games, a basketball, football, and soccer ball. The kids were excited to get all these things for him, and were running around trying to find the best deal, so they could get him as much as possible. What a great opportunity for these kids to get a glimpse at how blessed they are and how they can help someone else.

I also had fun torturing Boston on the bus, as I sang to the Christmas music the bus driver was playing. It was a little payback for treating his sister poorly that morning. He promised to be nice to her, if I would stop embarrassing him. His friends thought it was funny, especially since he sings all the time in class.

The next thing on the Holiday list was their Christmas piano recital. It was a little stressful this year, since Aubrie didn't have enough time to practice. She ended up having time for only one song. She did "Let It Snow". One of my favorites.

Ethan played three songs. "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree", Jingle Bells (which he added a bottom hand to) and "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" duet with his Teacher. He did really well, and seemed to like it. When I told him to just quit piano today, he said , "NO! I like the recitals and cookies!" LOL

This is an awful picture of Boston, but I couldn't leave him out. He had the hardest songs. He played "Joy to the World" out of the Hymn book!! I tried playing it and I couldn't. He also played a harder version of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town". He made a few mistakes and went outside afterward and started crying. That was the first time he messed up at a recital. Aubrie cried the first time she messed up, too. Now she is over it and doesn't care. Boston is such a perfectionist, I'm not sure he will ever get over messing up. I was proud of his hard work and determination to play the harder songs!

Here are some pictures from Ethan's school Christmas party. I couldn't go because I had Sophia. My friend took these pictures for me. Guess this is a reindeer relay race! They ended the party with some "snow"!

For his party, Boston made gingerbread houses, stockings, glass ornaments, worked on recipes, and made reindeer food. That was after a big breakfast that only their grade had, in the Cafeteria, which included donuts, muffins, fruit, bagels, and hash browns.

Aubrie didn't have parties, but a few of her teachers let them watch movies the last couple of days, and Aubrie passed out gifts to her good friends (which she bought herself), and baked treats to all her teachers, and student advisor.

It's funny how when you have multiple kids, you repeat the same events. For us its an every two year cycle since they are all two years apart in school. This was our second Gingerbread Musical. Ethan was HILARIOUS! Wish I could put the video on here. He started off doing nothing but making frowning faces. Then he really started hamming it up. He is such a character! When it was over, we socialized a bit, and Aubrie and Boston played wall ball with their friends. Aubrie had fun seeing all her old friends ago, and spending time with Olivia.

This year the kids are really getting into the giving spirit. Aubrie and Boston spent A LOT of money on each other, and their other siblings. Ethan spent all of his money at the Jingle Bell Shop at school getting random gifts for everyone, including Rango and the Cats. Sophia even used her Christmas money from my Mom to go to the dollar store and get everyone a gift. I can't wait for Christmas just to see them open one another's gifts.

With this post, I'm officially caught up with everything on my "Christmas to do list"! All the treats are baked, presents wrapped, and food purchased for Christmas Day. Now I just need to get over this awful cough I have been carrying around for 3 weeks now. That would be a great Christmas gift...no coughing! Hope to be back soon after Christmas, but not counting on being that on top of things. We are headed for lots of fun and vacationing! Merry Christmas! I feel so blessed with so many TRUE friends, Family, and a Heavenly Father who care about me. Who can ask for more?

2011 Soccer

Yesterday was a full day, that started at 7:30. There was no time to think about how sick I was. It was one soccer game after another, and I LOVED it! I love watching my kids play soccer.

Ethan had a game early in the morning, about a half an hour from here. I never get to take him to his games, so I offered while Ben stayed here to wait for the carpet cleaners and Sears guy who services our appliances every six months!

Ethan lost his game, but it was hard to be upset about it since the team he played were a bunch of refugee kids from Afghanistan. After the game, I cheered him up with Dunkin Donuts. That took his mind off of it. I then came home only to shortly turn around to Boston's game. His first game was against the hardest team in the league. If they beat them they could have taken first. They were up 1-0 for the first 15 minutes. Then the other team got an awesome/well deserved corner kick. Boston's coach put in a different goalie and the game turned quickly. They lost 4-2. Boston was disappointed, (as were some parents) but the last time they played them the lost byALOT! So I tried to help him realize the progress his team made, and that second place in the tournament is AWESOME! Ben spoke with some parents who are trying to put a winning team together, and they want Boston to be a part of it. We will see how that works out in the spring. In my eyes, his team is a winning team. I especially like the spiritual focus the coach brings into every game and practice. That is more important to me than anything. Boston won his other two games. His first game was actually Friday night. Joe took the kids, while we had our party. Boston's win that night solidified second place for his team. It was great win, since the team slaughtered them last time!

Aubrie had a great tournament! They won their first two games. Their second game was amazing. 9-1! Their team also got the record for fastest goal scored, and most goals scored in such a short time. Those wins put them in the Championship. The Championship game was against an amazing team who was undefeated! The blew out every team they played, except us. It was time for a rematch. This game was especially hard for Aubrie because her best friend Olivia is on that team. Aubrie is not as aggressive when Olivia is close to her. The game was one of the best soccer games we have watched. Our team scored first. We held them for a long time, and finally they got a goal. Second half was nail biting! There were so many close goals on both sides. With 30 seconds left Olivia made the game winning goal. Aubrie was so sad. She wanted a tie so bad. As soon as the game was over, Olivia rushed to find Aubrie to make sure she wasalright, and then they embraced each other. It was such a tearful moment. Two great teams and freinds...so close! So Aubrie's team also placed second. We celebrated later that evening with the Pribble's (Olivia's family. Funny, huh?) at Yogurtology. Aubrie was her happy self again, and left me a sweet note by my beside after I finally crashed, saying she hopes I feel better soon. I hope I do, too!

Here are some pics from the season!

Aubrie's Championship game.

Boston's Championship Game

Aubrie's first game against Olivia (She also had Strep and we didn't know it)

Jump Start

This year I felt like I needed to get a jump start on the Holidays. I think with Aubrie at Basis, the soccer season running into December, and our Christmas Party being pushed back a week l, made me feel like I needed to get some things done early. Before Thanksgiving I ordered my Christmas Cards and stuffed, and addressed them. I also purchased all my "friend gifts" and wrapped them. I thought that would relieve some stress and free up some time. Then I was asked to decorate a table for our Ward Christmas party. It wasn't hard, but just took time to get stuff, etc. It turned out nice, but now I still have the buckets of decorations in my Mom's room. My new dumping ground. This past week I busied myself with finishing up Christmas shopping, helping out a sick friend, preparing for our Christmas Party, fighting a cold, helping with school projects, and playing the roles of both parents while Ben was out of town. I'm hoping that this week I'll be able to get in a workout!

Our Christmas Party was a lot of fun. Since our Ward did the same exact type of party, we thought we might skip it this year. Then we realized how many people we typically invite from other wards, which is more than half. We decided to invite only a few families from our Ward who have been coming since the beginning, or had strong relationships with a majority of the other couples, along with some several friends of ours who don't go to our church. It was a good mix! Everyone was very friendly to the new people, and things were seamless. The only bad thing was that I lost my voice Friday morning, so that was VERY hard not being able to talk much. In reality, I spend most of my time playing hostess, which leaves little time for talking anyway. There were some fun gifts. But no animals this year!:) Shocking that Ben spaced taking pictures this year. That's his job at the party!

Thanksgiving 2011

This year we had Thanksgiving dinner with the Hawkins. I was in charge of the Turkey, and also made the Shoepeg casserole & stuffing. I had to make the stuffing for the first time this year, with my Mom being gone. That was weird. I decorated the table with place "cards" that were leaves with names written on them, and hot glued to a walnut, grouped with a few other nuts.Tirza brought the sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, and pickles and olives. Dinner was very yummy. The turkey didn't cook all the way, and I was disappointed with my meat thermometer:( I had to put it back in, and once you cut into it and put it back in its not the same. Oh, well. That just meant no good left overs which I'm not a fan of anyway.

The kids had a fun time playing, and the adults talking. It was very nice and relaxing. After dinner, the Hawkins went home and we headed to the movies. Ben and I wanted to see the Muppet Movie, but the kids were dying to see Jack and Jill. The ratings were bad, and Ben and I were skeptical. Being it was PG were figured at least it would be harmless. It was funny. The kids laughed a lot, especially Ethan.

The next day we spent putting up all the Christmas decor. When we put up and plugged in our tree, I noticed a huge portion of lights were out. Ben ran and got new nine foot tree, that happened to be on sale since it was black Friday. It looks really nice. I went to Micheal's later, and got some new decorations, with Aubrie's help, to add to it. Now our tree downstairs has some blue in it. It looks nice. We put the old tree upstairs in the loft. It's the kids tree. It's very cute, also. The kids like it best! It was nice to get up all the decorations, and be done with it, especially with company coming.

Saturday the Hendrickson's came for a night. The kids stayed here and had pizza and watched movies, while the adults went out for dinner. We had a nice dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Things are always so comfortable with the Hendricksons. When we got back we went in the hot tub, and when the kids went down, we watched some Modern Family and talked.

Sunday the Nelson's came for the night. They got her much later, so Ben and Pat stayed up and talked, while everyone else was in bed. The next day Ben and Pat had some meetings, so Mindy and I spent time with the kids and got to know one another better. Pat married her after college, so I have only hung out with her once. She is very nice, and it was a nice morning getting to know her.

Whew! We sure know how to pack in the Holiday's, huh? I'm not sure if its possible for us to do "nothing" during any holiday. So much to do, so many people to see. It's hard for this family to sit still!