Today Lydia pooped in the toilet and ate dinner with no complaint. It was another good day.

Today I smiled a lot

Another Christmas has come and gone. The anticipation seems to be the most fun anymore. I love looking forward to seeing the kids faces when they open their presents. I had fun planning and keeping my eyes open for good deals since June. Yet I am afraid I missed the true meaning of Christmas this year. Sure we did service: rang the bell at Macy's, shoveled walks, bought gifts for a family in need, but I am disappointed with how much time I spent concerning myself with gifts and not with the Savior. I wanted to get the kids the most fun things. I would go to the store and want to buy out everything! I fussed and fretted, yet one day this week, as I reflected on my day, I realized that my shopping trip that morning had been the least fulfilling thing I had done. Money and toys don't buy happiness, for you or your children. Sure, I know that, but it needs to be reiterated sometimes. Despite my materialistic approach to Christmas this year, it was a great day. And it ended with these two happy children. Children that make up my family. My family, that made me smile all day long; Lydia who played farm all day, Colton who ate nothing but chocolate this morning, and Mike who got to relax and play a new computer game. I even got to take an awesome nap! With a day like that, we all enjoyed it!
This crock full of utensils gave me one of my smiles today. After I put the kids to bed this evening, I walked in the kitchen and saw this, my new pink spatula's, and blue wire wisk. I had asked for these things for Christmas, though not in their respective colors. I knew Mike had taken the kids shopping for me for Christmas. (Before he went he confirmed with me what utensil was a spatula.) When I was with Lydia at the mall a week or so later, we walked past a kitchen supply store. Lydia told me that she had gone into that store with Daddy and Colton and that I wasn't there. Hmmm. . . I could only guess what I was getting for Christmas. Obviously, I got my spatulas. But what I love about them, is not only are they from a thoughtful husband who carted his two young children through the mall to get them, but they are PINK. And there is only one person in our family who would care about pink spatulas and it isn't Mike, and it isn't me. Of course, since Lydia picked out the pink spatula's, Colton picked out the blue wisk and now I have a crock full of love from my family. A crock that will make me smile in the days to come.
Getting started on the festivities this morning and sporting some new pajamas.
Making cookies with Grandma Hansen. Lydia did not want to include anyone else in this activity. I was banned from the kitchen. Apparently this was to be Lydia and Grandma's special activity. Mike's experiments this year did now allow him to leave for Christmas, so Mike's family came to us- his mom, dad, and two sisters. Christmas came early when they got here! We were glad to have them!
Colton enjoying his new toy from Grandma and Grandpa Reed and his new sippy cup full of his favorite beverage- milk.

Let it Snow!

We finally got a real snowfall and it was perfect for snowballs and snowmen! Lydia has been waiting for this day for a long time! Colton thought things looked good until we tackled him and put him in the straight jacket called a snowsuit. To add to the inconvenience of movement, Daddy threw a snowball in Colton's face within minutes of going outside. He wasn't too happy. Despite our snowfall, it is supposed to rain tomorrow, so we probably won't have a white Christmas. Already our snowman is starting to lean. Pretty soon, I am sure he will be small, small, small. (Sorry the pics are sideways- technical difficulties and not much time.)

Vixen

Perhaps I should let the title of this post and the photo speak for themselves, but since I spent over an hour cleaning up this mess, and since the plumber spent about 30 minutes cleaning our drain, I suppose I can spend 5 minutes telling you about it.

Lydia is in a stage. Or at least, it better be just a stage. The stage where limits are tested, as is the willpower of the parents. Will I get mad at this? Will I learn to laugh at it someday, because my daughter for some reason thinks its funny. For example, we recently attended a surprise birthday party for a friend. I found Lydia in the bathroom, not going potty, but squirting lotion all over the floor. When the perpetrator was caught, she threw the lotion into the toilet. Keep in mind, this was my friends lotion. If Lydia were a reindeer this Christmas, she would be vixen.

And to explain the photo. Yesterday I was peacefully making dinner thinking how nice it was that my two children were peacefully playing upstairs. These thoughts were ended by Colton crying. I found my son standing naked next to the toilet. The floor was flooded because a certain older sister who was standing on the toilet had put a roll of toilet paper into the sink and had continually let the water run. Small pieces of disintegrating toilet paper littered the ground, Colton kept falling because the floor was slick. About an inch of water had run into my storage organizer that I keep under the sink.

But after all this, I think Santa will still be stopping at our house. Hopefully he doesn't need to use the bathroom.

Having a Good Time

Can hair express how you are feeling?
What would we do without Grahm Cracker houses on cold days? This particular model comes furnished with windows, doors, and shingles donated by Lydia's leftover Halloween stash.
Ward Christmas party. The primary children went up to sing a song. Though Lydia doesn't enter primary until January, she was eager to be included and reverently went up. Notice Colton's back to the picture, watching the children.
Lydia's first time ever sitting on Santa's lap. "All her friends were doing it!" Colton was tired, so he didn't really care or understand, but I promise Lydia was excited about it though her expression doesn't really say, "Christmas spirit"
For family home evening yesterday, we went to the mall and rang the Salvation Army Christmas bells. The kids brought in a lot more money than their parents. Go figure. Lydia and Colton lasted about 15 minutes until they couldn't stand it any longer and went to the play place that was within eyesight. Who knows if they learned anything about serving or helping those in need, but we did all have a great time.

Tis the season

How is it that you can be so lazy in some things and so productive in others? Obviously I have been lazy in blogging, but I have been busy in other areas. Perhaps my business with everything has been the cause of my lack of blogging, though blogging is something I enjoy doing. I haven't had any pictures to post and that has held me back, but thankfully, Latesha sent me this photo today which I loved. Right now I am listening to Christmas music and eating peppermint icecream. Our tree is up, the Christmas lights are on and its about 10 degrees outside and blowing. It feels just like home.
Also, I got this link from a friend today for 20 free Christmas songs from itunes. Now you can listen to what I am listening to right now!

http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/Freebies4Mom/%7E3/itO9jgGgsFM/20-free-songs-itunes-holiday-sampler.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

Alright, this icecream is getting more attention than typing is right now. Good thing this pink goodness is almost gone.

Before we go to bed each night, we tell what our favorite part of the day has been. All week Lydia has said that school was her favorite part of her day. Today she didn't have school and when we asked her what her favorite part of the day was, she said, "No school." I guess we had a fun day at home.

Teen Bop

Last year, I did something I have never done before. I went to the midnight showing of Twilight. This year it wasn't even a question of if I would go to the midnight showing of New Moon. I went with my friend Courtney, who happens to be 17. She's the one who talked me into going to Twilight in the first place. I admit, I own the books and I like them, though I don't believe they are the most well written books I've read. I will also own that the movies need special affects work. Yet this craze is sort of fun and for one night, I get to go and be a teen bopper, or at least act like it. The funny thing is, when I woke up the morning after I viewed New Moon, I kept thinking about it and wanting to discuss it with Mike or whoever else I knew who follows Edward, Jacob and Bella. THEN, I went and watched the movie AGAIN with my sister-in-laws. It is suddenly dawning on me, that perhaps I am no longer an idle Twilight Fan, but an actual "follower" For example, did you know that they almost canned 17 year old Taylor who plays Jacob in the movie, but he beefed up, so they kept him? I don't own any Edward cutouts or Jacob shirts, but perhaps I can ask Santa for a Twilight poster and keep my fanaticism out of public display. The next movie comes out in June. I'll buy midnight showing tickets, but maybe this odd behavior will calm down by then! Here's to all the non-teen twilight fans out there!

Thanksgiving

Isn't Thanksgiving such a great holiday? A day when you actually think about everything God has given you! I think we should have more Thanksgivings in a year and not just so we can pig out on oh so delicious food! Yes, bring on the pecan pie, stuffing and turkey, but please don't forget the gratitude and maybe a side of humility. And how about some family memories for dessert?

This Thanksgiving we went to Ohio where 6 0f the 7 kids in Mike's family convened. Above is Mike's older sister and his youngest sister, both tremendous women! We enjoyed playing "Bang!" (a card game) watching New Moon, going to the temple, attending our niece's baptism and of course, eating. I only wish we could have played football. That is something we never did growing up, but a tradition I think would be fun to start.

Of course the kids rode horses. I don't know who enjoys it more, Mama, or the kids! Lydia also enjoyed time with Papa. She told me a few days before we left that she couldn't wait to wrestle Papa. They seem to have a special bond.
Mike's brother Chris, and his wife Nicole. They asked me to take their photo for a Christmas card. I posted this one because I think it is the only one where Chris actually smiles! (Come on Chris and Nicole, you didn't think I would take all those pics without posting one?)
The lighting was great a few of the days, so I followed Colton around outside and took pictures of him. I made him sit on the wood pile just like I made Chris and Nicole!
I love that these two are friends. Lydia can never seem to decide if McKensey or Colton is her best friend. On the days that Mckensey is her best friend, Colton is best friends with McKensey's younger brother. (at least, according to Lydia)
While we were in Ohio, our niece was baptized. I loved feeling the Holy Ghost as she was baptized confirming that she is being baptized just as Christ was. It was a good reminder.
Mike's team won the intramural championship! Way to go. Mike is second to the left.
Mike running at his game. I managed to patch his dilapidated shirt. It was a fun challenge.

This n that

A few nights ago before bed, Mike snuck Lydia into our room to play her Leapster. Colton quickly found his to join the crew. Here they all are looking mischievous as they evade bedtime, and Mom.
Lydia and best friend Kensey. They always hold hands on the merry-go-round. Too cute!
I took this photo for a new photography blog I am a part of. This is my free piano that I just had tuned. It works great and I am so glad Mike has such a good nature and is willing to heave this heavy box of strings and keys all around when we move. I am taking lessons from our neighbor and I love it. I have no natural talent, but I am improving and it feels good to be learning. I will admit I won't be volunteering to play in church for a long while yet! Wish me luck.

I love this man!

Can you see why I love this big hunk of love? For a chemist, he sure has a lot of personality! This was Mike after his last MUDDY football game. (I have yet to get his TORN shirt clean.) This was the first game I missed and from the sounds of it, Mike played really well. (Though he may be trying to impress me- as if the torn shirt wasn't enough!) His intramural team has made it to the championships!

Halloween

Colton was playing the part of a football player tonight at a party when he kept raiding the snack table. Those Dorito's sure are good!
Ready to GO! He hardly let that football out of his hands all night! He'll make a great running back!
Lydia was supposed to be a dog, but like all indecisive children, this afternoon she decided she wanted to be a princess. I guess she was Cinderella putting on her lost slipper.
Please excuse these pictures that are all out of order. Colton enjoyed carving a pumpkin and standing on the table. I think standing on the table was the best part for him.
Getting ready to hit those houses! Note who is wearing the dog costume.
Snarfing a cupcake from the cake walk. Colton is in the middle of the circle doing the same thing. I think my children like pastries.
Cupcakes Lydia and I made for the party we went to. The sort of fun, and easy treat I can handle. (spider webs if you can't tell.)
The result of a fun filled night. Lydia's bag on the left, Colton's bag on the right. We all have our priorities.
Carving the pumpkin.
A Pirate Party at school. They even dug up treasure in the playground sand. It was so cute!

Thank you Mama

A little gratitude goes a long way. The last two nights, Lydia has thanked me profusely for dinner. "Thank you Mama." She says repeatedly. I'm amazed at how happy it makes me to hear those three words coming out of her mouth. Never before has she noticed that night after night a meal is placed before her. Never before has it been acknowledged that I took the time to plan her meal. This is the payoff of being a Mom. Seeing your child grow and learn and become aware. I'm sure that when Lydia says thank you her gratitude is the result of a pleasant taste in her mouth and a full belly, but to me it means thank you for staying up all night to feed me when I was a baby. Thank you for giving me comfort when I have fallen down. Thank you for taking me fun places, getting the stains out of my clothes, cleaning up my spills and answering my incessant question of 'why?' Well Lydia, thank YOU for letting me be your mom.

I love autumn

The trees are turning colors and I LOVE IT! Mike was kind enough to act as chauffeur on a photo shoot where I got this picture as well as the last one. I love leaves crunching under my feet and watching them fall quietly to the ground
Along with leaves come those fun fall activities. We made bats out of black construction paper and hung them in the window. (Very exciting for a 3 year old.) Today we picked out a pumpkin and Monday we raked leaves for a widow across the street. Growing up in Idaho, I did not rake too many leaves. We raked the leaves from just one big old tree and it took us an hour. The pile was almost to my shoulders and about 10 feet long. When I took Lydia to school the next morning, the grass was covered again! I guess we will be back, but I think we are all excited about that because it felt so good to do some service.

A quick trip

As many of you know, I was in Idaho last week for my Grandma's funeral. Though my parents feel bad because they were busy with funeral arrangements and potato harvest, I had a wonderful time coming home. Mike had to stay in Indiana in order to finish some things up at school. The kids were great on the plane and excited to see their Grandma and Grandpa "playdough" The kids liked seeing Grandpa at work. What is cooler than driving tractors, motorbikes and big trucks around?
It was fun to see the potato harvest again. Nothing brings back memories like the smell of a dirt cellar.
This is a totally random picture. Colton loves this hat and always wants to wear it when we go out.
Swinging in the backyard at Grandma's. The kids will sure be excited when they can swing on the swingset Grandpa has made for them.
Oops, forgot to rotate this picture. Colton is in the rabbit cage. I had opened up the cage to give the rabbit the core of my apple, but Colton wanted to see the rabbit up close, and then that apple looked pretty good too, so he took a bite and then gave it back.
My brothers laying flowers on my Grandma's casket.
My siblings at the funeral.
Now I know these are not flattering pictures, but while I was home several people mistook me for my 9 years younger than me sister. We took these pictures one late night and I must say, we do look alike, even in our too tired I feel goofy state.

After our time in Idaho, we went down to Provo to see Mike's sister. Here are all the kids together enjoying popsicles.

We went to this fun place with all these trampolines all connected together. Afterward the kids were all very tired.