Mini Me

This may not be the best picture in the world, but it sums up my little Lindsay-Lou! She cracks me up! She is at the age where she mimics everything! It is pretty cute! The other night I was on the phone and I turned around to find Lindsay on "her phone" leaning against the wall just like I had been and carrying-on an eerily familiar conversation with one of her "friends." (Notice the crossed ankles even! I didn't realize I do that, but I do!) Jeff took a quick pic with his phone for evidence. Funny girl!

White Christmas...Eve

We were really excited about all the snow we got this year right before Christmas! The kids had lots of fun playing together. Of course, Lindsay never lasted more than about 10 minutes. Wouldn't it be great if they would play outside for hours instead of coming right back in with all sorts of snow all over them? Oh well--good thing we have a mud room! Although now I think we could use a bigger one or more hangers with all these wet snow clothes! Here are some highlights of Christmas Eve.

Does someone want a snowball fight?


Looks like a White Christmas!


Snow Angel--Calvin


Lauren and Lindsay taking in all the snow!


Lindsay's not sure what to think about this much snow! "Is this supposed to be fun? I can barely move!" She couldn't really get up on her own. Thankfully, her sisters and brother took good care of her!


What is better than tons of snow to play in while you're waiting for Santa?

This year's Christmas Card

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Winter Holidays!

Calvin's Christmas Program this year was way cute! All the second graders worked together to put on a "Winter Holidays Program." (I know, soooo political! You've got to cover everybody these days!) Anyway... his class sang and spoke about Hanuka. Another class covered Kwanzaa (Lindsay's happy about that). Two classes sang about Christmas--yeah, finally! Then Calvin got to don an elf hat and push Santa's sleigh! And for the icing on the cake--he sang a solo in the final song, "Let There Be Peace On Earth!" He was so cute! I wish we had an updated video camera that didn't need to be plugged into an outlet to work, so we could have recorded it! He sang in the center of the stage at the top of his lungs (nearly), but on tune! He had about three different spots in the song where he solo'd (I know that's not spelt correctly, but soloed looks weird to me!) and then the remainder of the children joined in on the chorus--we were so proud! (I must say I am a little befuddled by two of my kids being willing to sing solo's for school programs! They are much braver than I!) The cutest part of all was when the girl next to him wasn't spaced quite right and they were to join hands at the end. There he is in front of everyone trying his best to keep his grip on the hand of the boy to the right of him, yet reaching his best for the girl to his left. After three times of trying, he finally ignored the breach in the choreography and continued on as if nothing was wrong...the show must go on! It was fun to see him doing such a great job. Love you Cal!

You'd never have guessed that we had such a struggle convincing him that a long sleeve white shirt means this (above) not a blue polo shirt with long white sleeves underneath! Serenity now! (Don't worry, we're still enjoying the journey, just sometimes you still need the "Serenity now!" shout out. Right?

Am I seeing double?

Finally! We finally found someone in our family that would wear our "Elmo Head" in the spirit in which it was created! I made this "Elmo Head" about twelve years ago for Lauren's second Halloween. She loved Elmo so we got her some red sleeper pajamas and even some Elmo house slippers--they were really cute with Elmo's beady little eyes on top. I figured out how to make the hat out of some fleece and foam balls that I painted (remember Traci?) to look like Elmo's head. The costume was so cute, but the second we put it on, Lauren cried and cried. Every picture the entire night is of Lauren looking like she is in being terrorized. Don't you just love it when your best intentions are subverted by your little ones?

Fast forward twelve years...Lindsay came down from the playroom last night holding "Tickle Me Elmo." (Yes, the original--given to Lauren from Aunt Ashli that same Christmas of the Halloween debacle--seriously, she really did love Elmo! Can you believe we still have it?) Jeff and I started tickling her and telling her she looked like Elmo. She loved it and we got the idea to see if we still had that Elmo head laying around. Surprise, surprise--look what we found! She loved it and didn't cry at all! Well, at least someone appreciates my handy work! Finally!

Mother of the Year Award goes to....

...not me. A couple of weeks ago Calvin and I were in the kitchen together. We had a conversation that went a little bit like this. "Mom, if we don't get a baby brother, can I be adopted by one of my friend's families?" Huh? I was a bit shocked and said something like, "Why would you want to go live with someone else?" Then he said something like, "Because I really want a brother." I came back with, "Wouldn't you miss us?" To which he thought about it for a minute and shrugged, as if to say, "I don't know." I stewed for a minute and then chose to reply with a tender teaching moment, "Sometimes you can't control what you are given. Heavenly Father sends you what He thinks is right for you. What would you think if we got another baby sister?" He didn't respond and I thought we had come to an understanding, until he said out of the blue several minutes later..."yeah, I want to be adopted." So if you see something that looks a little like this picture, with the addition of a red handkerchief holding all his possessions and tied to a stick that's resting on his shoulder, you'll know that Calvin has left us for greener pastures!

I think things have smoothed out a bit since and he wants to stay with us...I think. So much for that Primary Song "Families can be Together Forever." Just warms a mother's heart! Not!

Time for a Check-up

We all (yes the entire family) went to the Dentist's today for our check-ups. Lindsay was getting impatient in the waiting room, so she and I went to see how Calvin was doing. Lindsay thought it looked like a lot of fun, so the nice Dentist and Hygenist let her have a turn, even though she's not really old enough yet. Look at all the stuff they let her hold--even "Mr. Sippy!" Notice the pleased look on her face!

Time for counting teeth! How many kids do you know that actually smile during their exam?

Open wide!

Perfect teeth! Nice job Lindsay!

I think I know where Lindsay might want to go for her Birthday this year! (I say this because when I was about 5 I wanted to go to the Doctor for my birthday--I guess I thought that was a pretty cool place, too!)

Snow!!!

I hope everyone reading this loves snow, because it's going to be all about that for a minute! I am so excited that it is finally really snowing! We had a little bit of snow for Thanksgiving and it felt so cozy! We stayed in a cabin with Jeff's side of the family for the weekend. When we arrived there was a definite lack of snow, but as we woke up in the morning--yup, we found SNOW! Immediately things felt cozier inside. The kids played in the snow as much as they could and grandma made real hot chocolate. Good times. I'm telling you, there's something about snow!

Doesn't that look fun? It was great and we were really getting in the Christmas frame of mind...but then we came home and--yup, NO SNOW! It was a little hard to feel Christmas-y, ya know? Maybe it had something to do with our family speaking in church the very next day! Hmmmm...can't be sure. Anyway, now that it's snowing--Yippee! It just makes me want to bake some cookies while I listen to Christmas music and wrap presents, if only I had all my shopping done...I think we'll still be able to make the most of it--how's that for enjoying the journey?

Happy Kwanzaa?

Funny Lindsay...This morning she was sitting at our electric piano playing along to the programed song "Silent Night." Calvin and I were commenting on how nice it sounded. Calvin asked, "Lindsay, are you playing 'Silent Night'?" She said, "Yep, for Kwanzaa." What? I guess it's time we start to Celebrate our Heritage!

We're going to the Zoo, zoo, zoo....

What do you do when all the kids are off school the day before Thanksgiving? Lay around the house and wait for Thanksgiving to come? Noooooo! You go to the zoo! That's a great place to see real alive turkeys! Did you know that they don't really gobble? They sort of screech! We got some up close and personal time with quite a few! Our Goodman cousins came with us--what a fun day! Here's the whole gang with a gorilla! He was so good to hold still while all the kids piled on!

Lauren had so much fun she started to actually turn into a tortoise!

The mandatory picture by the gorillas, with a slightly different slant on it! Can you see everyone? Lauren, Alli, Zack, Todd, Bryan, Calvin, Tyler, Jenni and Lindsay (Jake was in his stroller!)

Lindsay and cousin Jenny really liked these tigers. He even let Lindsay pull on his ears!

This picture cracks me up--everyone is posing, but Lindsay has to read the map right now!

Calvin was pretty proud of himself when he finally tamed this wild leopard!

The whole gang again on this poor Rhino! I am surprised no one was gored!

Alli is finally coming out of her shell!

This is how Lindsay preferred to tour the zoo! Pushing poor Jake! Aunt Kanani was nice to let her help push so much!

Cool elephant pose. We were glad he wasn't squirting water, like he does in the summer!

This was a better option than cleaning the house for Thanksgiving, right?

Rubik's Cube

Calvin has some cute friends who inherited their uncle's Rubik's Cube. So naturally, that is all he could talk about for all of last week. We had an imitation one that a had been taken apart and put back together again by his older sister and himself, but it wouldn't go back together the last time he tried to "solve" it. He gave me a dollar to buy a new one, but he didn't want the fake cube--he wanted the real deal. I told him it would cost about $10 and he thought that was worth it! Every time I would come home from the store he would ask about the cube and I would keep forgetting to get him one. (Does that ever happen to you?) I finally made a special trip last weekend to pick it up. He was so excited when he got home from school--until he realized how hard it was. He was a little surprised because his friend's dad could solve it with his eyes closed! (I'd still like to see that, Jason) We talked about how puzzles are meant to be difficult, so he shouldn't be discouraged. And I told him I didn't know how to do it either. The cube did come with a guide to solving the puzzle, but I remember not even being able to understand the instructions as a youngin'. I told him I would try to figure it out, and after at least an hour of trying late Saturday night, I finally did it! I can solve the Rubik's Cube! (Of course, I need the instructions in front of me and it may take a couple of tries--I mix up clockwise, and counter-clockwise, sometimes.) Of course my kids were impressed and I can't deny that I was pretty happy with myself, too. Until, that is, I found this video on-line: http://www.maniacworld.com/one-handed-rubiks-cube.html I've learned a lesson--humility is an important part of the journey. Accept it or it may be forced upon you!

The Nose Knows!

Funny little story about our visit to the "For Every Body Outlet" yesterday. Lindsay and I went to their big sale--I'd never been. I knew Lindsay's nose was sensitive, but didn't think about what walking into a store like that would be like for her. She immediately grabbed her nose and complained about the smells! Then she got of whiff of the sugar cookie candle and began jumping around, hugging my legs and saying "Yay, cookies." When she realized we weren't going to be eating cookies she was pretty disappointed--whimpering, crying, almost laying on the floor to start a tantrum. As any good Mom knows, we needed a distraction! I talked her into helping me find more candles and she reluctantly followed me into the back section where we found some votive candles and sure enough--we found some in the sugar cookie variety. Lindsay was so excited! I let her carry a little 9 pack (just $1) around while I searched the store. Soon I noticed that she was munching on something--you guessed it--she was eating the sprinkles off the top of the candles! She is soo much like her Mom! Oh, no! Luckily we had some fruit snacks to exchange and everyone was happy, but not before several people commented on my two-year-old "sampling" the sprinkles. I think we've pointed out an important safety hazard--those candles smell good enough to eat!

Walnuts

Did you know that one walnut tree produces a lot of walnuts? My sister knows this--she cut down her walnut tree a few years ago! Did you also know that the outer covering--not the shell--gets a little slimy when it's been on the wet ground? And did you know that picking-up the walnuts from the ground is only the beginning of the process? Grandma called last week to see if we wanted the walnuts from her tree. "Sure!" I said, "The kids will think this is awesome!" And they did. (I remember cracking macadamia nuts as a child when I was little--strange how when I was done, there weren't as many nuts as when I started--they were tasty!) We had fun picking-up walnuts and even raced me to see who could get the most. In 1/2 hour we had 4 shopping bags full! Grandma kept saying, "Oh, Julie, I'm sorry, that's a lot of walnuts." I thought again to myself, "It will be a good job for the kids to crack the walnuts open and remove the nuts." Nothing like hard work and the reward of seeing the fruits of your labors! Well, as we all know, life goes on and gets busier and busier, so the bags sat in my garage for a few days. Each time I would see them I began thinking "who would like some walnuts?" I was able to pass one of the largest bags onto a friend who loves to bake with them and isn't afraid of a little hard work--yeah! But the day finally arrived when I knew we must take care of the walnuts. So we went outside (smart call to go outside, BTW) one beautiful afternoon last week with the hammer and a cutting board and went for it. My kids helped and soon were competing to see who could pull out the nut completely in tact. It was a lot of fun, but pretty back breaking--I should have found a place to sit. We even had some neighbor friends join in the fun. So now that the walnuts are shelled, washed, dried, and bagged what do I do with all these walnuts that I couldn't give away? I found a solution--candied walnuts! I'm saving some for baking, but Jeff gets cankers from walnuts! Oh well! Fun memories for our journey!

Thanksgiving Memories

Indulge me while I go down memory lane for a bit (No, this is not a picture of my first Thanksgiving--The First Thanksgiving--pretty, huh?) I love Thanksgiving. The combination of family, amazing food--in large quantities, football games, Christmas movies, snoozing, and lounging around gets me excited. I love the cozy and contented feelings that Thanksgiving evokes. We are so blessed! Of course when I think of Thanksgiving, I think of my Mom's (actually Aunt Mona's) awesome stuffing--yes, we call it stuffing at our house, although dressing is much more sophisticated. Grandma's hot rolls that you put a pat of butter in and close it up, until it melts--yum! I could actually stop there. Those two items alone would be an awesome thanksgiving meal for me--I know, CARBS! Oh well. I do enjoy the turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy, as well as the green bean casserole--my in-laws often call it "Julie Casserole." (I know, they love me!) And let's not forget the PIES! I love all the choices, although that makes it harder for me to choose and so I usually end up with the seasonal favorite--PUMPKIN! Luckily there are always leftovers later on that night (when you can barely begin to think about eating again) and that's when you get to the other pies you couldn't quite fit in after that huge dinner! And who doesn't love a little turkey sandwich, mustard, etc on a roll for dinner? YUMMY!

This year we are doing something completely different. We are going to a cabin in Heber to spend with my in-laws for Thanksgiving day and the weekend! I am really looking forward to being cozy in a cabin and having nothing to do but be together. After all, that's what the journey is really all about!

A Little Advice

If I were you, and you had a two year-old that was upstairs in her sister's bathroom for a while.... I wouldn't ignore that mother voice that is wondering what she's up to. I'd run (don't walk) upstairs to make sure she isn't getting into anyone's leftover Halloween makeup! Or you could end up with someone that looks a little like this, telling you "I'm so pretty!" And of course, she is!

Tag You're It!

I've been tagged again. I think by now you know a little too much about me, but for the sake of playing along, here goes. I'm supposed to list 6 of my quirks.

I have a really hard time deciding what to order at restaurants. I really don't want to make a bad choice. I always have a back-up and usually spend the majority of the time checking out everything on the menu and asking everyone else what they are getting. Then when the waiter comes, I have everyone else order and then I panic and order my back-up. It's usually just fine, because my back-up is usually my regular choice, so I know I'll like it. I know--quirky!

I can flip my tongue over in both directions--left to right, and right to left.

I have to have my house picked-up before I can sit down to read, nap, watch TV, etc.

I walk, talk and even sing in my sleep. Jeff has gotten pretty used to it by now and will just say "Julie go to bed."

I love to eat and talk about food. I think I inherited this quirk--when anyone has been on a trip we always ask "How was your trip?" immediately followed by "What did you eat?"

My husband says I like to make up stories for people. It sort of bugs him, because I usually use my stories to rise to someone's defense--even if I don't know them. I always think there's got to be a reason for people to be acting the way they are, besides that they are just idiots (which is what my husband usually decides).

So now it's your turn--Steph, Mandy, Ash, Angelle, Talia...and anyone else--give it a try!

Don't Be Scared!

Scary Pirate Pumpkin! Nice one Alli!

A Scary Halloween is when your 13 year old takes over the carving of the pumpkins! She did a great job. No quick trips to Insta-Care! She carved Cinderella's Coach for Lindsay and helped Calvin with his Clone Trooper pumpkin.

Lauren was a beautiful princess. (A little scary for her parents!)

Calvin was Commander Cody. Don't be scared--his gun isn't loaded!

Alli and her friends headed to a Halloween Party. Scary that she's already going to Halloween Parties. (She's the cute pirate on the left.)


Our traditional candy swap. Alli won! "Look at all our candy!" Daddy was scared they might actually eat all that candy! We all laughed at him. "Don't worry, Dad, we can handle it!"

Lindsay wasn't scared, she was excited to get everyone's "Pa-ta-toe!" (I guess that sounds sort of like Playdough?)

Halloween was a little different this year--the 24 hour flu in the early morning hours made it scary! But by night-time, Calvin felt well enough to go around our little block with Lauren, and Lindsay stayed home with us. We managed fine, although Lindsay never wore her costume--except to our ward party. I'm sure she'll be wearing it often for dress-ups. It's nice to know we can handle that sort of bump along our journey.

America on Parade

Thursday night, before all the sickness hit our house (just before), we went to Alli's play at school. She had a solo (albeit one line long) in "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." She did a wonderful job and was even in tune! There were six different classes in the play and they sang songs and recited key documents in our country's history. They recited the "I have a Dream" speech, "The Gettysburg Address," "The Preamble to the Constitution," among others (I don't remember them all). Some classes even danced--it was cute! We left feeling very patriotic and inspired! It reminded Jeff and me of participating in patriotic programs when we were little. I wish we had more of these programs. It was a fun night--We loved it!

Alli dressed-up like an antebellum girl.

"And we'll all be glad when Johnny comes marching home."

"Make America Proud of You!"