A Magical Christmas

I love celebrating Christmas...especially with kids! I love teaching them the true meaning of Christmas. I love listening to Jaxon sing "Picture A Christmas". I love that Ryker points to pictures of babies and says "sus" for Jesus.

I also love the magic of Christmas brought with anticipation that Santa and his reindeer are coming. I love that I can sing "you better not pout" and Jaxon changes his attitude immediately. Yes, every part of Christmas is more wonderful when it's through the eyes of a child.

Our Christmas celebrations started early with lots of family parties. One party (Brian's mom's side of the family) had Santa come. He was the real-deal! Jaxon was in complete awe. Ryker was scared out of his mind! Santa gave Jaxon his first Bakugan at the party, to which Jaxon told me. "Cross it off my list cause Santa already brought me one!"

We had a quiet Christmas Eve at home...just the way I like it! Jaxon found two presents under the tree and then had to search for the special note left by one of the elves. The boys opened their new pajamas, we read the story of the nativity, and sang "Picture A Christmas" (it was the favorite song this year!). As the boys were getting ready for bed we heard sleigh bells ringing outside our house! Jaxon was in the bathroom and ran out before he could go potty. We had to convince him that Santa would wait for him to use the bathroom. Once in bed we heard the bells once again. Jaxon came out of his room a few minutes later and insisted that Brian and I go to bed as well or else Santa wouldn't come. It was pretty cute! So we turned off all the lights and "went to bed". Too bad we couldn't go to sleep until 2:30 in the morning. Santa needs to do a little more earlier in the month next year so we can get some sleep!

The boys Christmas included: Bakugans, library card, slide, superman/batman cape, guitar, DVD's, games, He-Man castle and figures, soccer net, swords, Little People Farm/tractor, Leapster games, Zhu-Zhu pets, stomp rockets, flashlights, books, an ATM machine...And of course the boring things like: underwear, ties, shoes, shirts, pants, and diapers.

Ryker saw the slide and didn't care about anything else. We had to help him open every present. He would tear a little paper and then take off for his slide. He was in heaven! He has enjoyed the other gifts since they've been opened! :D

Jaxon still says "That was the best Christmas ever in my life!" That pretty much sums up his Christmas experience. His reactions to everything make all the effort worth it! :D

Brian and I were also well taken care of this Christmas. Our big item was a new bedroom set we purchased a month or so ago! Love it!! Other items included: a gym membership, Miche bag, Iron Gym, DVD's, the new Dan Brown book, and clothes.

It was a wonderful Christmas filled of magic and spent with everyone we love!

Sleeping Beauty

This is my niece Jovi. Isn't she cute?!? We are all so excited to have her playing with us today. We love babies at our house. And a girl baby? Well that's just a little too new and exciting!

I remember when I first started babysitting about 2 decades ago....sheesh I am old! I would stand over the baby's crib and wish for him/her to wake up. There were times, too many in fact, that I would actually pick them up from their crib while they were still sleeping just so they would wake up! Besides, what fun is babysitting if the baby is always sleeping? As it turns out a sleeping baby is a lot more fun than an extremely tired and screaming baby!

I've since learned my lesson. NEVER WAKE A SLEEPING BABY!!! Sometimes you must...and even then it seems so wrong. There is something so peaceful and beautiful about a sleeping baby.

So even though we are all dying for her to wake up (well, maybe not Ryker...he is such a jealous little guy :D....and mostly Jaxon, he has a major crush on her!!) we will let her sleep just a tiny bit longer...and I will clean the bathroom or finish the laundry.

Nah! Who am I kidding? I'm going to go watch Miss Jovi sleep for a few more minutes and then I might pick her up. Shhhh! Don't tell her mom and dad :D

Ideas Worth Sharing

A good idea is worth sharing, don't you think? Especially when it makes life easier. It is rare that I ever have good ideas of my own. Usually I just steal ideas from the rest of you.

Idea #1:Freezer Pancakes

Because of Ryker's different food allergies I have to make his pancakes from scratch. Many might ask why we all don't eat his pancakes instead of making two different kinds. I'm sure they taste great (I'm too chicken to try them!) but the bottom line is money. Soy milk is stinking expensive!

So here's what I do. About every other week I make a batch of pancakes for Ryker and one for Jaxon. I cook them up. Serve them what they will eat (usually about 2 each) and the rest I put in individually labeled freezer bags. Breakfast is quick and easy whether they want pancakes or cereal. I simply pull out their bags from the freezer and throw the pancakes in the toaster and toast em up!

Idea #2:Themed Menu

I like to cook. (Really, Brian, I do!) I just have a hard time answering the question "What's for dinner?" I also like to make weekly menus. I've found when I have a menu I spend a whole lot less at the grocery store and it makes fixing dinner a whole lot easier. Still, when it came time to write up the weekly menu I found myself in the same old rut.

The idea of a themed menu came from Brian eating tacos on Tuesday. Growing up every Tuesday was tacos. I personally can't eat tacos every week. It was Taco Tuesday that got me thinking about my family's eating preferences and was the motivation behind our weekly menu.

Here is our weekly menu with a few examples of things we've included:

Mexican Monday: Enchiladas, Taco Salad, Layered Burritos, Navajo Tacos (not really mexican but it fits our theme)

Crockpot Tuesday: Stew, Ranch Chicken, Italian Chicken, (usually something chicken!)

Sandwich Wednesday: French Dip, Hamburgers, Chicken Caesar Salad Roll-ups, Chicken Sandwiches, Subs, etc.

Left-over Thursday: this goes without saying...anything leftover from the week

Pizza Friday: pizza, pizza rolls, calzones, etc. Every other week we order pizza and on the off week we make our own pizza-type creations.

Breakfast/Misc. Saturday: We aren't home a lot on Saturday evenings (especially during football season!) but if we are we make waffles, omelets, french toast, pancakes or try another recipe I've been wanting to try.

Misc Sundays: The regular Sunday roast and potatoes or a new recipe like Sante Fe Chicken (delicious!), Chicken Pot Pie, or one of our favorites...fast Sunday Scones! We eat with family a couple times a month...and those are the best meals ever!!

Where's Ryker?

On top of the caselot items (and being so reverent about it)
Climbing into the wagon

On top of the table

In the cubbies.

Are you seeing a pattern?

The Sweetest Thing

I love this face.

This face shows complete adoration. This is a face in love.
This little face thinks his big brother is the greatest brother in all of existence.

And when the big brother has a face like this it's hard to disagree.

In all my life I don't think I could have ever understood the love between two brothers.

It is the sweetest thing.

One of the many reasons why I feel so blessed to call them mine.

Because Sometimes I Forget

I get in a rut sometimes with the whole playing the piano thing. Don't get me wrong, I love that I can play the piano. It's a wonderful talent that has blessed my life over and over again. But sometimes, especially lately, I've been feeling the whole "all I do every Sunday is sit behind the piano" so sorry for myself kind of blues. Wah.

Since I am in the primary and playing the piano I don't get a lesson...either to prepare or participate in. I should be studying the RS lessons, but let's be honest, I lack motivation and I don't do nearly as often as I need to. During sharing time the teacher in me gets a little crazy with the squirmy kids so I tend to spend the time helping kids sit still, sit quietly, sit with their hands and/or feet off the person next to and/or in front of them.

Yesterday I was grumbling a little more than usual because I had to go back to the church to play for the "Great to Be 8" and "Priesthood Preview" programs. Once again, I felt like my entire day was spent "just sitting behind the piano".

It wasn't until the Priesthood Preview program that the Spirit was able to teach me a much needed lesson. Our Bishop is an amazing man, if you know him you know what I mean, and gave such a great talk. In fact, all the talks were incredible. I sat there listening to the leaders of our ward talk about what a great responsibility these young boys were going to have as priesthood holders and the amazing brotherhood they will be able to experience at camps and in service to others. My thoughts turned to what a great responsibility we have as parents to raise our children so they can be worthy of this priesthood. How thankful I am for the blessings of the priesthood in my life.

It's because I play the piano that I was even there, being taught by the Spirit of our Heavenly Father's love for his children. I get to witness so many baptisms...because I play the piano. I can take part when others bear testimony through song...all because I have been blessed with the talent of playing the piano.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

18 Months

Our little Ryker-Bean is 18 months! Once again I am shocked at how fast the time has gone. He is such a busy and joyful little guy, so much busier than Jaxon ever was.

Here are 18 things about Ryker at 18 months:

1. Has 10 teeth...and more in the works
   
2. Loves to climb....everything!


3. Is traumatized by nursery


4. Adores his big brother


5. Gets really excited while watching football with his dad


6. Prefers to play with my eyeshadow over everything else in the bathroom


7. Absolutely LOVES to have his teeth flossed and brushed...and then chew on the toothbrush when it's his turn.


8. Has two volumes...off and LOUD


9. Weighs 19.1 pounds


10. Likes his binky and blanket when he's tired


11. Growls at every animal...picture or real


12. 4 letters B. U. S. Y! Oh, boy is he busy!!


13. Plays (pounds!) on the piano daily


14. Knows that putting on shoes mean we're going outside...he LOVES to put on his shoes!


15. Likes hot dogs, pancakes, Oreos, bananas, applesauce, and graham crackers


16. Is very tidy...he'll put anything back where it goes if you ask him to


17. Doesn't like dirty hands or food crumbs on his tray while he's eating


18. Makes our family smile every single day!!

We went to the allergist a few weeks ago hoping for really great news. It wasn't. His milk allergy has gone up 4 times! His nut allergy is also on the rise. The eggs however, are on a downward trend, so we're hoping that at his 2 year appointment he will be egg-allergy free!

There are times when I get so worried, stressed-out, frustrated over his food issues. Little things like the family in front of us at church eating Goldfish crackers and dropping a few(innocently) on the floor. We send him with his own snacks to nursery, but what if he takes a treat from another kid!?!? This is one reason why I'm not too upset over the fact that he won't go. We carry Epi-pens and pray we'll never have to use them.

One thing I've realized through all of this is that it really does take a village to raise a child. I am so grateful for so many people who have helped us with Ryker and his food issues. I have found so many people who have children with food allergies that are willing to share ideas, recipes, and give support. It's definitely not convenient having to read every single label and pack food every time we leave the house, but it's doable, and it could be so much worse.

*pictures by Terra @ Magnifique Photography

Halloween

Our Halloween festivities started early Saturday morning at my mom's house for pictures with the cousins. It's getting to be quite the bunch of kids, and quite difficult to get a decent picture of all of them.

Left: Jaxon (5), Ryker (18 mo), Isaac (3), Jeffrey (5), Lauren (5), Wyatt (3), Jayne (6), Garrett (3)
Right: Piper (1 wk), Carter (3wks), Jovi (8 wks)

The whole caboodle...including Roxy the 4-legged cousin (who was pirate dog)!

Jaxon went as a dinosaur and/or dragon. Depending on the moment he was something different! Ryker was a bear...and would never look directly at the camera (silly kid!).

Trick or Treating went a lot smoother with the help of our trusty wagon. It made the whole event a bit quicker and tear-free. Ryker was a little big bulky in that bear costume and a awkward to carry. Jaxon got tired of carrying his tail around and having it stepped on when he went to the doors.

Jaxon was so excited for all the candy ... especially since he gets 99% of Ryker's "bad candy" (i.e anything chocolate or nutty). Poor kid! We are so thankful that at least a few people passed out suckers and starbursts. Hopefully by the time he understands the concept of trick-or-treating these dang allergies will be a thing of the past!

I'm a slacker and never got a picture of our pumpkins because we never actually lit them! We had fun carving them and I did get one picture of Jaxon working on his pumpkin before I got busy with the others and forgot all documenting the event.

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin in the Patch

Jaxon went on his first field trip of the year last week. Ryker and I were happy to tag along. They went on a hayride to a pumpkin patch where they were able to take home as many pumpkins as they wanted.

The most fun was had tromping through the pumpkin patch with his friends in search of the perfect pumpkin. He found a good carving one right off the bat, but what he really wanted was a mini pumpkin.

This prized mini sits on his dresser...

out of reach of his little brother who thinks it's fun to throw anything that slightly resembles a ball.

Little Conversationalist

Ryker has 2 volumes...off and loud! It's really funny when he gets jabbering, unless of course we are in the middle of sacrament meeting. He's been "talking" a lot more lately and is saying things like: ball, done, mom, dadda, Jaxon (which sounds an awful lot like Dad, but I know the difference). Jaxon and Ryker frequently have conversations while we drive, mostly it's Jaxon talking to Ryker and Ryker yelling indiscernible words to Jaxon.

This was the conversation I heard between Ryker and Jaxon on the way home from church last week:

Jaxon: Did you cry in nursery Rykes?

Ryker: ya

(Seriously?!? Did Ryker just answer Jaxon's question?)

J: Did someone hurt you?

R: ya

J:Did they push you down? Huh? Did they?

R: ya

J:Was it a good person or a bad person?

R: aye a baw baw-aw daa baw ayaaaaaaaaaaaaa

(okay, this is more like it.)

J:Oh, I know. It was a good person who made a bad choice, huh Rykes?

*For the record: On Ryker's first Sunday in nursery he lasted 1 hour. Wahoo! I was thrilled. Second time going to nursery? 10 minutes.

Here is a little video taken while we were in Lake Tahoe. This little muchkin makes me smile!!

D Homework

Jaxon had the option of drawing a dinosaur for his classroom bulletin board for his homework this week. He's been asking to paint ever since we painted the basement. So I pulled out the watercolors and let him paint his favorite dinosaur....Giganotosaurus (jig-a-no-toe-sore-us). Never heard of it? Me either, until I watched Dinosaur Train and met Deloris Giganotosaurus. Go ahead and ask him. He'll tell you all about it. Thanks again PBS for educating my child!

Toothless Joe Jaxon and Mr. Grumpy Pants Explained

A week ago we saw cousin Lauren's first loose tooth. Later that day, Jaxon informed me that he also had a loose tooth. Uh huh. Sure. Just like when one kid says they went to Disneyland over UEA, suddenly they ALL went to Disneyland over UEA. Jaxon hasn't hit that stage yet, so I really should have believed him. A day or two later I realized that something was wrong with Jaxon's mouth. His tooth was crooked. As I examined further it was confirmed that he did indeed have a loose tooth....just like Lauren.


We saw Lauren again last Friday, but this time without her tooth. She told Jaxon all about the Tooth Fairy that came to her house and left her money. That was motivation enough. Jaxon continued to wiggle that tooth and on Sunday, after it was sticking straight out, we decided that it was safer to remove the tooth than to have him swallow it while eat during dinner.


It took some convincing that the blood was part of the process (he still freaks out at the sight of blood!) and didn't even realize it when Brian pulled the tooth out.Jaxon loves showing everyone the hole in his mouth and the cool gold coin ($1 coin) the Tooth Fairy left. He's got another loose tooth and brushes religiously so he'll get gold coins instead of pennies for his teeth! This has been Ryker for the last few days. Miserable, ornery, snotty-nosed, and tired....because he hasn't been sleeping.

We've done a whole lot of snuggling, consoling, and pulling our hair out because we thought it was a cold and there's nothing you can do for a baby with a cold.

Then I snapped this picture of Ryker today while he played the piano. When I downloaded it I noticed a white little speck on the right side of his mouth. Could it be? Yes it is! Molars! That explains everything. Upon further inspection I can see that he has 2 molars coming in on the bottom, one on each side! Now we know, and knowing is half the battle.

I Know

While I was pregnant with Jaxon I was called to jury duty. I was so excited! Not many people ever get the opportunity to be on a jury. I had a fascination with government and law. I loved John Grisham books, Law and Order. I was excited to be a part of the process and see what it was really like.

The trial was a murder trial. A little girl had died and others had been seriously injured. The man had plead guilty and it was the jury's job to decide the sentencing. I took my responsibility very seriously. I couldn't watch the news, read the newspaper, or talk about the trial to anyone.

Not long into the trial, possibly two or three days, things went from interesting to disturbing to frightening. I was stuck in the most horrific of horror films. The most offensive language was quoted by prison wardens. Pictures, diagrams, threats, weapons. I couldn't escape. It was my job to sit there, to listen, to weigh the facts without prejudice.

I cried a lot of tears during the trial. I didn't want to be there anymore. I didn't want to hear about the pain this man caused, the lives forever changed by his actions, nor did I want to be partly responsible for how he spent the rest of his life, but I really didn't have a choice.

One night I remember kneeling in prayer and asking for help. Help to be able to be do what I had been asked to do, to feel safe, to be protected from the images and words that were being seared into my brain. The impression came: read the scriptures.


The next day I went to a park by myself instead of going to eat with the other jurors. As I ate my lunch I read from the Book of Mormon. I don't remember what I read, but I remember how I felt. Peaceful. Strengthened. Encouraged.


The trial continued in the same way it had been before and eventually ended. He was sentenced to life in prison without ever having the chance of parole.

I've only sat on the jury for one trial, but being human I have been through a lot of personal trials. Trials because I made poor choices and had to suffer the natural consequences, trials caused by the actions of others, and trials because life isn't perfect...we are all prone to sickness, broken down cars, unemployment, etc.

During these trials of life I have come to know, without any doubt, these truths:
1. I know that prayers are heard and answered, not always in the way I think is best, but always in the way that is best for me. There have been times in my life when I tried to pray and all I could do was sob. I didn't need to use words. My Heavenly Father knew what I needed. At times the answer comes in the peaceful reassurance that He is there, He is aware, and I am not alone.

2. I know that I have a loving Father in Heaven that knows me individually, cares for me personally, and loves me unconditionally.

3. I know the Book of Mormon is true. There is a power and a spirit in that book that brings peace, reassurance, and guidance to my life.

4. I know that praying and reading the scriptures doesn't necessarily change the trials in my life, but they change me... and make me more like who I am striving to be.

How We Spent Our Summer Vacation

This summer we finished our basement. By "we" I hope you know that I mean we wrote the check to make it happen. Brian helped "the worker guys" (as Jaxon called them) do miscellaneous things and we did all the painting. Phew! They say life is a dance and you learn as you go...sometimes you lead and sometimes you just pray that the song will end so you can sit down. Well, during this dance we learned A LOT and I am so glad it's 99.999% done.

Besides resealing the tile in the kitchen, building the shelves in our storage room, installing blinds, and getting all the furniture...I am happy to say that the basement is finished!

Can we get a great big hallelujah from the crowd!?!?

Here are the before and after pictures:

North side of the house

Left: View from basement door Right: View from far west wall.

North wall looking south

(the door is at the bottom of the stairs)

South side of house
Left: View from far east wall (garage on the other side) Right: View from the far west wall

HALLWAY

Left: Bedroom #1 and under-stair storage Right:Bathroom and food storage room

Left: Looking west Right: Looking east

(the door sticking out is a pocket door to separate the basement if someone is staying with us)

BEDROOMS

Left: North bedroom Right: South bedroom

FAMILY ROOM

Left: view from hallway Right: view from fireplace

(door on the right goes to playroom)

Another view of the fireplace and the toyroom cubbies!!

Love them, love them, L.O.V.E. love them!!

The toyroom isn't very big, but it's big enough and it has been oh, so heavenly!

BATHROOM

Does it need an explanation? It's located on the south side of the house.

KITCHEN

Left: Kitchen Right: view from kitchen door

The cabinets were a nightmare, but thankfully we have very generous and talented friends. Thank you Dave and Ken!! They are beautiful!!!

view from hallway: Family room/game room and kitchen

Soon after moving in my dad built the walk-out in the basement with the intent of putting an apartment of sorts in for my brother Trevor. He subsequently moved to Korea to teach English. We've always talked of finishing the basement with the same goal...a place for friends or family to stay...a place for our family to grow and enjoy.