Christmas Lessons 2015

Each year at the beginning of the Christmas season I think about what will make this Christmas memorable or different or whatever else. This last year has been an adjustment to three kids and I feel that this Christmas was busier and crazier than normal trying to accomplish the never ending to-do list. But as Christmas has now come and gone I have thought about a couple of things I’ve learned from this Christmas season that I wanted to write down, even if I’m the only one who reads it.

I often think of this quote from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” Two experiences made this particularly poignant to me this year.

#1 Earlier this fall when doing some testing for my oldest he was asked what he would wish for if he was given three wishes. The doctor told my husband and me that he had asked our son this and asked us to guess what the answers were. Now I start asking my kids early what they want for Christmas and they are quite creative making up toys that don’t exist so I figured it was something like that. I was shocked when the doctor told us that our son had wished for his own house and family of his own (when he is older) and to be kind.

#2 I got the chance to take my boys shopping to buy a present for each other. We decided last year this would be a good chance/lesson for them to use their own money to buy something for each other. I first shopped with the oldest and we counted his money while at Target so he knew how much he had. He was ready to spend ALL his money on something awesome for his little brother. It was quite sweet. I then shopped with my youngest son and went through the same thing of counting his money at the store. And just like his brother, he was ready to spend ALL his money on a cool present for his brother. It was wonderful to see this moment twice separate from each other how both of my boys wanted to give all they had to their brother. That same brother that they fight with most of the day long and leg tackle and yell at and punch, etc.

These two made me realize I need to focus my priorities and see things more simply. My boys are such wonderful examples to me. I hope all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year!

A little Busy

We've been a little busy around here as this little sweet pea joined our family over 7 weeks ago!

We love this baby sister!

Can you tell some boys just love being big brothers?

We love our little family of 5!

Positive Challenge - Day 5

Here we are at Day 5, five days later than day 4. There are positive things that happen each day and most are rather small but focusing on them helps make things better. Here we go:

1. Baseball game for FHE. We tried to go Saturday as part of our Summer Fun list but it was postponed because of the rain. I'm glad we finally made it tonight. 

2. I enjoy food and making it for my family (most of the time!). I especially love when my kids love what I make, today was a success with poppy seed muffins for breakfast and fish for dinner. 

3. Tomorrow I celebrate 8 years with this guy! 

This was us at the Ogden Temple open house a bit over a week ago. We got to celebrate Friday night which was great, tomorrow is the one Tuesday I work in August each year. Each year gets better and better, it has been a wonderful ride and I am excited for what the future will bring and that I have my best friend by my side. 

Patriotic Little Ones

I always remember loving America and love that my boys do too. This morning I put out the flag for the USA world cup game. I told the boys what I was doing and the Small One responded, "Now everyone can see our flag wave!" They are so passionate and I love it.
This was the guys last night at the gardens. Google+ has a #PaintUSA to paint your face for the world cup, just in time for the 4th of July as well in my opinion. 

Entry Refreshed

Remember when I posted an in progress picture of the board and batten we were working on in the entry? Oh yeah that was back in January. I helped my sister do her entry as well, the whole idea started with her. Here are a couple of pictures when we first moved in almost 4 years ago. 

Pretty boring

The stairs are the only interest in the space

Ready to be painted, the tape is the green. 

Painted and deciding if we should paint the doors or not. 

Still needs some interest so the idea to pant the bench comes in. 

All painted, including the doors

I moved some things around and made the pattern on either side of the picture. The idea came from here. And as I was taking a couple pictures today I realized the pattern from the mirror is repeated with that little toilet paper art. I should have seen that before, ha!

Complete with hooks and painted bench. I love how the bench turned out. 

I really do love the way the whole project turned out, it is amazing the difference it makes. It is funny how after we painted the Smart One said that he always thought the walls were white but obviously not with the "Dove White" next to it. The inspiration and ideas to build the project came from this entry and this dining room. It is always nice to get a project finished!

The letter Q

The Silly One was learning about the letter Q one day at school. They made a crown for the "Queens of the House." He was so excited to give it to me and I was happy to wear it. 

I often don't feel like a queen while cleaning up this and that, changing poop in pull-ups or countless other things that happen in a day. But hugs and love from my boys definitely make me feel closer to that!

Photo of the Day - Laugh

Laugh was actually the challenge for yesterday but I loved this picture. The boys think they are pretty funny. One thing they love to do is put on their Daddy's shoes and show him they are wearing them. Of course he makes a big deal so it is even more fun for them. This was the Small One this morning:

Photo of the Day - Delicate

This is the photo that was supposed to be for the 9th but don't worry, today's is not far behind. Guess what is in bloom? Seriously I bet you wish you had this beauty blooming on your counter in January. I love this flower!

Photo of the Day - on the counter

This was actually yesterday's picture, I fell asleep while the Smart One was working on the wireless. So it is a photo of something I love on my counter. I love plants and I have a Christmas cactus that seems to prefer blooming in January. I prefer it to be that way because then I have beautiful flowers to enjoy when the world is frozen outside.

I will definitely take pictures when it is in full bloom. 

What do you want for Christmas little boy?

Every time I think of sitting on Santa's lap all I can hear in my head is the scene in "A Christmas Story." Things like, "I like the Wizard of Oz. I like the Tin Man." "Football? What's a football?" On to my story:

We went to a Christmas party with my sister and the big man was there. This is the first year the Silly One has actually wanted to sit on Santa's lap and talk to him. This was a big deal. Sometimes it is hard being a parent and really knowing what your kid wants for Christmas. It is easy when they are little and they are just excited to get a present. Last year the Silly One became obsessed with wanting a Mack truck (from the Cars movies) in early December. I just kept waiting for that to happen this year because whenever I'd ask him he would make some crazy thing up (ie: a huge Santa that would move and talk on its own, seriously sounds creepy to me). I figured this was my chance, he would tell Santa what he wanted and I would finally know. 

He first stood next to Santa and talked to him. We then convinced him to sit on his lap to get a picture with Santa and the Small One. As we walked away, I asked the Silly One what he asked Santa for. He responded, "I told him I wanted a Samurai Castle just like mine for my brother." This is what Santa brought him last year. My heart melted, my sweet boy didn't ask for anything for himself but instead something he likes for his brother. (Now true, he could be thinking that if there were two he wouldn't have to share but I'll stick with the sweet thought.) What a wonderful example to me of the true Christmas spirit, being Christlike to those around us and being truly selfless. 

Legos and my boys!

I love being a mom, that is the truth! But to be totally honest, it is hard to be a mom. It can be exhausting and frustrating and at times bring me to tears. It is also one of the most rewarding things in the world. As hard as it is to be a mom at times I wouldn't trade it for anything, really ANYTHING. 

I had one of those great moments tonight. Usually on Thursdays I am so ready for bedtime and usually because the Smart One goes to scouts so I do bedtime solo. The Silly One wanted to play with Legos so while I was doing dinner he was working on building a race car. He got Legos for Christmas and has been loving them and is even getting pretty good at building things and modifying to make them his own. We ate dinner as a family and the Smart One was off to scouts and I cleaned up. Once the dishwasher was loaded I helped finish the race car. I got totally sucked in, we ended up making two more cars and the boys and I had a race. A race in which started simple but then the rules changed mid-race and all of a sudden the cars could fly. :) It probably sounds silly but while we were playing I had the thought how wonderful it is to be a mother of boys. I am grateful for these two crazy boys!

On a side note, I have been meaning to post the sweet flower my Silly One gave me on Mother's Day.

The middle says, "I Love My Mom because. . ."

Each petal has his answer to a question:

My favorite thing to do with my Mom: Play games

My Mom is good at: making stuff and playing basketball

My Mom is as beautiful as: a flower

My Mom teaches me: to tie my shoes

My Mom loves me because: she makes yummy stuff

My Mom makes the best: Chocolate stuff

Apparently I make a lot of good food. :) This made my day. See didn't I tell you being a Mom was the best? So worth it.

Dapper Dudes

There is seriously something I just love about church/dress clothes on little boys. Or maybe it is just my little boys. :) Yesterday before church:

 And this guy went to Nursery officially for the first time. We are looking to good times ahead at church! 

Excitement of a Child

On our way home from the store tonight I stopped to pick up the mail. I noticed a couple of postcards in the mail for the boys as I got it. I got back in the car and told the Silly One there was something for him, he could hardly wait to get home. Once home I showed him the postcard and it was from Grandpa and Grandma who have been in Arizona this week. He loved looking at the picture and when I read the back to him. Tonight when he said his prayer he told Heavenly Father he loved many things and one of them was, "I love my mail!" It was so sweet. I need to remember to "love" and enjoy the simple things. 

Home Improvements

Anytime I improve a space in my home I definitely see the good in that! I love the little projects and getting what I envisioned done. I think the Smart One just likes to get them done and I like to believe he is pleased with the outcome as well. Remember my Master Bedroom project from last winter? The Smart One gave me some lamps for Christmas to complete the look. I love them!

And then we have the half bath. I started to re-do this room in the fall and just didn't get it finished until this last weekend. I convinced the Smart One that it was ok to paint a small room purple. And yes, the same purple as our headboard. (Aren't I a lucky girl?) When I first did he told me he felt oppressed every time he went in there. 

Before - July 2010

I didn't paint all the walls, just three and then behind the toilet I wanted wallpaper. There still are a couple of things to finish. I am going to frame the mirror and then figure something to put on the wall. Maybe a couple of floating shelves? We'll see, but so far so good. 

After - January 2013: Paint and wallpaper!
I wanted a wallpaper that added some pattern, not really more color. 

Close up of the wallpaper I love!

I have another project in mind, not quite in the works, to use more of the wallpaper. I am excited! I love getting these types of projects finished. 

Dandelions

I remember as a little girl thinking these were the most beautiful flowers and our yard and field had many of them. It was wonderful especially because I knew my mother loved them too. At least that is what she told me when I would bring them to her. I grew up and learned the reality of this little or in some cases huge weed. I did not like them, until today. 

I was out in the yard pulling some weeds and watering the garden when the Silly One came up to me with a small dandelion in his hand and said, "Mom! I got this flower for you." This is the first flower he has picked and given to me of his own doing. It was so sweet and I told him I loved it. 

What to buy when

I love saving money, it actually is a bit of a hobby. I am a couponer and I search out deals. I am not crazy about coupons like some people but I definitely use them on stuff my family uses or needs. So when I read an article in Parents magazine called "A Year's Worth of Deals" last week it was right up my alley. Some of the items were no-brainers but I thought it was a great overview and something to remember for the future. I considered tearing the page out to keep it and then remembered whenever I do that I end up losing it and whatever I wanted to remember I don't. (Am I the only one that this happens to?) Anyway that is one reason I love pinterest, it saves me from losing stuff. So posting this here I am doing it for my benefit and maybe someone else will find it useful too.

Janurary:
Luggage - prices drop to get rid of what didn't sell during the holidays with the travel push.
Sports Equipment - prices are lower during the colder/off-season months
Exercise Equipment - take advantage of those who made healthy New Year's resolutions
Linens - it has been a traditional sale in January since 1878.
Furniture - new styles come in February so they need to make room

February:
TV's - good deals before Super Bowl Sunday
Cameras & Camcorders - Electronics trade shows happen in January so last year's models will be discounted for new products
Winter clothes - Spring and Summer approaching so now you can stock up for next year. (I do this especially with kids clothes).

March:
Grills - getting ready for spring and retailers want to unload last year's models.

April:
SAVE YOUR MONEY - retailers anticipate you getting a tax refund so many places will actually increase prices.

May:
Vacuums - New models come out in June, get rid of the older models

June:
Tools - prices drop in time for Father's Day

July:
Furniture - Second round of new styles come in August so the old inventory needs to go

August:
Summer Clothes - Fall and Winter around the corner so stock up on warm weather clothes for next season.
Computers - Retailers want to get in on the back to school action
Small Appliances - Microwaves and toasters want to see back to school action as well.

September:
Cars - Dealers are eager to move inventory for new models. Best selection will be now although prices may drop further towards the end of the year.
Outdoor Equipment - Stores are getting ready to sell snow blowers and leaf blowers so they will drop the prices of lawnmowers and patio furniture.

October:
Big Appliances - Next year's models are coming. You can also save more if you are okay with a little dent or scratch.

November:
TV's - Thanksgiving and football, enough said.

December:
Toys - It's actually a miracle they price this right when you are looking for it.

Stuff you can buy anytime during the year:
Homes - especially right now it is a buyer's market (I know a great Realtor if you need one!)
Cell Phones - new models come out all the time so there are often sales when there is a shift in stock
Mattresses - Always negotiate listed price, you can often talk your way into a better deal.

Evolution?

I took the boys to the dinosaur museum on Wednesday. The Silly One has been asking for weeks to go and we had an off afternoon so I decided we needed an outing. It is always fun to go and it was really great this time because it was pretty empty and we could look at whatever we wanted and spend as much or little time wherever. The museum starts with the oldest creatures and then moves forward in time. So towards the end they have mammels and such. We got to the exhibit below and the Silly One said, "Look at the monkeys!" Really? I don't have a clue why he thought that, perhaps he is advanced in scientific thinking and has his own thoughts on evolution. :)

He needed a picture with the "monkeys."

In a nearby exhibit there were more mammals and this one to me looked like a llama. Before I could point it out to the Silly One he said, "This one says he has a long neck like a giraffe." And there you have it. 

We'll have to keep going to the dinosaur museum to get some more frequent entertainment like this!

Merry Christmas indeed!

Christmas was merry in every sense of the word! (The Silly One even took a nap!) It was great to see him all excited to see what Santa brought but I loved going to church. We went to my parent's ward because my sister was playing her violin and did a beautiful job! I had been thinking about how several people had told me they weren't going to church or complaining about having to go on Christmas day. My thoughts on the subject that it was a great opportunity to go to church, to celebrate the whole reason we have Christmas. To worship and give thanks to your Father in Heaven for the gift he gave all of us in His Son. Above is my favorite picture from the whole day, me and my boys after church. 

You Better Watch Out - Dec. 13

Today I started teaching the Silly One "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." It is adorable to hear him sing it. I loved to sing as a child and it looks like he enjoys it as well.
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

Great Things in Small Packages

I am still amazed at how our lives and family changed for the better 3 weeks ago. What a blessing to have a new little one and have the opportunity to raise him. We love our boys!