A.R.K.

I wandered into the kitchen to find Rosey perched atop a chair in front of the snack cabinet.  Doors wide open and the M & M dispenser sitting on the counter.  I could hear plink...plink...plink coming from her direction.

As I got closer I could see her sorting the M & M's into a bowl.  I asked her what she was doing and was surprised by her answer. 

"I'm taking out the green and yellow ones because Rhyney doesn't like them."

I was taken aback that she was doing something so thoughtful and kind for her brother.

Has anyone seen the movie Evan Almighty?  I resisted it for a veeerrrrryyyyy long time thinking it would be cheesy.  It surprised me in many ways.  I love the humor and especially the overall message of the movie.  A.R.K.  (Acts of Random Kindness)  Give it s a shot, you might just like it!

"True Kindness is gifted in life from those who do not pretend their intent." -Ernie Vecchio

Where is he?

Mr. Finn had to talk in Sacrament meeting yesterday so I got the kids all to myself.  Rosey decided she wanted to sit with Daddy on the stand, which was o.k. with me.  One child is always easier and QUIETER!  She preened like a mother hen and beamed at everyone.  It was so funny to watch.  By the way, he did an excellent job!

Ryan stayed with me and mostly on my lap.  He always gets squirmy during prayers, especially the sacrament.  He always tells me to open my eyes and quit going to sleep.  Still working on that!  He was getting pretty bad so I told him that we were supposed to think of Jesus during the Sacrament and he asked where is he?  I said he was here, around us.  He pops up on my lap, scanning the congregation as fast as he could and says quite loudly, "Where is he, I can't see him?"  I guess I need to work on that too!

Minutes later he was looking up my nose wanting to know what was up there.  Yikes!  It's not like he is quiet or anything.  I told him there wasn't anything to which I get the quick reply.  "There's something ugly up there!"  Oh my goodness.  I thought Sister Burch was going to burst behind us.

And now I get to BRAG!!!!  The Dude is officially POTTY TRAINED.Did I say that loudly enough?  He is always so excited to go to Nursery and yesterday was no exception, but I was a little nervous as he was wearing his big boy underwear.  We haven't ventured out of the house unprotected thus far in the training, but he refused to wear a diaper.  I told them to ask him often if he needed to go and come get me so I could help him.  The previous week we didn't have the best experience peeing in a different potty, so I wanted to make sure he didn't get soaked.  I checked on him several times, but had to teach in Relief Society so couldn't check on him for over an hour after the last check.

When I went to pick him up after church, he was in such a happy mood.  Not unusual by the way, but just worth notable mention!  Sister Bebel stopped me in the hallway and said that she thought he was so adorable.  I said thank you, of course.  She said he told her he had to pee, so she took him because he said he could do it by himself.  Really?  That is something I haven't experienced.  She said he did it all himself and then as he was flushing, said "Goodbye Pee!".  That's my boy!  No more diapers for life!  I am so excited about that.  I couldn't be prouder if he were flying to the moon.

Jingle All The Way!

Oh, Christmas Day!

Out in the hallway, there arose such a Clatter...

We awoke from our slumber wond'ring what was the matter.

And what to our wondering eyes did appear?

But, an excited little girl with a happy ole cheer.

To start the day early, around 6 a.m. or so.

So get up.  Lets go!  On with the Show.

Rosey sends songs of good cheer from the Guitar she inherited from her cousin Mimi.  Santa brought her a strap to hold it up so she can play lots more songs for us all day long.  

Ryan only lasted until 4 p.m. and then fell asleep in the hallway.

The missionaries spent the afternoon in our home and brought with them the spirit of charity and peace.  I thank them for playing with the children.  Whew!  Wore them out!

Rosey was so hard to get to bed last night and was up and wiggly before daylight.  We were able to fend her off for an hour, but the wiggling finally drove us to turn on the TV for a Christmas show so we could have a few more minutes.   Unfortunately, it is like an alarm to The Dude, so we got up and started our morning festivities.  

They were so excited!  Do you remember what it was like to feel that way on Christmas morning?  I almost felt it, then it was gone in a flash.  Christmas presents and stockings are for the children, but I find great joy in watching them.  The Dude squealed with delight many times over the next hour and Rosey kept saying "Cool".  This Christmas didn't include the over abundance of presents as in years past, but it was perfect.  

While I was talking to Enid about it this morning, we agreed that it was just better without so much material so they could enjoy what they have and maybe if things go as planned, remember that this is really about Jesus and his Birthday.  That special day long ago that changed our lives forever.  We are blessed to have this day to remember him specifically.  I know we have every day of our lives, but at this time we tend to remember more in our actions and that is something that I yearn for every year.  To have everyone be kinder for a while.  How I wish it could be every day forever, but I will take the Christmas Holiday.

My Christmas wish this year is that I can put into practice what I so want to see in the world. 

I hope everyone had a really wonderful Christmas. Wish you here!

Christmas Eve Reflections

These are some of our traditions and the things that have given me reflection on this Christmas Eve.

Beautiful poinsetta from Becky.  Thanks so much.

Christmas cans filled with goodies for the neighbors. (made with recycled Christmas cards and paper.)

Kings have Jesters to taste their foods.   Santa has one of these...
...and one of these!
Traditional Santa cookie plate.

Rosey has a Holiday Tree that she decorates according to her wishes.

Our front door that is open to all.

Bells hung on our front porch to ring in the New Year!

We were blessed with a beautiful sunset in Christmas colors.

Our Cozy little neighborhood wrapped in a blanket of snow.  (Natalie, you can see your back porch from this view.)