Monday, December 29, 2008
Glenn singing Silent Night
I'm trying this youtube upload stuff... we'll see if it works. This is Glenn singing Silent Night for MawMaw. Hope you enjoy! Sorry if you can't! Let me know if it works, if you could. Thanks!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Chistmas!
Merry Christmas everyone!
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and for those of you far away, we missed you!
I just wanted to share a few pictures with you... I do have a few more that I'll share later. But for today, this is what I wanted to show:
Picture #1: There is something about the magic that Santa brings. Such excitement, such love, such happiness in the air. My kids haven't grown out of this yet, and I hope they never do. Santa's spirit is real... the spirit of giving. And it is a wonderful spirit to share. We've had SO much fun trying to give more than receive this year with Secret Santa, Giving Tree, caroling, etc. We've had a great time! Christ has given us so much, and it was nice to give of ourselves to others. Todd, the kids, and I all enjoyed sharing more with others! And we appreciate others being receptive to our giving! Look at the smile on their faces... pure joy!
This is our family breakfast with Todd's family tradition of an egg casserole and orange julius. If you look closely at Alex, you can see his mustache... he LOVED the julius! Christmas morning..... ALL SMILES!
Picture #2, 3: There is something about homemade gifts, isn't there? Todd and I came up with this contraption for a belt holder, for their karate. As they earn their belts, they can display them. One rung for each of the boys... if you've ever seen them at karate, yes, even little Alex, they ALL love it, and will be in it for quite a while, I'm sure! Todd was so excited for the kids to open up the present, as was I! We KNEW they would LOVE it! Sure enough, we saved it for last, and it was a hit! And Todd commented how much fun he had building it! Homemade gifts are always special cause they are made with love! Now, we just need to hang it up!
Picture #4: Todd was planning on going for a little ride, but ended up with Ellie sleeping on his arm. So, he took time to just cuddle with his little girl, even if it meant delaying his ride... at least he got to read his book :-) How cute is this picture!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Reminders of Growing Up
We started this snow about a week ago, and first signs, the kids were out there like a flash. The first snowfall is always so exciting, no matter where you live. Everyone is just a little more happier, a little more giddier, a little more colder that a little more hot cocoa can't help. Life is wonderful. When the kids woke up to snow, it reminded me of when I woke up to snow. It didn't matter if we got 375 inches of it in the U.P., we were still excited as ever, even knowing it would be a LONG haul till it left! In Oregon, it's always short lived, but it actually is still snowing today, and yes, the kids are already out there! The picture above, is of Glenn saying "Wow, look how deep the snow is!" No, we're not in the U.P. anymore!
So, the kids built a snowman... of course! Glenn told me that we can build light bulbs in the snow, too. Clever. Anyway, they were so happy to put this guy together, but were sad to not have a pipe... sorry boys!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
The tree was a resounding hit this year! Everyone was TOTALLY into it... I sat back and fed Ellie... it was bliss! The kids took out all the ornaments, and although putting them away won't be as easy, since obviously the taking the ornaments out was not done nearly as neatly as Mama would have done it. But I was happy to let them have control. So, even though it may take more effort on my part taking down... it was worth it watching them in pure delight! Todd had the step ladder out for them, and they proudly hung all the ornaments up, via the step ladder.
So, this picture is basically ALL the ornaments. Everyone wanted to hang via the step ladder, hence ALL the ornaments got hung at step ladder level. A few above, a few below, but 90% right smack dab in the middle of the tree. Did I lift a finger?? Naaahhh.....
This is Todd and 2 of his boys in the morning... all cuddly and warm. Todd was in 7th heaven, and so were the boys!
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And here is the final product! This is why they were up till 11PM! This is the bottom half of the Christmas tree... notice the lack of ornaments! But do notice the elaborate train tracks going all the way around the tree with a few branches of the side. And don't forget the batting they found to be snow! It took a lot of patience! I told them that when people come over, it'll get messed up... trying to convince them not to use quite so much snow.... James said, "Oh, that's ok... it'll be fun putting it back together!" Ok, well then, like I said before, should I lift a finger, Naaaa. Christmas trees are so magical! And I'm glad my boys are enjoying it as much as Todd and I do! Glenn even gave a talk today, and he only wanted to talk about our Christmas tree! So, we related the Evergreen tree to our Savior loving us forever and ever (even in winter, as Glenn says), the Christmas lights to the light of the Savior within each of us, and the star to represent Baby Jesus. How wonderful to see Christmas through the eyes of a child! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to do so!
And here is the final product! This is why they were up till 11PM! This is the bottom half of the Christmas tree... notice the lack of ornaments! But do notice the elaborate train tracks going all the way around the tree with a few branches of the side. And don't forget the batting they found to be snow! It took a lot of patience! I told them that when people come over, it'll get messed up... trying to convince them not to use quite so much snow.... James said, "Oh, that's ok... it'll be fun putting it back together!" Ok, well then, like I said before, should I lift a finger, Naaaa. Christmas trees are so magical! And I'm glad my boys are enjoying it as much as Todd and I do! Glenn even gave a talk today, and he only wanted to talk about our Christmas tree! So, we related the Evergreen tree to our Savior loving us forever and ever (even in winter, as Glenn says), the Christmas lights to the light of the Savior within each of us, and the star to represent Baby Jesus. How wonderful to see Christmas through the eyes of a child! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to do so!
Merry Christmas everyone! May we all remember the true meaning of this wonderful holiday!
Friday, December 12, 2008
A hodge podge....
Well, I guess that's about it for us! We finished our last cross races last weekend, so we're relaxing this weekend with tree cutting festivities! Todd did awesome on his last race, and I felt more like a pinball machine getting knocked down left and right by flying pinballs! But we all had a GREAT time regardless, and do look forward to next year! As do our kids!!!!! Here's a link to a news clip that was done on the race in Eugene. Todd's the first frozen person before you press play, and he's in one other shot in there. And the kids and I are in background shots, but you would have no idea, unless you were us! Anyway, enjoy if you want. Take care everyone!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ahhhh..... leftovers... aren't they wonderful? It's the one meal that my husband, who hates leftovers, will eat day after day.... after day! And we are sad that we did not have as many leftovers as we usually do! On the plus side, we are not sick of turkey leftovers, and are anxious to cook another one at Thanksgiving, and we were also blessed to be able to make some plates for those people without a family to share Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day to be thankful for all that we have. Oh, and one more plus.... wouldn't you want leftovers with these handy dandy Rubbermaid containers??!! My mother-in-law bought these for us when she was tired of putting things in obscure containers.... I never knew that leftovers could be so much fun... and beautiful! So, although I failed to take a picture of us at Thanksgiving dinner, at least I got a picture of our leftovers :-) I highly recommend these containers if you're in the market! They stack oh so nicely!
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This year, Todd had an agenda of things that he wanted to accomplish, and lists of materials for a shed he wanted to build. Well, it became a daunting task, and the choice was to lose Todd in the garage all weekend with some help from kids, or get some more little projects done, and spend more fun time with the kids. The latter won. The straw that broke the camels back, was James... he asked if I would play a game with him after Thanksgiving, and I told him that I needed to clean up... to which he replied, "It's OK Mama, I know you want to do these things with me, but are just too busy." That hit me hard. And Glenn was practically in tears when Papa was reading to him because he didn't get to spend every second with Papa (they've been SOOO excited to have Todd off for a few days, and Glenn had this idealized view of how it was going to go). That hit Todd hard. So, Todd and I talked that night, and declared it Kids Day the following day. We were to set aside all of our projects, chores, jobs, and just play with the kids and do what they want...
Todd was concerned the following morning, when James was cuddling with him, and listed about 100 things he wanted to do that day... and although we didn't get to more than a dozen of them, all the kids went to bed with huge smiles on their faces! Some of the activities included, hooking up the DS's with Papa and playing Mario Cart... even Mama was allowed to play, and we all had a great time. Alex LOVED watching!
Then the boys taught Papa (and I interpreted) how to play chess. Papa and Glenn had a grueling game... and Alex's favorite part? Putting away the pieces! Oh if only he couldn't be that vigilant in cleaning up other things :-)
The day before, the boys helped Papa build and paint these barriers. So, at Glenn's request (Todd didn't even mention it, but was quite proud of Glenn's request) we went to the park to set up the barriers to practice our mounts and remounts. Of course, Todd and I got a great workout as well, once the kids started clearing out towards the playground!
Of course, we had to play with Ellie at her request! She actually started getting up on all 4's for a little while... till she kept face planting it when her arms gave out. She loved it, though! And here she is standing on her own against the Saucer. She is quite strong! Welcome to the world of getting into things! Look at how happy she is, though. I guess it's time to let her move on! I'm missing my little girl already!
And James' favorite thing to do with Papa was color a picture with him. They made an army base, I believe? With mountains, and battle fields, and airplanes galore... looked quite extensive. James now has it hanging over his bed. Then Glenn wanted to color a big picture, so he and James colored a picture of a battle between red coats and blue coats. Later when I told Glenn to hang his over his bed, he told me he wanted to give it to Papa. He ran downstairs to say that he put it by Papa's bed, and he wont' miss it... he certainly wouldn't! When we went upstairs last night, it was spread all over his pillow, and his piece was bigger than James'!
This year, Todd had an agenda of things that he wanted to accomplish, and lists of materials for a shed he wanted to build. Well, it became a daunting task, and the choice was to lose Todd in the garage all weekend with some help from kids, or get some more little projects done, and spend more fun time with the kids. The latter won. The straw that broke the camels back, was James... he asked if I would play a game with him after Thanksgiving, and I told him that I needed to clean up... to which he replied, "It's OK Mama, I know you want to do these things with me, but are just too busy." That hit me hard. And Glenn was practically in tears when Papa was reading to him because he didn't get to spend every second with Papa (they've been SOOO excited to have Todd off for a few days, and Glenn had this idealized view of how it was going to go). That hit Todd hard. So, Todd and I talked that night, and declared it Kids Day the following day. We were to set aside all of our projects, chores, jobs, and just play with the kids and do what they want...
Other activities included lots of catch with all of us, wicked games of Kings Corner, and reading books. It was a great day. A day to be thankful for... not just for the kids, either. It was wonderful for Todd and I to stop to smell the flowers, not get so wound up in getting life done, but really enjoying what we have. When we went around the table for Thanksgiving, family was the first thing our boys were thankful for. Except for Alex, who said he was thankful for Viola, our neighbors mother who joined us, and that made her eyes sparkle! But this time with the boys is growing shorter and shorter, as they get older. I hope family will still continue to be first on their list, but I know there may not be many more days where they worship the ground we walk on (especially Papa's) and just want to be with us every second of the day. I am so thankful for this moment, and for the wonderful weekend we've been able to have! I feel like we're already shoving off from Thanksgiving, though. The turkey decorations are down, and Christmas lights and decorations are up.. ahhh the magical season of Christmas!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and I hope you all are ready for the huge spiral tunnel slide into Christmas, ending at the beginning of 2009! Take care everyone!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Our eating adventures....
Well, that's about it for now... I went to a blogging class last night, and it always inspires you to lift a little higher! So, I may be changing a few things... let me know if you like, or dislike! Hope your week goes well! And for you midwesterners, I mowed my lawn yesterday! It was a beautiful day! :-)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Purple Belt and Cross Picture and Election
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUfcrjUZD0c
James earned his Purple belt last week... and did a beautiful job! He was the only orange belt testing, and the teachers gave him wholehearted praise that he had enough energy in his Kee-eyes (sp?) for the whole crew of belt testers combined. Glenn watched excitedly, knowing that someday he'd be performing for his yellow belt! I love the fact that these boys enjoy cheering each other on. There is no competition... yet :-)... Glenn was so proud of James getting his purple belt, and loved watching the whole thing. It was nice to see.
Anyway, back to life! Enjoy!
I love Sundays!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Halloween
I also took a small pumpkin and baked it to make a crustless pumpkin pie. It was fabulous! Then we ended the night with the boys nibbling on candy and watching Harry Potter. It really was a wonderful Halloween together as a family!
And to those of you (Grandma D and Brown IN PARTICULAR) who have ever helped with our back fenceline... it's done! I finished up the rest of the bark Halloween morning in the drizzle... or course it cleared up a little about 30 minutes before I finished :-) I just need to train and prune the grape vines, and start pruning the flowers for winter. And of course, now I'm addicted to flowers, and even got a few more that were on sale to put in the green hanging planters. It will be a beautiful winter to look in our backyard :-)
Happy Belated Birthday, Glenn
I can't believe he's 5!
You warm the heart, Glenn. Those are the first words that come to my mind as I think of Glenn. He has a beautiful smile that is so contagious. He's smiling first thing in the morning, always waiting anxiously to give everyone around him a hug and kiss. And he's got a smile from ear to ear as he goes to sleep, as long as we are cuddling with him. You have a gift to warm the hearts of those around you, and you use it well.
This year we were very fortunate to have Grandma and Grandpa Brown here for his birthday... a rare occasion to have family around for a birthday, and we were so grateful. I always ask the kids what shape of birthday cakes they want... Glenn wanted what James had.. a half of a death star, and the Millennium Falcon. And James help make the 'junk' around the Falcon, since it's the "fastest junk in the galaxy." It was a wonderful evening.
We started the morning, with Capt'n Crunch cereal! I tried to convince him to have pancakes, or something simpler... I know it sounds crazy, but I had everything for pancakes, and would have to go out to BUY this cereal. But he insisted! So, after a trip to the store I gave him the biggest bowl we owned, and he went to town, loving every second. Grandpa D once made french toast with Capt'n Crunch... that's the only place we think he could have gotten that idea from... anyway, the other kids enjoyed the cereal as well. I still have Alex asking every once in a while for 'Capn Cunch?'
Then later that day, Grandma/pa Brown took James and Glenn just by themselves to the bookstore. Glenn was treated royally with 2 new books, and some hot chocolate! He, again, had a smile on his face from ear to ear, and LOVED every second of it. Then for dinner, we of course went to the New China Buffet, our kids favorite eating place! The kids ate their hearts out... which is why we love that place because our kids eat their share! They gave Glenn a snazzy muffin, we all sang to him, and then we headed home for cake and ice cream. See above!
The next day was karate. And although you really can't see it well here... need to find my photo software, he again was grinning from ear to ear! The whole day, I was CONSTANTLY hearing, "Is it time for karate yet? Are we going to be late? Can we leave yet? I'm so excited! We're not going to be late, are we? Are we going to be early?" These questions/exclamations were asked over and over and over and over again! He was STOKED! And so cute! He RAN into the karate school, even after KNOWING he still had to wait through James' 45 minute class. He got dressed and ready all by himself, and was sitting by my side, constantly asking when his class would start! He was adorable.
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Something funny that Glenn said the night before his birthday... James had earned a rock in the jar because he answered a question that I had asked him about the scriptures that we had read. Glenn asked if he could answer a question. So, Todd said, "For a rock in the jar, Glenn, tell me what is written on the face of the temple." Without skipping a beat, he replied "Words." Very true Glenn! He's as quick as a whip, and LOVES math! Any extra time he has... he wants to do his math... engineer maybe? :-)
Some of Glenn's favorites this year... Star Wars... Millennium Falcon... Green... Math... Mt. Rushmore... riding a 2-wheeler... riding tandem with buffalo... snuggling... cleaning toilets... gum... road trips!.... Grandmas and Grandpas... vanilla yogurt (actually vanilla anything)... 'yes, thank-you'.
I can't believe he's 5! He's growing up so fast! I LOVE being his mom, though. What a privilege it is! I have learned so much from him, and one of the most important things, is to smile! Thanks Glenn!
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