The Moment is Over

...but the memories will live on. The decorations are down but enjoying the gifts Santa left for all of us. Here are some snapshots from our wonderful Christmas morning.


Dave & Hayden opening a gift they'll mutally enjoy together..."Jeep Thrills" Wii game.


"Oooooh -- Sw--eeeet!" (Complete with lightsaber pen).


Razor scooters to FINALLY replace the Barbie scooters they got from Santa when they were 5...I'd say they were due. I'll admit -- it was a little embarrassing.

One of our favorite family games...as we are Disney-aholics...so much so we needed the 2nd edition!

Hayden is SO funny when he is excited. His voice gets higher and higher!!!

Christmas was a perfect day. It's over too fast. But...the memories we treasure!

Na Na Na Na Na Na -- BATMAN!

Not that it's anything new to have a laugh at poor Dave's expense, but even he couldn't resist chuckling at these Christmas Eve pj's. A little reluctant to don his Batsuit -- Hayden was beside himself with glee that he was actually living with a superhero! And while he may not feel like a Superhero -- he is to those who dwell in this batcave.



You can see the thrill is gone while posing for this shot:

Not everyone is a superhero -- some are Cars enthusiasts;

Some love snowmen;

Some live in adolescent-world and want grown-up pj's. This is as good as it gets!

And everyone slept comfortably...right after the bat clothes were disposed of...til morning.

Building a House

Here are 2 of the builders:


I think Hayden is helping?! Lindsay crafted the rooftops and then delegated and ran off to do something else...typical!


They discussed what and where -- this is the final result -- with various views. This was one of 3 houses built this December... construction is not slow over here!

Sunday Funny

We were waiting for the kids after church and I was telling Dave how one of my old neighbor's told me she was going to do a marathon. I mentioned I was doing Boot Camp.

Then Dave piped up: "I'm going to do a triathalon."

I laughed and said: "What...beef, chicken and pork?"

HA HA HA HA HA.

(Don't worry -- Dave had a good hearty laugh on that one, too!)

Death by Carbs

...or chocolate, or bread, or cookies, or brownies, or pasta, or cheese, or crackers, or nuts, or apple cider, or more chocolate, even hot chocolate!

I know, I know! It's almost sacreligious to say this...but I'm sick of eating. I feel like Jabba the Hut. I'm fat and I can't move -- help me! My tongue feels swollen and it's getting hard to swallow. I'm almost begging for someone to put me on a liquid diet. At this point, I'd welcome it. I'm starting to NOT recognize my own face in the mirror. I did NOT have 3 chins last time I checked. (Did I?)

Not that it hasn't all been great and fun. And delicious. And maybe I'm pumping myself up for the FitChix Boot Camp I signed up for that starts Jan. 2nd. (Sidenote: Counting the minutes to be weighed and measured and cry for the 3 hours following! Utter joy.) Who knows? But I don't think I've been hungry for a month. I feel like I need to brush my teeth every 2 hours just because of all the starch. And if it's getting hard to breathe just sitting -- (now I may be exaggerating but I may not be?) -- then it's time to do something!

NO MORE PROCRASTINATION!

Time to start eating like a human, or a mouse, or a skinny person. It begins immediately...
...after popcorn at the movies tomorrow!

13 Going on...13

Phew -- the 13 year old Christmas Party is over! But truthfully -- it was really nice. Nice to see how your daughter acts with her friends; nice to see she has NICE friends. Some are sweet, some are goofy, some were gracious, some are smart, and I'm guessing, (and I mean this is the best of ways), somewhat nerdy. The kind of "I'm gonna grow up and be beautiful, smart and succesful" kind of nerdy -- every nerds finest revenge.

Mallory gave tours of the house that she'd personally cleaned and straightened earlier in the day, making sure everything was tidy and in it's place. She carefully placed the white elephant gifts in a designated spot when everyone arrived. And she was LOUD. My Mal was loud. Sort of goofy -- but it was a side of her I haven't seen very often. I knew there was some of me in her after all! Here's some highlights:


Dinner with the gang -- pizza, ceasar salad, and grapes.


Making & decorating gingerbread Christmas trees.


Everyone had a different strategy.

The finished products! Mallory is the only one who put a bell on top of hers, cuz she's a ding-a-ling. (I know, that was a lame joke).

White elephant gift exchange. One friend gave an "autographed picture" of herself. Hilarious. Mallory got the ugliest girl? ballerina nutcracker you've ever seen. But she was pleased...it's a "Limited Edition" -- limited cuz NONE probably sold except the one she got.

The party is over but for Mallory, the memories live on. She was SO happy. And I was proud of her for taking the bull by the horns and making it all happen. I was happy to finally put names to faces and meet these new friends. She's doing a much better job of 8th grade than I ever did! What more could a mom ask???

Bring on the Rain

This wouldn't be a big deal to most people, because their kids probably always wore whatever Mom picked out for them from Day 1. But early on with Hayden, there were rules.

No tags. No hats. Same PJ's. No collars. No buttons. And never, ever did we change shoes. We just bought multiple pairs in the next three sizes. They had to be the same.

But time has passed, and progress was made. Some the manufacturers did for me. They started printing "tags" on shirts -- and I think it's fair to say we are all collectively thankful. Others we worked on and he came to accept. But until a year or so ago, the shoe fettish remained in tact. This year we've had variances. Of tennis shoes. No "church" shoes, just various types of athletic shoes.

Until today. We went wild. As in Dinosaur-wild. We just couldn't resist. We were in Gymboree (credit where credit is due) -- and Hayden spied the rain boots. He was smitten.


As you can see from the picture -- they are fierce and fun. I couldn't say no.

As if divine intervention were knocking at our door, it sprinkled a few drops tonight and offered Hayden an opportunity to see if these boots were made for walkin'.


Right into the ice cream parlour. Even Dinosaurs like ice cream...and rain.

Who's afraid of change, now? Definitely not Hayden...we went all out and bought TWO new pairs of shoes.


It doesn't get any COOLER (or hotter?) than this.

Tradition

Every family has their traditions...we have ours, too:


Sometimes it's a celebration; sometimes we find a reason to celebrate!


Tonight it was "almost vacation" celebration -- and we were all home together for an evening, for a change (until we left for ice cream, of course). Yes, Dave looks half asleep -- he probably is. And yes, we shared that thing!


Hayden's so predictable; it's either vanilla or rainbow sherbet!


Mal's having her sugar-high reaction -- it's instantaneous!


Lindsay's not as outgoing as Mal -- she gets a smaller one.

Hayden: "Mallory, how do you eat all that?"
Mallory: "I have a big stomach!"

I wish I had Mal's kind of big stomach...you could bounce pennies off of it!

Moral of the story: Leatherby's never disappoints.

Holiday Hoots

Lindsay begged me to be absent on Wednesday so she could miss her "formal 6th grade luncheon" at school. They were asked to wear "church or dressy clothes" to school in honor of the event. Lindsay definitely reserves opportunities to wear those types of outfits strictly to church, so she wasn't too tickled. I guess she just doesn't want to give the boys one more reason to have a crush on her.

However, it looked to be a fairly nice event. They set up this decorative tables in the library and of course, we were all assigned items to bring. Naturally, we got main dish. Of course I couldn't have landed the "bring 2 liter bottles of decaf soda" to the event...NOPE! Lucky enough to be assigned a main dish for 6. No cost differential there whatsoever. Anyway, my friend encouraged me to pick up a $5 pizza as she was picking up a bucket of chicken from KFC. However, I felt this was my chance to shine by showing off my home cooking. Wouldn't you choose 6th graders to prove your cooking prowess to? Yah, well I learned. They don't care. And Pizza is PIZZA! Take a look...


They dimmed the lights in honor of the event after this picture.


Lindsay and some classmates, one Tinkerbell, apparently -- (okay, so that wasn't nice). Yup, we're always the shortest (but cutest -- no bias)!


Lindsay's good friend Caitlin is right behind her in line...a good 14 inches taller!


Looks like she isn't suffering even though she still wasn't impressed. Plus, this was the day it was 34 degrees most of the day -- her legs were FREEZING!

Next we have Hayden's Holiday Show. SO CUTE! They learned about 10 songs and Hayden's assignment was non-conformist, difficult child, oops, I mean, non-hat-wearing bell ringer during the singing and performing of Jingle Bells. Notice the conspicuously missing hat in this group photo. At least he participated. That was a nice surprise. (And forgive the pictures...it was pretty dark in there and the video is shakey 'cuz the lady in front of me kept moving around while she was taking pictures. Just my luck.)


Between looking at the camera, the teacher and trying to remember the words and motions, and his total and utter discomfort with performing on stage in front of parents, grandparents, and about 4 or 5 school classrooms -- he had a big audience -- and held up great.

Here's my bell ringer -- very focused and commited.

The stage had darling decorations and the kids did a great job!

Apparently it was a prereq NOT to sing while bell ringing. Oh well, he came in right on cue and he's still the cutest darn thing up there. During the video you can hear my voice slightly. My husband, in a loving but annoying way, was pestering me to motion Hayden to sing and smile. My response was I'M RECORDING!!! But Dave came and we chuckled through all of it!

Now, only one more day to go til vacation...but who's counting?

Snow Day

Okay, so maybe that's pushing it. But it was something like 29 degrees this morning and our snowman didn't look so out of place! I walked outside and listened to the crunch of ice under my feet.


Our poor dachsund Annie almost turned into a frozen weenie on a stick -- her whole body was almost convulsing from the cold. She's barely a dog, that one.


Even ice makes it feel more like the Christmas Winter Wonderland we all sing about.

And now it's sunny and warming up...but it was fun while it lasted!

Perfect Day

Some days are right from beginning til end.

It was brrrr-cold outside this morning. Just the way it should be in December. Not 13 below cold (that's just not right), but California cold. Cold enough to appreciate a fire in sweats and warm slippers. I had a lazy morning of reading books with Hayden and getting dinner ready for the evening. I had Christmas carols going and was singing along...my husband walked in the door. I left to take Hayden to school and when I returned, my piano was getting situated in the corner designated as it's new home. Dave and I shared lunch and enjoyed viewing our new instrument together. He left to go back to work. I'm rarely home all day, so this was a treat! Total relaxation. I played a little music, called mom; then Becca called, then I got to talk to Liz. I played a little longer.

Time to pick up Lindsay and Hayden. Lindsay whispers in my ear just as she sees me:

"Is it here yet?" Happily I answered "yes!"

I grabbed Mallory and we were home just a few short minutes before leaving for soccer indoors. We knew we were in for a competitive game -- these teams have been rivals for many years. Mallory scored the first goal of the game. She was SO excited. And that is putting it mildly. She managed to get the ball around a few defenders to go 1 v.1 against the goalie. She picked her spot and nailed the ball. Picture perfect.

The game continued 1-1, 2-1, 2-2. With 2 minutes left in the game, our team scored the final goal, winning the game 3-2. That makes Mal's goal that much more special. A close match. Awesome. She had a grin a mile wide after that game.

Came home and finished preparing what I'd started this morning. It was just what everyone wanted. Comfort food. Fitting for the day. Plus we had fresh raspberries for nibbling. SO good. Then my husband got up (minus my nagging (which is always done lovingly)) and did all the dishes. His only request was for me to "cut and bake" the Toll House cookies. Fair enough. He did get me a piano for Christmas after all. Then he sat in the living room and said he wanted to hear me play some music. Now that's true love. (Keeping in mind that I really haven't played in 20 years except tinkering at mom's now and then).

Finally, the couch. Warm cookies, a warm blanket, and a phone call from my sister.

Perfect day.

Santa's Early Delivery

This one couldn't fit in the sleigh, apparently!


It just arrived -- we still haven't "unwrapped" the pedals!


Dave thought Annie needed a photo-op, also.

Lindsay starts lessons in January and I'm going to find a teacher for me as well!

See what a visit to Mom's house can cost ya?!

Off to practice my Christmas Carols...

New Old Friend

I reunited with Marian tonight, my first and oldest friend as early as memory serves. The great thing is, she's as laid back and easy-going as I've ever remembered. (She probably thought...she's just as wacky as ever!) Being around Marian is like getting a good massage -- you are so glad you had one and feel super relaxed. AND...that was with 7 children running around, and that doesn't include mine. Her children were mostly just like her, laid back and sweet, fun to be around. Afterwards, my children mentioned how much they enjoyed spending time with them. My kids thoroughly enjoyed them...

...except for maybe Hayden, right at the end. He was having trouble with -- (I think) -- Sadie, the youngest. She was enjoying his stuffed animals that had been, up to a point, on Hayden's bed. For most of the evening this wasn't a problem. She would take the beanie babies off his bed and put them in the Annie's kennel cage. Makes sense, right? She is an almost-3-year-old. Beanie baby dog -- dog cage. I get it. BUT...Hayden did not. He was STRESSED OUT! It's so easy to see what kids go with what parents. Then, once Hayden couldn't handle it anymore and took back what was rightfully his -- (oh brother, so NOT proud in those moments) -- Sadie figured, in what her parents described as a strong-willed nature, that SHE would just climb in the dog kennel if she couldn't put toys in there. So she did and shut the door. (I know, I know...where was my camera!)

Now Dave (my germaphobe/conspiracy-loving husband) (Liz -- stop laughing) is just uncomfortable. "Um, I'm not saying there is, but there might be dog pee in there, I mean, I don't think there is but you never know." Marian to husband: "George, can you go get her?" George: "She's fine." With a wave of the arm. I think the idea of her daughter sitting on pee even got Marian shifting in her shoes a little. She headed to the cage. Then we witnessed the strong-willed nature. She came out for a moment...nope, she's back in and not coming out quite yet. So like any good mom would do, Marian picked up another tired child ready for bed and walked away.

Her children were so sweet and beautiful. They've got some good-looking genes running through their veins. Polite and lovely. And Marian barely looks a day older than 20. George is as friendly and fun to talk to as one could hope for. They are a family that is one to be admired. Happy, relaxed, priorities right where they should be.

And I enjoyed every moment I shared with them.

And then there were NINE!

So I just found out that a childhood friend of mine is expecting her ninth child. I know she's not the only one out there, but it doesn't mean I'm not in awe of it. I'm in awe of 3, and I'm just talking about myself! Some people just have the gift; I don't. She is gorgeous, has grace and always wears a smile! She seems to enjoy it all.

But here's what I'm thinking. If I ate 9 candy bars...I'd be full. If I ate 9 bagels, I'd be dying and probably have a sugar overdose. If I went on Tower of Terror at Disneyland 9 times in a row, I'd probably be done.

But then again, I have had (sickeningly) 9 pieces of See's candy in a relatively short period of time and at least considered having just one more piece. My dying wish will be to eat 9 bagels back to back -- (I LOVE bread); and after riding Tower of Terror more than 9 times in this lifetime, I can honestly say I look forward to next time. So what do I know???

I'm just in awe of the physical endurance it takes to not only give birth but raise 9 children!!! Especially since we're the same age and I'm exhausted sitting in my car watching a 1 hour soccer practice tonight at the end of the day. Well, I guess that explains it.

Lightbulb moment. Not proud. Now...do we have any See's laying around (since I am)?

Ode to Tommy Boy

Really, what's NOT to like? I mean, I know he jumped on the couch over his girlfriend and looked like a dork, but wouldn't you like a guy who was so in love with you to do that, too? That grin. Puh-leeeaaassseee!

He's perfect.Even though he digs wack-job Scientology and has acted like a freak on television about post-partum depression...

I know, I know. Pyschosis. On my part. But I still dig him. He's Top Gun in my world.

(Frightening, I know...12 years old trapped in a 41 year old body...scary!)

Per your request

Okay -- here are some more recipes from my fabulous dinner party, simple and easy:

Chicken with Herbed Goat Cheese

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-with-herbed-goat-cheese-recipe/index.html

I also made a salad from baby greens topped with pomegranate seeds and sunflower seeds topped with a balsamic vinagrette. Nothing too special, but the colors were wonderful

Lastly, the clincher -- and I can't find the recipe to paste so here it is, again easy:

Apple Crisp with Whipped Cream

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min

Filling:
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 T lemon juice
1/4 c. maple syrup

Topping:
1 c. flour
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
8 T (1 stick) chilled butter, cut into pieces
1/4 c. coarsely chopped pecans

Whipped Cream:
1 c heavy cream
1/4 c. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For Filling:
Butter a 9 x 13 dish. Mix all filling ingredients together and toss to coat the apples. Pour in prepared baking dish.

For topping:
In a food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon & salt in a large bowl. Pulse to blend. Pulse in the butter until mixture forms small lumps. Add pecans and pulse 1 or 2 more times. Sprinkle over filling. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

For Whipped Cream:
Beat until it begins to thicken. While beating, add powdered sugar and beat until soft peaks form.

Enjoy!

Christmas Couscous

SO YUMMY. I made this for guests at our Annual Gingerbread House Making party last night as part of our meal. It was so delicious and festive at the same time. Not to mention easy to prepare! If you need a side dish -- the hints of green parsley and red cranberries against the yellow grain is beautiful and tasty. Enjoy!

Couscous with Cranberries

Prep time 10 min, Cook time 15 min.

4 T unsalted Butter (1/2 stick)
3/4 c. chopped shallots (3 to 4 shallots)
3 c. chicken broth
1/2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 1/2 c. couscous (plain, not seasoned or flavored)
1/2 c. toasted pine nuts (don't cut corners on this -- get the pine nuts!!!)
1/2 c. dried cranberries
2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Melt butter in large saucepan. Add shallots & cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, salt & pepper, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, stir in couscous, cover the pan. Let is stand for 10 minutes. Add the toasted pine nuts, cranberries and parkley & fluff with a fork. Serve hot and in a pretty dish (it taste much better out of a pretty serving dish).

Mallory also had it cold in her lunch today and it tasted great. I'm going to go make another batch right now!

Bon Appetit!

What to do?

Today in church, my son handed me a sweet picture he'd drawn of five people, 2 tall and 3 smaller. I asked:

"Is this our family?"

"Yes!"

"I love it. Thank you."

"But...I wish it had a brother in it. I want a brother."

Knife.

Twist.

Turn.

That was shocking. I'd never heard Hayden bemoan the fact that he is the youngest, most attended to, spoiled, well-loved person in this little family. So I blame this entirely on Liz. Recent time together with her large, fun-filled clan has ruined what I think we all felt was a perfect little family. We were content. We wanted for nothing. Until now.

NOW what am I supposed to do? I'm not 30 anymore and Dave is this side of charcoal gray -- we no longer qualify as spring chickens, rather, cooked goose.

Well, there is only one thing a good parent can do:

More time on the Wii.

He'll forget all about it by tomorrow.

And while we're on the subject of Hayden...Thursday, when being tested on his word-ring, he asked Mrs. D: "Am I your favorite?" She politely, laughingly, told me this story on Friday when I saw her. Sweetly she said to me: "I wanted to say: YES, YOU ARE!..cuz he's so cute...but I had to be PC and said Everyone in the monkey class is my favorite." This is clearly a child who's been knee deep in thought lately.

OR...he's just needy like his dad. (Ha ha).

What would our family have been like without him? Certainly incomplete and minus a few laughs. I'm grateful for little boys. And big boys. His Dad asked me tonight what I was going to do about that situation Hayden mentioned in church today?! We certainly like to fix everything in our kids lives. This will be a good lesson that you just don't get everything you want in this life. Cuz if you did, I'd be a size 2 with long, straight blonde hair and flawless skin.

Instead, I'm just saving up for it.

(Mom, goodness, I'm kidding!!!!!!!!!)

Shopping with the Grinch

I LOVE my husband, I really do! But this is not a man who values shopping the same way I do. Tonight was a big night. The girls both had a night off soccer at the same time and very little homework! It was cool outside today, but I decided to trim some plants out front while the kids goofed off. I listened and enjoyed the sounds of laughter as I worked while they played soccer on the front lawn. Even Hayden and dog Annie were in on the fun. It felt so good to have a "hang loose" afternoon for a change. (I know, we just got back from vacation, but it feels so long ago already)!

I managed to talk Dave into coming home early and using up one of our restaurant gift certificates we won at an auction. Not too difficult to persuade him to come home for an earlier dinner at PF Chang's, even if mall shopping was to follow.

After our tummies were full of shrimp dumplings and Mongolian beef, we headed off to the mall with Christmas shopping lists in hand. The girls were so excited. We sent them off on their own to act like elves and I thought it would be a great time to bond with my hubby and put on our Santa hats.

WRONG! Instead, Dave brought his Grinch outfit. He's not much for crowds, but walking the mall is just pure torture. Quickly, my dream evening was shattered. That guy can walk the mall in 15 minutes and be DONE. Unfortunately for him, we still had another 45 minutes til we met up with the girls. He finds zero joy in picking out a t-shirt for his daughter. He finds plenty of glee knowing I'm doing it alone while he's home on the couch enjoying a good movie or better yet, Gold Fever. (Note: If you don't know this program and are having a hard time getting to sleep, look up this show on your satellite schedule, you'll be snoring in no time)! NOW...if we we're shopping for motorized jeeps for 4 year olds, call Dave, he's your guy. If you're shopping for metal detectors or boat accessories, even ammo, then call Dave. But if you just want to window shop or dig through the sale rack, LESSON LEARNED:

Better to leave this Grinch at home!

Quote of the Day

Hayden just walked in with his hand on his stomach and a grimace on his face and in a slow voice said:

"Mom, (pause), my stomach (pause)...wants to play the computer."

Oh no, Charlie Brown!

"Oh no, Charlie Brown!" I see and feel Charlie Brown screaming (in my head) with all three of his hairs sticking up as four tears spout from his eyes! I mean, I knew the moment would come, but already? To my left on my desk I'm staring at a photo of a 6 year old girl who looked great in Christmas plaid wearing a velvet headband decorated with sparkly "diamonds" across the top that was, for many years, permanently attached to her head. But now, NOW, just look at her, all grown up, and there's no slowing down. But today, TODAY was the straw that broke this mother's back.

What am I talking about? Slow down, slow down, you say. How can I slow down!?! My quiet, somewhat shy, solitary (but confident) daughter asked if she could have a Christmas party with just a few of her friends. At first, I thought, "Sure, why not...who's invited?" The first two names were predicatable and I expected a period after the mentioning of those two; but then 6 other names poured out of her mouth without even a pause and "...maybe even (enter name), too?!" Who ARE these people?

I'm actually quite proud and excited that this girl I've worried so much about over the years wants to throw a party. She's full of ideas and excitement. Pizza, white elephant gift exchange, music, movies. Clearly, my overzealous-ness and oozing of Christmas spirit has rubbed off on my children. And now, our first (last???) teenage party. The holidays no longer belong just to us.

At least she didn't mention boys. But I'm sure her father will. Can you hear him now? "Why aren't you inviting any boys?" (Turn right...see rolling of the eyes..."Daaaaaaaaaaad! Ugh.") See, that's the revenge. The teasing. And she loves it as much as any other young teenage girl would. NOT.

New Best Bud

This is Hayden's best bud: Peter.

Today, while in Michael's, Hayden asked me:

"Mom, is Peter coming to visit soon?"

There aren't enough boys in this little boy's world. He was totally "unplugged" for a week and didn't seem to mind it as long as Peter was around.

Thank heaven for little boys. And cousins. It's been 3 days and we miss you already!

Family Life 101

Theme: Be Thankful.


Mitchell is!

We didn't have enough hours in the day to go around to all 9 adults and 19 children that were attending our Thanksgiving to say what we were thankful for, so now that I have the floor, here it is, and, as usual, it's not short!

I'm thankful for differences so I may appreciate similarities.


I'm thankful for sorrow so I can better savor joy.


I'm thankful for fat so I can appreciate being hungry (for the greater good)!


I'm thankful for exhaustion so I can appreciate energy.


I'm thankful for brown hair so I can appreciate blonde highlights!


I'm thankful for work so I can enjoy relaxing on the couch.


I'm thankful for boredom as a reprieve from the (happy) chaos which is my life.


I'm thankful for family so I can appreciate being alone.


I'm thankful for understanding when I've lost my way and need a hand.


And...


I'm thankful for love and those who show me how and offer it in return.




Vacation is over...but here are some highlights:





Daily Grapefruit, Wrinkles and Time, Raising Amazing Children
3 Sisters Blogging -- bringing us closer together.



My mother looks as young as we do! Reliv works!





And this isn't all the grandchildren! Mormons really do need to drink.

(Don't worry...that's Martinelli's on the table below...don't call the Mormon police!)

The feast, as it were. Grandma did most of the work and earned herself a well-deserved nap post-gorging.


A small reminder in the background. Ample food, loving family, smiles, and Becca's apple pie. YUM!

Why Oldest is Best

I often answer the question: "Who's life is like this?"

This, from my youngest sister, still in the throws of dirty diapers and sleep deprivation.

And from the middle sister: "Ohhh, that sounds like it would be SO wonderful and relaxing." When talking about massages vs. chiropractic visits. (I mean, really, for almost the same money, you can smell like lavender essential oils and become one with a mattress and feel like a whole new noodle compared with a chiropracter who snaps you in two and sends you on your way)!

I'm relishing my wrinkles and older (than my sister's) age at the present moment. All the challenges of young motherhood, while wonderful and rewarding, are mostly a thing of the past.

I suppose this is the part of the circle -- where your children clean the house when they can't sleep and you are out on a rare date; where they clear the table without asking; when they fold the laundry willingly just for a surprise.

The difficulties of motherhood seem to be: why are you outgrowing your too-expensive jeans so fast? why don't you turn on that cell phone we bought you so we can communicate with you when your not home? would you please go to sleep before midnight? And...that will be $66 for all 3 pedicures. Cuz when you get older, they want to come along and what used to be an affordable treat becomes something costly to share with your daughters!

Ahh...well. Small price to pay -- since I've already paid with sleepless nights, hospital visits, colic, potty-training, and spit-up parfum! Now it's mean girls, left-off party invites, will I make the cut soccer try-outs, and more.

So while I may not be young and beautiful and I wear a few more wrinkles than I would care for -- I'm definitely better rested and more relaxed. And life is good.

A Sign of (Good) Things to Come?

One: Phone calls confirming shopping lists have been completed by personal shopper.

Two: Another phone call asking preference on dinner selection for tomorrow.

Could this be a sign of relaxation to come?

Meals being served? Dishes being washed? Long walks undisturbed by invasive thoughts of things to get done?

Pedicures?

Foot massages?

Sleeping in?

Dates out with my husband?

I know I'm dreaming...but if only 2 of these things come true it'll be great. Dreamy.

Vacation. There's nothing better.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

SEE -- Hayden's "special" Thanksgiving feast. His poor teacher kept asking him "Hayden, is that all you want?" However, I will say, my special, store-bought Harvest cookies (that looked festive and lovely on the Thanksgiving platter) were the one item that was completely gobbled up by the Native Americans and Pilgrams at the feast. Do I know my history or what? All the other parents took their stuffing back home.


Feasting table -- my Native American heads the table -- in case he needs to make a quick getaway on the off chance someone is going to force-feed him a grape or bite of stuffing. At least when the teacher started the rounds of "What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?" -- Hayden went first and answered dutifully: "My Mom". Ahhh....(I paid him later!)

And for the entertainment...tilt your head. (Sorry, I tried)!

See -- I don't even know how to flip it so you can see it -- it's the right direction in my Picasa. Boy, what a show. Hayden trying to smile for me half the time, and caught the last phrase -- out loud -- for the camera. Oh well. Hayden is NOT my public performer. He was in the back with Mr. Troublemaker -- his best buddy. HOWEVER...this is SERIOUS improvement from the past. He actually DID perform in public, with a group, and wore a costume, including the hat! Now, it didn't stay on long, but he did make it through all 3 songs. Still, this was the longest 60 minutes of my life. 17 parents in there...apparently only 3 can help. I'm grateful for helpful people this Thanksgiving...all 3 of them!

Count your blessings this holiday...we have much to be grateful for.