The spirit of Christmas.

I have been so busy, it has been difficult for me to get into the spirit of the season. My mother, who I love dearly, decided to start a scrapbook for my father for Christmas. He is 70 years old, and those of you who scrapbook know that trying to do 70 years in a short period of time is asking for trouble. She brought stuff to my house on the 13th of December and it has been madness since. I should be working on it now. Well, among all the madness I did decide to take the girls, with my mothers help to the dollar store. Skye lost a second tooth and had money to buy gifts for her family. It was so fun watching each of my girls pick gifts for their family members. Charli picked a small bowling set for both her Grandpa and Dad, and as we were wrapping them last night she said "These are awesome! They are going to think they are so cool!" I loved seeing how excited they were about their thoughtful gifts. I can't wait to see their reactions when they give them. The funny thing was I took the girls at different times, so they wouldn't see what they got for each other. They both ended up picking the exact same gift for each other, and it wasn't even in the toy area. I thought that was rather interesting. This has been my favorite part of the season, along with the singing of "What Child is this?" in church. How I love that song, and Eva Barnett has such a beautiful voice. I got poor Skye's dress wet from tears.

Cookies

I usually don't mind doing a batch of Christmas sugar cookies, but this year I couldn't find the desire or time. The girls were persistent they needed to make cookies for Santa and I finally caved. They only believe for a short time. It ends up that I am now hosting Christmas for my family because of the bad weather coming. Three big parties within a month, should do me in. So baking found a purpose. I made what I needed and basically let the girls have at it with their baking frenzie, an entire bottle of sprinkles later, we find a plateful of cookies only a magical Santa Claus could eat.

Santa

With Isaac working Graves we literally rarely see him, unless we disturb his sleep. Well, last week we woke him up and headed to see the much anticipated Santa Clause. We took them to the Christmas village in Ogden to see him. It is cute with little village houses filled with holiday delights among an array of Christmas lights. The girls were beside themselves with excitement and could hardly wait to see him. After waiting in line you finally step inside this little house where Santa is. We were going to pay to have their picture taken with him, needless to say they both had complete stage fright. Isaac still placed Charli on his lap against her will. Why? Skye didn't step foot near him until he tried a little charm. Needless to say, no Santa picture this year. They did enjoy some hot cocoa and seeing the Christmas Village. This was our one and only big night out for the holidays.

The busiest time of the year!

I had my mind set well before Thanksgiving that I was going to make this a fun filled Christmas, achieving everything in my hearts desire (which included making a few gifts for my girls). Well, it is the night before Christmas eve, and what was accomplished was minimal. Shopping was done in a timely manner, I hate crowds. I made the mistake of heading to Walmart the Saturday before Thanksgiving, with two children that could be considered a prison sentence. What was I thinking? It took me a week to recover from hosting Thanksgiving dinner for my family. I was all gun ho to get my tree up and start decorating the weekend following Thanksgiving. I do love my home decorated for the holidays, too bad it took me until the 20th to complete. I was hosting Isaac's family Christmas party and figured I should finish what I started.  Well, as you can see my goals were not met, but a lesson has been learned, or should I say relearned, what Christmas is truly about, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Make a Smilebox greeting

She made me do it!

I didn't want to forget this one.

I invited the girls friends over to play last night.  When we were getting all loaded in the car to take them home, Skye thought it was funny to keep honking the horn.  After several honks I told her, "Do not do that again."

We then drove over to their house.  I walked the girls to the door while Skye and Charli waited in the car.  As I am saying our good-byes Skye honks the horn again.  I get to the car and the conversation went as follows:

Me:  "Skye, didn't I tell you not to touch the horn."

Skye: "Charli made me do it!"  (nearly in drama tears)

My mind is processing how a 3 year old makes a 5 year old do something. 

Me: "Skye, no one can make you do anything, you have choices."

Skye: "No, really mom, she made me."

Me:  "How did she make you?"

Skye: "She said she would give me all the shrimp and octopus to eat."

Me:  "You believe that Charli can get you shrimp and octopus?"

Skye: "Well, she said I had too"

Me: "Charli, is that true?"

Charli gives me a devilish snicker and a huge old grin.  This is a great example of the trouble this little girl creates.  Yes, Skye loves octopus and enjoys shrimp, a girl after her daddies own heart, they even enjoy an occasional bowl of menudo (intestine soup) together.

A night away!

This is how Isaac and I spent last night.  So relaxing and fun.  The anniversary inn in Logan has lots of fun new rooms.  This room even had a pool table and motorcycle right in the room.

Counting your "thankful's"

How great is it we have a holiday to celebrate all the wonderful things we are thankful for.  So, I decided to list 11 random "thankful's".

1. Sunsets

2. A husband who works hard to support us.

3. A good nights sleep...thank you tempur-pedic mattress.  I love you.

4. Skye's good health

5. My blendtec blender

6. Rainy days

7.  My two little girls

8. Laughter

9. Columbines

10. Books

11. Wonderful parents

What are you thankful for?

Creativity

Tonight is one of those nights, when my heart is heavy, but of what I am uncertain.  It is times like these that I love to find escape.  I love to run to distant places through music, literature, art...I am always amazed by the power of creativity.  The emotion it both evokes and resolves.  The most awe inspiring example of creativity, our earth.  What an amazing and vast gift we have been given.

Many of you know that my brother Brandon is an artist.  He is fortunate to support his family and make a career of his talent and passion.  Although artwork is best experienced first hand, I loved this more recent piece.  You can see more of his posted work at www.brandoncook.com

It was only a matter of time!

I knew it was only a matter of time before Skye's hair creativity would go too far.  We warned her numerous time to never cut hair with scissors.  Well, her halloween sugar high must have clouded her judgement and she went to town on her and Charli's hair.  I was more upset that she knew better since we have both made it a point to her.  In Skye's words, "You told me a hundred times to never cut hair for real!"  Well, I was actually happy how it turned out for Skye since I have wanted to cut her hair for two years now, but she wouldn't let us, "only trims to help it grow long".  Her hair in the front, does not grow, so thankfully she didn't touch it.  As for Charli...well, the two weeks rule won't be working!

Poor Charli

She went from this

To this

Now this!
                                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                   Good thing your hair grows fast! We know it's not your favorite, but the great news is you can see perfectly now, and no more strangers telling you how cute your little bob is!

Halloween memories

2003, Skye's first halloween.  I cannot believe how much growing and changing has taken place over the past 5 years.  It is really heartbreaking.  I am just reminded of how important it is to embrace the now and appreciate today.  I am also reminded of how poor of a job I do in recording the memories.  At the time I think I will never forget, but you do, and I have.

2004, Skye's first "trunk or treat", she could care less about the candy, she was so excited about seeing everyone in their costumes.  She made such a cute little kitty.

2005, I have never known a costume to be as loved as much as this little unicorn.  I remember the day we bought it we were landscaping at our new house and Skye was covered in mud and dirt from head to toe, I thought it would never be white again.  She had the most perfect little gallop to match.  They just grow too fast.

2006, where's a picture?  I distinctly remember taking a picture, but it must be on an undeveloped roll somewhere.  Skye was the unicorn once again, she loved it so much aunt Pam made it a little bigger so she could wear it once again.  The poor costume is so shop worn from being loved.  Charli was a cute little horse, then again in 2007, she even thought about being the same horse for 2008.  She can still zip it up considering it's a size 18 months.  It was so cold this year that the girls went to maybe 4 houses before they decided they wanted to go back home.  It was fun to have their cousins, Ethan and Ayden, join in the fun this year.

2007, the year mom didn't take any pictures.  Good thing they took this one at Isaac's work party.  Skye's arthritis (these were the days when we were still trying western medicine and Skye has the nice steroid puffy cheeks) was really bad this year, so much that I didn't want to take her "trick or treating".  She insisted on going and although we moved slower then a sloth, she was happy to be a apart of it all.  Our neighbor and friend was so thoughtful in getting a fun non eatable treat for her treat bag since we limit her sugars.  She was so thrilled and played with it all night, not even thinking once about the candy.  She was nice to do it once again this year!  Thank you, Sally. 

2008 the year of the witches!  The weather was so warm, and the kids did not want to go home.

I hope your Halloween...

Isn't like this:

Happy Halloween!

I love Ogden in the fall!

I went on a hike yesterday and I couldn't help but be reminded of how much I enjoy Ogden this time of year.  It is full of such large beautiful trees rich in history.  Before we had kids, every morning,  Isaac and I would take the dogs and head out our front door and hike on this trail before work, it was such a wonderful way to start the work day.  I really miss that time we shared together.

Memories

When I was driving up to go hiking the other the day, I passed by this...Our first home, and my first car, all in the same picture.  Not something you can do to often.  I was thinking about all the great memories, I had with that car, and we had in our first home.  I got that Audi when I was 16, after 15 years it still runs.   That car is 23 years old, older then it's current owner.   The odometer broke years and years ago, I drove it back and forth to highland, then back and forth to Utah State.  It has been passed around in the family, and even to family friends.   It has been a pizza delivery car to 3 maybe 4 different people.  I know my nephew isn't thrilled, about it, but I remember when I was moving up to Seattle and my dad said he wanted me a buy a new more reliable car.  Little did we know then.  I still remember how sad I was to give it up.  Speaking of giving up, Isaac and I bought this cute little brick house back in 2000.  I didn't want to give it up either, after it was all said and done, I am really happy we moved.  I  love the people we have met in our new ward and neighborhood and I love having more room.  I do miss how close we were to the trails, parks, school, but we are only about 10 blocks further then we used to be.  

FALL PICTURES

It's kinda funny how things sometimes work out.  I have been wanting to takes pictures of the girls all fall, the right time just hasn't presented itself.  Well, finally yesterday, my mom and girlfriend Dannie, helped me out and we took pictures of the girls at Beus Pond.  The funny thing is that exactly 5 years ago, to the day, my mom took pictures of me and Skye there.  I have not seen the ones that Dannie and my mom took, ( the actual photographers),but these are my favorites that I took yesterday,  they could use some editing, but I was pleasantly surprised.

BABYLEGS

  My friend Nicole has her own company Babylegs.  If you haven't seen or tried them you should!  The super soft ones are heavenly.

Babylegs.net

Thank you Nicole!  It's like Christmas in October!

Yellowstone Round 2!

Yes, it's only been two months since our last adventure to Yellowstone, but the opportunity presented itself and we decided to go once again.  We had such a nice time, the park was really quiet and even more serene.  I have never been there during the colder season, and it was fun to see the hot pots rising with steam around every bend.  I would totally recommend going late in the season.  The only problem I have now is that every since we went in August, Charli keeps saying she wants to go to Yellowstone, now she has it in her mind that it is as easy as going to the zoo.  I wish!

Skye's new talent

Skye loves doing her own hair.  She has now expanded her talents to her sister and mother.  She wants to confirm that she still wants to be a "seashell finder" when she grows up.  I must say some of the creations she comes up with are really good.  They remind me of the trend about 8 years ago when the hair was organized chaos held by millions of bobby pins.  I loved when I worked at the Salon and all the girls would practice on me, now I love it when Skye practices her creativity on me.  I love the way it feels, it always relaxes me.  

Pumpkin Hunting

The classic event of every fall season, I only picked the coldest day of the season to do so.  We had lots of fun anyway, but pictures were a little out of the question, as we can see by Charli's expression.

Chocoholic

I had to record this rare moment that took place in our home.  Skye is seriously the best eater, she eats a great variety of things, and enjoys very healthy things.  Charli on the other hand is a terrible eater.  She even calls herself Chocoholic.  She loves chocolate and her eyes dance if she ever gets to have some.  Well, I saw her eyes dance for something different recently, micro greens.  She even picked them out herself at GoodEarth.  We do alot of our own sprouting (which is great for food storage by the way) and Skye loves her sprouts, but she wasn't crazy for the micro greens like Charli.  I had to take a picture, I only hope it will last.

My favorite time of the year!

Fall has always been my most favorite time of the year.  I love the leaves, the brisk air, the harvest, I could go on and on.  When Isaac asked me to marry him, I knew I had to have a fall wedding.  September 25th, 1999.  We had to do the math this year, but we have made it to year 9.  This was the first year in along time that we actually were both together in town to celebrate.  The past few years we have been on family vacations, or attending to other priorities.  Well, we went on a date, a real actual movie and dinner, which is few and far between in this household.  That is something I could enjoy more of.

Another thing I loved about this time of year when I was a kid was my birthday.  I have officially decided that I can do without those.  This year was a bit tough.  Isaac gave me two dozen roses.  I have never had roses last so long before.  They were beautiful for two weeks straight.  I still had one rose that was still beautiful after I tossed the others out.  I took this picture on day 17.  He wouldn't tell me where he bought them, silly man.  I like to think it's a good sign that they lasted so long.  Thank you, Isaac.

The worst day ever!

September 18th

I remember when we were preparing to discharge Skye from Primary Children's the week she was born, they made us take a CPR class.  I remember how scary I thought it seemed to ever have to use it on a child.  I even recall the instructor saying, "now that you know how to, it will prevent you from ever having to use it", ok.

Well, September 18th, while we were in St. George Skye did a nice big number on us.  We were getting ready to go to the pool and needless to say she was pretty excited.  She and her sister were horsing around when Skye decided to climb up a chair and jump off the back.  It was no more that 3 feet.  I saw the whole thing happen.  She land on her back.  I went over and was sitting with her making certain she was okay, and doing my motherly thing telling her "You, should be more careful".  Of course she was crying some, telling me where it hurt, but nothing too severe.  Well, the next thing I know, her eyes roll into that back of her head, and she isn't breathing.  This is when time slows.  I was trying to call 911, which wasn't working because we were in the condos phone system, but of course my brain wasn't working and was more focused on that fact that my daughter is purple, and I think she is dying.  I NEVER want to experience that again.  My mom was doing CPR on her, the lady at the front desk took care of the 911 call for me...I was freaking out, now I feel like I handled things rather poorly in the situation.  Freaking out never helps to situation.  It was good that their was someone who answered at the front desk, so they could direct the ambulance.   She was breathing by the time the paramedics arrived.  We took her by ambulance to the hospital to have her checked out.  She wasn't happy about being strapped to a board.  After x-rays, cat scan, we were sent home.  The doctors were uncertain what happened.  It didn't make for a fun vacation.  It took me days to snap out of it.  The images of your child like that.  These are the times I wish I had an erase button in my mind.  

St. George

The whole reason I decided to blog was to keep a "journal" of what is happening in our lives.  Needless to say, I have fallen far behind.

Mid September the girls and I headed to St. George with my mother for a girls week.  Isaac was still in Charleston, so it was a great time for a small diversion.  I didn't get many pictures, but I did take these the night we headed to Tuacahn to see the production of "Big River".  They actually had a river that covered the stage.  If you haven't been to see a show there I would recommend it.  They do such a great show, a couple of years a ago we saw "Cats", the girls loved it.  

It was really nice to enjoy some of the last warm/hot weather before the cold hits.  Skye has become an excellent swimmer and it has been so fun to see her take off.  She can swim anywhere in the pool with confidence.  I am really surprised and excited to share that Charli really took to the water this time.  By the fourth time to the pool she actually went under the water.  She wanted to jump in to me from the side of the pool and of course catch her before she went under, well with each time I got her further and further into the water, until finally with one jump I put her all the way under.  This approach worked, and now she goes under the water even in that bathtub at home.  Which I could really do without.

TAG

8 things I am passionate about:

(passionate is a little strong of a term for me but...)

1. My family

2. My friends

3. The Gospel 

4. Hiking

5. Good nights sleep!

6. Traveling

7. The Tetons

8.  Never paying full price

8 words/phrases I use often:

1. I love you

2. Yes

3. Girls! Thats enough!

4. Thank you

5. Hurry, we're late!

6. Come on

7. Please

8. Mind you mom

8 things I want to do before I die

1. Find a hidden talent

2. Raise my children

3. Get it right!

4. Be a Grandma

5. Travel

6. Be completely comfortable in my own skin

7. Make a difference

8. Be sealed

8 things I have learned from the past

1. family is everything

2. prayers are answered

3. if there is a will there is a way

4. it pays to have health insurance

5. one person can make a difference

6. spend money on experiences, not possessions

7. attitude makes a big difference

8. embrace the now

8 things I currently want/need

1. my rugs cleaned

2. my closet organized

3. my blog updated

4. my girls pictures taken

5. a magic fairy

6. a routine

7. a good long hike with Dannie

8. every room in my house spotless at the same time for at least 1 hour, I know a whole day would be pushing it.

8 places I want to see/visit

1. Banff National Park in Canada

2. Glacier National Park

3. San Diego

4. Autumn leaves in New England

5. The Louvre

6. Disneyland (never been)

7. Tepic, Mexico

8. Ireland

8 favorite resturants

1. Leeks Marina in GTNP

2. Cafe Rio

3. Tona

4. Jeremiah's for breakfast

5. Bombay House

6. MacGraths

7. Places I rarely get to go, don't recall their names, but remember how good it was

8. Lions Den

8 shows I like to watch

1. I watch very very little tv

8 people I tag

1. Marie A

2. Mandy A

3. Shelley R

4. Cristy C

5. Juli C

6. April G

7. Katie K

8. Gantrie B

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM YOUR GIRLS!

1. Since it is your 41st Birthday we decided to tell you 41 reason why we love you!
   

We miss you!

41.  Plays with me-Skye

40. Plays with me too! -Charli

39. He cuddles me -Skye

38. I love it when he be with me -Skye

37. He watches shows with me- Skye

36. He feeds me!-Skye

35. Helps me clean up! -Skye

34. Takes me to have fun- Skye

33.  He gives me a lot of love- Charli

32.  I love daddy because he gives me lots of attention -Charli

31. Because he loves me and I love him so much more- Skye

30. That you make time for us.

29. How you take care of us.

28. You are active.

27. You enjoy the outdoors.

26. You clean my car and make it super shiney!

25. Your company.

24. Your willingness to try new things.

23. How you tease me.

22. Your Foot rubs.

21. Our long conversations.

20. How you help around the house.

19. Your friendship.

18. That you are frugal.

17. Your wisdom.

16. Your kindness.

15. How you smell.

14. Your good looks.

13. Your family.

12. Sense of humor.

11. Your determination.

10. Your sensitivity.

9. How you choose to protect and serve your community.

8. Your wisdom.

7. How you enjoy yard work.

6. Yes, I have to say I love your skin.

5. How you get when you watch sports movies.

4. Your work ethic.

3. Dedication to your family.

2. You are a fantastic father and we are so fortunate to have you!

1.  You are you!

Happiest Birthday Wishes, with love your Girls.

It's Gone

It's gone, her tooth, and her toddler years.  After eating 3 corn on the cob last saturday, it was almost ready.  It was a huge distraction Sunday at church, if she wasn't wiggling it, she was showing someone, or telling someone.  Once we arrived home from church I asked if I could do the honors.  The visit from the tooth fairy is a moment I don't want to forget.  The girls have been sleeping in my bed with me, and we put the tooth in a little tooth box and placed it under her pillow.  When she woke up around 2:00 am, she discovered it wasn't there and found a dollar in it's place.  Her face lit up and she was just laying there with the most beautiful smile of excitement, she was in complete awe that their really is a fairy.  It took a long while before she fell asleep again.  She is now embarking on what my neighbor calls the snaggle tooth years, I'm a little worried about the post snaggle tooth years, which means preadolescent years.  Why do they have to grow so fast!

Mother Nature

Isaac left for South Carolina about a week and a half ago.  He is there doing his FBI training.  Of course it didn't occur to me until hurricane Gustuv that it is hurricane season.  I curiously checked the activity and saw the potential that Hanna offered.  I really thought I was being a little extreme in raising any concern.  Well, Isaac called today and said that they might be moving them 200 miles inland, and that they will know depending on what the next hours reports bring.  His hotel is in Charleston right on the water.  As I see it, this will cause a delay in him returning as scheduled.  It makes me think about all the people who are influenced by these storms, and the great anxiety it can cause knowing that something with such strength is heading your way.  I guess with earthquakes you have no warning, which of the two is worse?

NO!

The dreaded year has arrived, my baby has entered into kindergarten.  Three days before kindergarten started Skye wakes up and announces with pure bliss that she has a loose tooth.  She was on cloud 10 all day following the great discovery.  The entire day she reminded me of how grown up she is getting.  I can only handle so much growing up in one week.   Kindergarten and first loose tooth all within days, doesn't she know she needs to go easy on me?