The new year is almost here! I'm looking forward to getting everything put away and my house back in order. I'm ready to get back into our routine. But first I need to say farewell to a few of my favorites. These are some of the things I will miss the most over the next 12 months.
*Christmas cards* Seeing all those beautiful faces and reading their stories fills me with joy and hope for the new year.
*Poinsettias* I absolutely LOVE these flowers (although Evan just informed me that it is actually the red LEAVES I like so much. The flower is just the little yellow center.)
*Christmas Photos* This is my all-time, absolute favorite decoration. I have framed pictures of my kids from every year since 1990. I love getting these out every year.
*Memories* My favorite decorations are ones that bring back memories. Most of the ornaments on our tree were gifts from friends or purchased to help us remember a special event or trip. I made this nativity stocking when I was about 12. I actually made stockings for my whole family, but I got a little worn out and I think my Mom ended up doing most of the work!
*Colorful, delicious food*
My sister-in-law Denise makes this fabulous (and very time-intensive!) jello every year. The Christmas tree salad was something new for Christmas eve.
*Sugar Cookies* It just wouldn't be Christmas without them.
and last but not least . . . *Christmas pajamas* My kids get these every year on Christmas eve. I am grateful to my non-pajama-wearing big boys who humored me by wearing them for a photo and even put them back on for Christmas morning! Marianne's are satiny with clouds all over. You can't see Evan's "Frosty" pajama pants, but they're super cozy.
Hope all your Christmas favorites are carefully tucked away until next year!
There's a special feeling I get at Christmas time. It's a certain joy, excitement and anticipation that I don't feel at any other time of the year. Here are a few of my favorite ways to get that "Christmas Feeling"
Listening to Chrismas music like this (click to listen, the foreign subtitles are a bonus!)
Making gifts for my family
Giving gifts anonymously
Sitting by the light of my Christmas tree
Reading Christmas stories
Here are a few stories from my childhood that never fail to get me in the mood for Christmas.
As a child I never thought there was anything strange about this story of the moles who want a telescope from the Fat Man in the Red Suit and risk death to wait for him. Maybe I related to their glasses, having worn them since I was 3 years old. The illustrations are so cute that you'll find yourself saying, "Hey, even moles deserve a Christmas present!"
This is another one that makes me feel nostalgic.
Santa Mouse was published the year I was born. My copy was torn and missing the cover, but I got a shiny new copy this year. The endpapers aren't as pretty, but the illustrations and rhymes are as sweet as ever.
Okay, this one isn't really from my childhood, but it could have been.
First published in 1958, this is a children's classic. My kids want me to read it every year. Who wouldn't love a book written in first person by Petey the puppy?
I hope you've got that Christmas feeling, whatever it takes!
I love the traditional carols, the fun jazzy tunes, the hymns that praise the Savior.
Tonight my whole family went to Symphony Hall for the Holiday Pops concert. Copley Hall is a beautiful historic theater and it was so much fun to be there with everyone! Thanks to my sweet husband for planning ahead and getting us tickets several months ago.
I loved the selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Jingle Bell Rock took me back to 6th grade when our drill team performed. The Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah brought tears to my eyes. My Mom especially loved the sing-a-long at the end. She felt very blessed to sing praises to our Savior in a public setting! My Grandma loved hearing the orchestra play the Christmas polka.
Jenny, Grandma, Mom & Me
Grandma and Evan were definitely the best dressed for Christmas. Grandma wore a very cute necklace with little light up Christmas bulbs. Evan made his own lighted Santa hat. It looks rather Harry Potterish in this picture, but that's what you get with a cell phone camera. His hat was very festive and he received many compliments.
Here's hoping your Christmas is filled with wonderful music! What are your favorites? I'd love to hear any recommendations.
A couple of days ago I got a very unique and wonderful gift: A chocolate advent calendar!
I thought I had seen a chocolate advent calendar. In fact I usually buy them for my kids at Trader Joes. You know what they look like, they're made of cardboard and each day you open a little window and get a little piece of chocolate. But these are nothing compared to what I have now. Now I have the REAL thing!
One of my students brought me this:
The picture really doesn't do it justice. The colors are so pretty and sparkly and best of all, completely delicious.
Ahh. . . the best traditions seem to involve chocolate.
The Nutcracker ballet is a Christmas tradition. This year my sister Jenny organized a field trip with some homeschool friends and my Mom and Grandma came along too! It was especially fun because we knew some of the dancers. We went out for lunch afterwards and made a day of it.
I have several picture book versions of The Nutcracker, but my favorite is illustrated by Renee Graef. Her warm and wonderful illustrations are the perfect complement to Hoffman's classic story. This is the version to buy because it also includes a CD with the story and Tchaikovsky's music.
Another classic illustrated by Graef is Santa Comes to Little House. This story always humbles us when we read about the joy and gratitude the girls feel when they receive their simple gifts. This is the perfect soothing story to read after a busy day of Christmas shopping or baking.
Both of these books will put you in the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas!
A few days ago, I sent out my Christmas cards. I love writing our annual family newsletter and sending it off to friends and relatives who live out of town. Today I received this in the mail.
You'll notice that the lovely plastic envelope says in large letters: WE CARE
Somehow, I wonder if they really do. If they really cared, wouldn't they have pulled the other half of the envelope out of the machine, so that I could figure out who the card was supposed to be delivered to? The return address doesn't really help me. Oh well!
Two great picture books were published in 2007. They both tell the stories of little girls who are brave enough to make a difference in the world. If you missed these books last year, be sure to check them out this Christmas!
Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt is great fun to read aloud, especially if you can pull off an Irish accent! Who can resist the story of little Angela who steals the baby Jesus from the nativity display in St. Joseph's church? She only wants to warm him up, and if he'll cooperate she'll let him rest in her bed. This book is the perfect balance of sweet and funny. Your teenagers and maybe even your husband will listen!
It feels like Christmas the moment you pick up Kate DiCamillo's Great Joy . The metallic gold endpapers let you know this book is something special. This is the story of Frances who really understands the meaning of Christmas. The lovely illustrations take you right into 1940s. As you see the world through Frances' eyes, you'll want to decide what you can do to bring "great joy" to others at Christmas time. This story will remind you of the power of one
Marianne has her own room, although it really isn't the first time. She doesn't remember it, but for the first 18 months of her life she had her bedroom all to herself. Perhaps she doesn't remember it because she spent so little time there! That child did not like to sleep. Actually, she slept beautifully as long as she was in my arms or sometimes in the carseat or baby swing (thank heavens for that swing!!)
During my pregnancy with Evan I was really worried about what I would do with two babies who were up all night long. The night I came home from the hospital, I sat rocking Marianne and Evan. I felt completely overwhelmed and started to offer a silent prayer for help. Just then Marianne started to sing a song that went something like "I love my little baby."
Immediately, I knew that everything would be alright. And it was. From that night on, Marianne slept through the night. It was a miracle and I knew it!
My two babies became great roommates. I knew that someday my little girl would not want to share a room with her brother, but I figured that by the time she was 12, Ryan would be 18 and off to college. Thankfully things worked out just as planned! Here is her "new" room with a desk that has room for all her card-making supplies.
Tonight I was in a really grouchy mood, so it is good thing I picked up This Is the Star by Joyce Dunbar! It is a simple story written in the style of "This is the house that Jack built". The sweet rhymes kept me focused on the real meaning of Christmas and I was captivated by the illustration of the wise men from the point of view of the Christ child.
My own children were relieved at my change in attitude by the time we finished the book! Even though it was after 10 PM, they convinced me to read one more story: Arthur's Christmas by Marc Brown. This is another of my kids' favorites that we've had for years. It is an "old school" Arthur book that pre-dates the tv show. We all laugh at DW's mile-long Christmas list written in red pencil and Arthur's attempts to find the perfect gift for Santa. Arthur finally settles on a home cooked meal for Santa. Unfortunately Arthur's creative recipes are pretty disgusting. DW saves Christmas with the help of their dog "Killer" (more tamely named Pal on TV!) and her red pencil.
This afternoon I picked up Madeline's Christmas and Madeline in America, by Ludwig Bemelmans. As you might expect, both stories begin: "In and old house in Paris That was covered with vines Lived twelve little girls In two straight lines"
Madeline's Christmas continues fairly predictably with Madeline taking charge when everyone gets sick. The book takes a weird turn when a merchant/magician shows up and send everyone off on a holiday jaunt on flying carpets. It's cute, but I definitely prefer Madeline in America which has the girls taking a more exciting holiday trip to a Texas cattle ranch that Madeline has inherited. It has some very funny rhymes such as:
"Merry Christmas and howdy, ma'am The name is Crockett, but call me Sam."
The girls have a great adventure until the wealth and power go to Madeline's head and she declares: "And there'll be no more school, that is the best part For who is rich is already smart."
Fortunately Miss Clavel comes to the rescue and the girls all head back to Paris where: "In two straight lines they broke their bread And brushed their teeth and went to bed."
Evan, Marianne & I all have something in common--we can roll our tongues!
Sadly, John, Ryan & Aaron don't share our special talent. It never seemed to be a problem until a few days ago. I overheard Marianne talking to some of her cousins who can't roll their tongues. She explained, "Some people are just born with that type of disability."
I have two containers of Christmas books, but I usually just get out a few of our favorites.This year I’d like to read all of our Christmas picture books and get rid of any we deem unworthy!The plan is to read at least one book as a family every evening till Christmas.I have more than 25 picture books, so I will read the others by myself or with whomever is interested, most likely Marianne and Evan.I hope that you will be inspired to buy a new Christmas book, pull out some old favorites, or see what treasures you can find at the library!
November 30th
Tonight Evan and I explored our pop-up books.I am pretty protective of my pop-ups and only let little ones look at them while sitting on my lap.I have ordered a couple of new pop-up books, so I’ll review those later in the month.
Cookie Count by Robert Sabuda
This is one of my favorites.How can you go wrong with the combination of cookies and a pop-up?As a bonus, this doubles as a counting book.You’ll love the little mice who sample the cookies and likely be inspired to get out your favorite cookie recipes!
Winter’s Tale by Robert Sabuda
With the same title as one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, I loved this book before I ever opened it.This pop-ups in this nature themed book are all in white.The story ends with a musical display.It is a beautiful book that reminds me of Susan Jeffers’ Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and makes me yearn for a stroll through the forest on a winter’s day.
The Night Before Christmas by Robert Sabuda
Clement Moore’s classic poem is illustrated by two pop-ups on each page.The large pop-up is the central focus and hidden underneath a flap is a smaller, but very detailed pop-up.The images of Santa are delightful and the village scene on the final page even has a wheel for you to turn.Read Jan Brett’s Night Before Christmas for a very different interpretation of the same poem.Her detailed illustrations are wonderful!You’ll want to spend some time exploring the borders of each page.
The Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda
A simple format with one pop-up for each letter hidden behind a flap.The white cutouts contrast beautifully with the colored backgrounds.Our family likes to cover the word and guess what the pop-up image represents.I love that Sabuda has included some religious images to remind us of the nativity.
December 1, 2008
We started our “book a night” with Allen Say’s Tree of Cranes.Say is my favorite author/illustrator for all things Japanese.John served a mission in Japan, so he always enjoys this type of story.The little boy disobeys his mother and end up catching a cold.When he gets home he is sent straight to bed, but is mother is preoccupied and he can’t understand her strange behavior.Finally she gathers origami cranes, candles and a little tree and tells him a story he will never forget.
We couldn’t stop with just one book, so we also read The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt.This folktale is the story of three trees with big dreams that fulfill the measure of their creation by eventually becoming part of Jesus’ life as the manger, the ship and the cross.
Marianne and Evan were supposed to be in bed, but they saw me reading Shoemaker Martin by Bernadette Watts and begged for one more story.Strictly speaking, this isn’t a Christmas story, but this tale of a man seeking Christ captures the spirit of the season.This book is based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy called “Where Love is, God is”.Martin the cobbler reads the Bible each night and wonders how he would receive a visit from Jesus.He is woken from his sleep that night by a voice saying, “Martin, be sure you watch the street tomorrow, for I shall come.”The next day Martin is ready.He receives many visitors and is filled with joy!
December 2, 2008
Tonight we read The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado.This is the sweet story of the lamb who was in the stable the night Jesus was born.It reminds us that our weaknesses often provide marvelous opportunities and that God has a special place for each of us.
The second book we read is one we got years ago when the kids were little.This silly story never fails to start everyone laughing and quoting their favorite lines.Morris’s Disappearing Bag by Rosemary Wells is the story of what happens after all the presents are opened.The three older siblings all take turns playing with each other’s gifts, but no one wants to play with little Morris’s bear and they certainly don’t want him touching their toys.Then Morris notices a present that was overlooked.What he finds inside changes everything!
Earlier this afternoon I read the kids Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola.dePaola is a prolific author and I love his cute, folksy illustrations.I’ll have to admit that I’ve never been a fan of his Strega Nona/Big Anthony series.Although like most moms, I have a child or two that reminds me of Anthony who complains and “forgets” to do his chores.Usually magic comes to the rescue, but in this story Strega Nona refuses to use magic saying, “Christmas has a magic of its own.”
Another Christmas book by dePaola is Jingle the Christmas Clown.It is filled with drawings of adorable baby animals that any little girl will love.Jingle takes care of the baby animals and the poor, old villagers and you’ll learn some Italian words as well.The story ends with an angel pouring golden stars down upon the living Christmas tree in the village square.You can make your own golden stars with the cookie recipe for “Stelline d’Oro” included in the book.
I love books, especially picture books. One of my favorite books this time of year is Thank you Sarah! It is the story of Sarah Josepha Hale. She was the widowed mother of five children. Over a period of 38 years she wrote to president after president, trying to persuade them that our country should have a national day of Thanksgiving. Abraham Lincoln finally listened and in 1863 he declared the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving day.
One woman writing a letter can make a difference!
My sister in law Denise is a very busy mom of 4 children. I am grateful that she took the time to write a letter about tolerance that was published in her local paper. Thank you for making a difference Denise! Here's her letter:
Our choices have been made and now we should look at ourselves to see where we stand in the name of tolerance.
It seems in our quest to participate and to be active in the political process we have fallen in the trap of accusing people of hatred and bigotry when their view hasn't matched our own.
When we lean out a car window or have our children lean out the car window to call a group of people bigots or racists, we should be sure we aren't being hypocritical or bigots in our own right.
It may be time for us to teach our children what democracy is, what tolerance is and is not, and what freedom of speech is, because from what I saw during the last three weeks of the election we as a community are confused.
We claim that we want a better world and a place where our children can be responsible and sensible adults, but that is not what we are teaching them. We certainly do not want to become the parent or adult who provides the example by saying "do as I say, but not as I do."
I have been left to think about the community of Agoura Hills and the things I saw people doing to each other during the election. Truth be told, I am dismayed by the hatred and the intolerance I was a witness to. Verbal abuse and physical intimidation is not tolerating someone's view. Stealing signs is intolerant. Throwing objects at people that have a different view from yours is called intolerance. I am left to wonder what we are teaching our children.
We shouldn't have to live in a community where we are scared to voice our view because it may not match our neighbors. Your neighbor may have a different opinion but it doesn't make your neighbor a racist, a bigot, or a hater.
We should be teaching our children how to make good and wholesome political choices, not showing them how to tear other people down.
We have time before the next political process to evaluate what we are doing in the name of tolerance.
When your 18 year old son sends you flowers just to say "I love you Mom" it feels like harvest time after many years of sowing, watering and weeding.
Ryan loves BYUI. He has great professors and friends and he's only had to make one trip to urgent care!
In the Thick of Things
Aaron is busy with: pre-calculus biology writing a law brief for a supreme court simulation Eagle Scout project seminary class president
He did take some time out for fun with friends on Halloween. He also carved this happy pumpkin in the middle. (Marianne's is on the left and Evan's scary one with the "dark mark" is on the right)
From Baby to Young Woman
Marianne seems to have grown up overnight! Babysitting Going to plays with friends Studying Shakespeare Singing in 3 different choirs Writing essays Playing the flute Finally has her own room, complete with new furniture!
Full of Fun
Evan collected 14 pounds of candy on Halloween beating his big brothers' records.
More fun stuff: Webelos piano soccer Reading Puzzles Swordfighting "Classic TV" (Sponge Bob & Hogan's Heroes are two favorites)
I woke up yesterday morning to the good news that Prop 8 had passed! I had expected to feel elated. After all, I had spent many hours working on the campaign. Instead, this thought came into my mind, "You have done well, but this is only the beginning. Much more is expected of you." I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I do know that I need to work harder at opening my mouth and speaking up for truth and righteousness.
Today I opened up my local paper to find an opinion article written by a dear friend of mine. It has nothing to do with Prop 8, but it has everything to do with making a stand for honor. The article quotes the words of John Adams in reminding us that our "constitution was made only for a religious and moral people."
I met my friend Shireen many years ago when I was a new homeschooler. Aaron was in a gardening club with her oldest son. She was a great example to me as an experienced homeschooler and helped give me confidence that I really could do it!
Today she continues to inspire and encourage me through her writing. She not only took the time to write an essay, but she submitted it to the newspaper and got it published! Shireen is a very busy mom who also works with her husband in their business and volunteers in the community. She doesn't have time to write an article--but she did it any way!
I hope you will take a few minutes to read her article "Where is honor?" HERE
Then take a few more minutes to decide how you can heed Shireen's call to "become involved and stand up in this fight against moral decay and corruption."
Shireen is only one person but she made a difference. We all need to follow her example and work to strengthen the power of one.
Each of us can and should make a difference by standing up and speaking out!
Halloween is still several days away, but my kids have been ready for weeks. Here's a glimpse of the preparations.
Marianne is in full decorating mode. Even our flowers fit in with the color scheme.
The boys helped decorate outside.
A close up of our front door.
Apparently decorating was too much for them, or else they needed to release some of that pre-trick-or-treating energy. The kids had a huge styrofoam war in the yard. It looked like a snowstorm had hit.
Aaron also attacked the dinner calendar that was posted on our frig. I left Halloween blank because I figured we'd have pizza or something. (Everyone is always in a big hurry to get out of the house on Halloween!) Anyway, I found our Halloween dinner listed as: "little children that come along"
Here's Marianne formulating her plan of attack.
On a calmer day, Evan played at his Halloween recital. He was hauntingly terrific! He performed "I'm Not Afraid" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from the Peer Gynt Suite
Marianne gave her baby costume a test run at the Young Women "Big Sister, Little Sister" Halloween party. Here she is with her little sister from Primary.
The final sign that Halloween is on the way is the CANDY and treats that are all around me! Yikes, that's the scariest part of Halloween. My willpower doesn't seem to be working lately.
Today we made my cousin LaRae's delicious pumpkin cookies. Click HERE for her wonderful recipe.
But I'll bet she's never made them like we did! We had 8 girls come over to our house this afternoon to discuss Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life. Last week we toured the Braille Institute, but this week we decided to try something a bit more hands on. We made the cookies while blindfolded. Actually, each blindfolded girl had a "seeing" partner (hey, even Helen had her teacher Anne Sullivan). The girls gave verbal instructions and helped their "blind" partner measure and mix all of the ingredients. It wasn't easy, and it took a long time, but the girls had fun and the cookies turned out perfectly!
Jenny and I gave up our morning walk twice this week to stand up for truth and right!
John and Aaron paved the way. Last week they volunteered to stand on a busy corner during rush hour and wave signs in support ofProposition 8
While they were there, some women came to protest holding up "No on 8" signs. One of the women was rather confrontational and asked Aaron, "My sign stands for equality. What does yours stand for?" I wouldn't have known what to say, but Aaron did. He didn't hesitate. He replied, "My sign stands for morality."
This week was my chance to stand for morality. I spent two mornings this week holding a sign, smiling and waving at all the drivers during the morning rush hour. I also learned what "hate speech"really means. One motorcyclist sat at the traffic light screaming obscenities and making crude gestures for several minutes. A businessman rolled down his window to scream, "I hate you people!" Several women flipped me off. I was called a number of unprintable names.
Fortunately, about 80% of the response we received was positive. Many people waved and honked their horns or gave us a thumbs up!
The other people with me had great attitudes. We continued to smile and wave regardless of the reaction of others. One man in our group was so positive. He laughed when we received what he called "a one finger salute". He explained, "That means they think we're #1!"
When I came home from sign waving, I decided it was time to fill out my absentee ballot and send it in. So I have officially voted!
And I'll be back on that street corner again next week. I am only one person, but I'm doing what I can to make a difference for my children for my church for my goverment for the family and for the future.
Ryan also voted for the first time today!! He called me last night from Idaho when he was filling out his ballot. This morning he reported that he had put in the the mail.
When will you vote? Do you fill out an absentee ballot?
She's served me well for twenty-one years working hard providing meals for my family accompanying me to many church dinners and potlucks.
But let's be honest . . . she's looking rather worse for wear out of date stained and slightly dented.
I've been tempted by shinier and prettier models bigger and bolder with more space and more features.
Last week John told me that he had a gift certificate from work. I could order something I wanted online.
He was surprised when I told him I wanted to replace my Rival. "Doesn't she still work?" he asked.
A few days later the replacement arrived she's big and beautiful bright and shiny just want I wanted
Presenting my brand new 7 quart Euro-Pro stainless steel crockpot!
I can't quite bring myself to get rid of my Rival.
Here are my boys making fun of me for taking pictures of my crockpots. Marianne understands though. She even took a picture of the chicken I was putting in for dinner. She loves Honey Drumsticks. 1 cup honey 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 spoonfuls of minced garlic 12 drumsticks Cook 6-8 hours on low
Here is my Dad & his sister Sherrie. Aren't they cute?
I love these hand colored photos.
My Dad as a handsome high school student.
On the corner of this picture he wrote "To My Anne. Love, Bob"
My parents were childhood sweethearts.
Dad as a young husband and father.
Isn't that baby just adorable?!
As a little girl, I loved spending time with my Dad. When I was pre-school age we lived across the street from the university where he taught. I remember him taking me to the school with him and walking through crunchy fall leaves.
My Dad taught me how to read with homemade flash cards before I went to school.
I think he was more excited than I was.
I've loved to read ever since!
My dad was the bishop of our ward when I was young and our ward had huge geographical boundaries. So my dad spent a lot of time driving. Sometimes he took me with him when he went to visit ward members. I loved going with him and I felt so grown up.
Here's my dad with Jenny and me.
Isn't this the funniest 1980s picture?!
When I went away to college, my Dad wanted to make sure I was well prepared. He gave me a tool kit and a flashlight. I was the only girl in my dorm with tools and it came in very handy when we wanted to "fix" our windows so that they opened more than 4 inches.
My cousin Kristin tagged me on her "8 Things" post. So I'm it! But I just can't get excited about any of my 8 things, I'm going to do the Photo Tag instead!
Here is the 4th photo in my 4th folder.
This was taken almost exactly 2 years ago in October 2006. My kids were in a homeschool production of Beauty & The Beast. Marianne was a villager and a spoon (or was it a fork?) Evan played Chip the teacup.
The kids performed on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday we got word that my father-in-law was ill and we headed up to Utah. He passed away before we arrived. So these pictures bring up a lot of emotions. Yesterday, October 15th was the 2 year anniversary of his passing.
I did my best to fix Marianne's red eyes on Photoshop. It was my first try. How did I do?
*Memories*
and last but not least . . .
