Christmas Eve

THIS is actually the kids' favorite dinner of the WHOLE year.....

the Christmas Eve You-Pick Dinner 

where each of the kids get to pick any side and it will be served.

Everything they picked was SO predictable that I probably could've GUESSED what they were going to say. Next year I will write down my guesses beforehand to prove it! Anyway, here's what was served.

Iris- Yogurt

Bronson- Mango Fruit Salad

Emerson- JELL-O

( he wanted pears in it, but NOT pear chunks because  there are "hairy things" in them so he wanted it blended all up to a mush and THEN put in the Jell-o. PA-LEASE do not try that at home. It turned out kinda nasty texture.....but Emerson loved it......obviously)

Camden- Biscuits

Brooks- the Pop-in-bum Grilled Chicken. 

This is always the main dish on Christmas Eve.

(Gotta love his flip-flops out there using the grill)

Royce- Mac-N-Cheese

And it HAD to be Kraft and not a store-brand. Apparently my kids can tell the difference.....who am I kidding?!!? I can too! Anyway, he doesn't look too thrilled here but that was because he had a 100+degree fever so he had a little and then went back to lay on the couch curled up with this blanket.

And coming RIGHT after the above boxed Mac-n-cheese we have the ever-so-classy Aleeya's pick of, RAMEN NOODLES!!!!

We actually had the missionaries over for dinner as well. As a surprise to them I called up their moms  (they can only talk to them on the phone twice a year on Mother's Day and Christmas) and asked what their favorite side is or something that THEIR family back home would be eating for Christmas Eve. Both of their mothers were so sweet and it touched my heart thinking of them missing their boys for 2 years. These 18-20 year old young men pay their way to leave their families for 2 years to teach about Jesus Christ. I really do love having them in my home and have my boys around them as well.

AAAAAAAANYWAY........

Here's what their moms gave me the recipes for to make them.

Elder Lee- Green Bean Casserole w/ sauteed mushrooms and bacon!!!!

LOTS of bacon. :)

(He was SO excited to eat it and the best compliment came when he said he tasted just like his moms. Then he asked if he could take the rest home. I think I passed the mom-cooking test)

Elder Cook- Cinnamon Pepsi

And although I'm sure my mother might disown me by serving a Pepsi product rather then a Coke one, I HAD to go by his mother's recipe......and it will NOW become our new traditional Christmas Eve Dinner drink. We loved it. Cinnamon Ice cubes (made with redhots and Hi-C orange) with Pepsi poured on top. It was fun and he really REALLY loved drinking it.

The whole gang.

And no, we don't require shirts to be worn at dinner. In fact, you can show up in a swimsuit like Aleeya and Kellyn!

I made mashed potatoes for Kellyn's dish and for mine?......well....... We went to THREE stores to find me my artichokes to add to the meal, but we didn't have any luck. Oh well, at least I got to eat my favorite pies.

The kids all sleep together for Christmas Eve so here Emerson and Camden are riding the crib mattress down the stairs to set up a bed for Royce.

BRING ON CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!!!

Seller's Remorse

It's a REAL condition this "Seller's Remorse" and I think I have it pretty bad.

Okay so let me back up, when I turned 30 I bought some couches for my birthday. Brooks teased me mercilessly how I bought them and they were still wrapped in their plastic and I had never actually SAT in them. Turns out they were pretty uncomfty but I really liked the looks and heck, they are STILL standing and look good after 3.5 years

. 

Brooks begged to differ. 

He told me just to get rid of them for years. I told him I wouldn't get rid of them, I would SELL them. He ASSURED me no one would EVER pay money for them. Infact he basically threw down the gauntlet in saying I could NOT sell them. He was so sure that he said IF I was able to get any money for them I could KEEP the money myself!

Well, one of the couches is downstairs in the boys' room and has worked great but we actually need the space open for when they get a double-shot ball hoop thing for Christmas (don't worry, they won't read my blog between now and Christmas).

So on Saturday I thought to myself, "Self, why not try to sell them today and MAYBE you can before Christmas". I put them on Craiglist for $100 for all three.

One hour later I had a phone call and then they kept coming.

Two hours later I had 12 people wanting them.

I just couldn't stop texting Brooks just to basically say "SEE! I KNEW I could sell them!!!!" . I couldn't help but think I should've asked for MORE since they were so popular. Had I just researched a little on Craiglist as to what was actually on there when it came to couches I really could've gotten more for them, but I told the first couple $100 and they came and saw them and loved them and took them in 5 minutes flat.

Just. like. that.

You would THINK I would have that moment of champion-ness holding that $100 bill in my hand, but all I could think about is this big ol' gap in my living room. As in we had people over tonight and they were on the couch and we're all around them on the floor, kind of gap.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!? 

Clearly, I wasn't.

We don't really have a place to SIT and I have no couches that I like to REPLACE them. I'm an idiot and impulsive sometimes....and there went my 30 year old birthday reminder out the door.....just so I could PROVE I could sell something and make room for a basketball hoop.

Doh.

Seller's Remorse. 

It's real.

And speaking of remorse........here is Kellyn throwing a fit complete with the paraplegic flop.

She was up on the counter and I got her down. She was SO mad that I lowered her that she threw the Christmas ornament she had JUST made at church on the floor and broke it. 

Then when he looked down and realized her precious ornament was broken she flopped and was inconsolable. 

The only productive thing to really do at that point is take a picture.

So I did.

United Prayers

I had a sweet choke-up moment with Royce recently.

In August Royce's primary (church) teacher was changed to a new woman. Royce doesn't speak too well yet (that doesn't stop him from always trying though!) but for some reason had decided to not even talk to this new teacher. 

Like not even answer her, ask for anything, nada. He would just sit there (a miracle in itself).

Royce is the youngest of every kid in Primary now (3-12 year olds). The sweet lady already had her hands full with all the 3 year olds but she said she wanted Royce to talk to her and like her SO bad.

Here's a group of the whole primary after we had our primary program, my kids through Royce are in the picture and me as well since I still am in charge of the primary music. (I love these kids SO much) Royce is the angel face with the shirt untucked in the front and his teacher, Sister Cluxton is the one on the far right.

Anyway, Sister Cluxton said she started praying that Royce would talk to her and like her. She said she prayed every night for it.

Immediately when she told me, I started getting the tingling in my eyes getting ready to cry because of the tenderness of her desire. 

I started thinking about how I pray for my kids every night and how I can be better for them. I know grandparents pray for my children. Each night my prayers are united with all these other prayers on behalf of Royce. 

I picture ancestors before me up there praying for me and my children as well and feel strongly that they are.....and in fact some of my biggest cheerleaders at times. 

It's just an overwhelming feeling as a mother to have others love your children. And this sweet lady does. She really really does.

And yes, he started talking to her in November and even snuggling her when he gets tired on her lap.

Prayer works.

Pet Ball Python

If there was ONE homework I LOVED doing with Camden last year it was writing a response to his "persuasive letter" asking for a chameleon. 

With Emerson now in 3rd grade he got the same assignment, and BIIIIIIIG surprise (NOT!), he spent his letter pleading for a Pet Ball Python.

Because isn't this what everyone wants in their house?

I mean really.

He was really convinced that I was going to say yes though. Maybe he thought he had a chance with his solid argument of "The snake will protect me from Camden and Bronson and constrict them" or the "It can keep me company  when I'm home alone" (yea.....like THAT ever happens!!! He has 7 siblings for heavens sake!!! I BIRTHED him his "company"!!!!)

So the teacher sends home a lined paper for the parents to write a letter back, we seal it and then they open it in class and read it for the first time in the front. 

Here's the typed version of my response to his letter:

My dearest and most convincing Emerson,

Thank you for your well thought out letter. I will have you know, it was not treated lightly and for a while I was actually considering buying you a Ball Python. Oh wait, never mind, I wasn’t.

We can not get a pet Ball Python and I will tell you my top 2 reasons why.

1. These snakes roll up into balls when they are scared, frightened and feeling threatened. I worry your poor pet snake will always be in the ball shape with Royce and Kellyn around. You know how they de-legged the crickets around our house and smashed the frogs. Remember when your little brother was swinging around that snake we found like a cowboy with a rope? Yes, I don’t think a snake would feel safe here.
2. Ball Pythons eat rats or mice Emerson. RATS AND MICE!!!! They eat live ones, dead ones and ones that you buy frozen. If you think for one SECOND that I want frozen mice in my freezer next to all my popsicles and chicken, you’ve got to be crazy. Plus, since the freezer is by your room you don’t want to hear me scream every time I open the freezer and see a frozen rat. That wouldn’t be good for your sleep I’m afraid.

But because your argument was SO very persuasive and I know how you like snakes, how about I buy you some gummy worms to make up for my BIG-FAT-NO response.

Loving you evermore,

Your frozen-rodent-hating mother

He actually peeked beforehand and read my first paragraph while I was in the room. You should've SEEN his face light up when he realized I was "considering" it....and then quickly drop to the biggest pout you've ever seen. His shoulders slumped and he was TRULY shocked. Like he was 101% sure his letter was sufficient to convince me. I felt kinda bad for maybe a split second, I won't lie. (I got over that fast though)

Anyway, it wasn't until today he read the whole thing in front of his class. Turns out all the other parents gave in to their child's pleadings except me and a kid that was asking for a real bow-n-arrow from the Hunger Games. (I probably would take that over a snake)

There's even a kid in his class getting a kitten out of this letter writing!!!!

 No WONDER Emerson really thought he had a shot. 

Apparently my letter was the only one that was "funny" and so Emerson said he DID enjoy the laughs he was getting reading it at the front. (He is his mother's and father's child for SURE!)

However, I AM glad we put this snake thing to rest and he won't wake up Christmas morning hoping that Santa saw this whole pet thing on Emerson's wish list.

Merry Christmas to me!

Brooks asked me a while back what I wanted for Christmas and I actually told him I wanted my blog printed up. But he couldn't really do that for me since I wanted it formatted a certain way....but technically this is "From Him" :) I've had two books (on the right) made before I just had about 3.5 years to print up!!! Since 2014 isn't over yet, I will print it up later, but I just received the new 2 books in the mail!!!!! 

THANKFULLY they aren't printed upside down as this picture is. No clue why it's like this.

Anyway, these are such a treasure for me and exactly what I wanted!!!

As far as Christmas around HERE goes it was out in full swing the day after Thanksgiving.....because the kids were home and bored, so it was time to make the cookies for the tree.

We make two batches....one to eat, and one to put on the tree. To avoid the nibblers I am STILL trying the figure out the perfect thing to put in the tree-cookie dough to deter them. Last year was great with the tabasco sauce but it let off a Mexican-food smell when you were by the tree so that idea was a bust. 

THIS year I came up with a brilliant idea to drown the cookie dough in straight cinnamon (you know the cinnamon-gag effect) and pepper. As an added bonus it turned the sugar cookies a little brown so it looks like gingerbread ( which I don't much care for the taste of but love the Christmas/gingerbread connection)

All ready for the tree....

I repeated over and over to Kellyn and Royce particularly how these were "yucky".

Then I left this tray out so I could thread string through them to hang on the tree later. In the meantime Brooks comes home and cluelessly grabs a cookie and tells me how good the "spiced" cookies were.

WHAAAAAAT?!?!?!

I didn't believe him. It is hard to describe how much pepper and a cinnamon was dumped in....and only I know how much, but I DO know that they SHOULD be stinkin' nasty!

I took a bite, and I'll be a darned if those cookies weren't quite tasty. 

So there you go....if you want yummy cookies, add a container of cinnamon and a bottle of pepper.

You're welcome.

(Thankfully Royce and Kellyn still think they are yucky from my brainwashing)

Even though the cookies weren't eaten off the tree, the sprinkles and candy were. I did the same thing when I was younger so I can't blame them....but I still took a Fabreeze cinnamon spray and sprayed the front of all my cookies/sprinkles. There. 

Good-smelling tree done.

The cranberries/popcorn courtesy of the girls and Royce who worked hard on them. So so cute.

And to show the tradition of cookies-on-a-tree that I absolutely LOVE from growing up, here is a picture of my mom with her firstborn by their Christmas tree (he was born on Christmas) in 1968 or 67?.....notice the cookies! I love it. 

I think I remember her telling me they did the cookies (and popcorn) because they were poor students and couldn't afford ornaments. 

We also pulled out all our singing Christmas stuffed animals. I have 7 this year (two died last year) and the kids love them and it entertains them for-EVER!!!!

Brooks thinks it's so funny for someone (ME!!!)  who doesn't like a ton of extra noise added upon the ton-of-noise anyway, to be obsessed with these singing toys. But I really love them and I always go shopping for new ones the day after Christmas. 

(I remember my favorite part of going to my grandparents house when I was younger around Christmas was to see their little elf guys who rolled dice and their Santa who sang.)

And while I'm getting all tradition-mushy and all I might add this was put out the first day too....

Brooks' mom sends us a Christmas children's book to read each Christmas Eve together.  We still have every book for every year. My kids are CONSTANTLY reading these during December and I love that it's a "decoration" they look forward to.

All decorated for Christmas....

Not much longer until the big ol' man in red comes to visit.

I just love Christmas time.

4

My little Royce turned 4 this month....

eh-hem, I mean, "Spiderman" turned 4 this month.

It came as NO surprise that he wanted a piñata after "himself", and since the whole thing is red I trusted him enough to paint it as well.

It's like looking and twins here.

Unfortunately for Royce he had to give back the Spiderman outfit (he had been wearing for a month straight....every day......no joke) he had borrowed from a friend that very night....which is the reason he wasn't wearing it for the party.

Big shocker here but he wanted a ......wait for it......

SPIDERMAN CAKE!!!!!

He had so much fun running around and shooting his friends with his new gun....

except ONE of his friends, just wanted to hang out by the dog we were dog sitting. I asked him why he didn't want to play and he said, "Your house is REALLY loud and full of surprises"

Yep.....that about describes it exactly.

Later that night he got some warrior beyblades and a junk box from us.

(this child can DOWN Clementines)

WITH a Spiderman drink.

All and all it was a fantastic party and day for Royce the recently-retired Spiderman.

So it made him all the MORE happy when someone gave him this Superman outfit.

He has worn it 100% of the places we've gone minus church. The only variation is with or without the cape.

Gotta love this kid.

Fun Times

There were a few firsts for us in November and one was taking the WHOLE family to a trampoline 

place. I thought it might be crazy trying to keep track of everyone (imagine that!) or that the younger ones wouldn't like it as much and want to leave earlier then the older ones....but I was wrong on BOTH accounts. EVERYONE had a blast.

ESPECIALLY this little lady. Pretty sure she jumped on these trampolines the whole entire 2 hours. Maybe even on that specific square the whole time. :)

Gravitopia installed a new American Ninja Warrior part of it!!!! My kids are freaks about that show so they thought "Cannonball Alley" would be a cinch......um......Camden didn't even make it past one.

And the arm rings (Brooks) and rock climbing (Aleeya) in the back.

When I looked at then pictures on my phone they were mostly of Brooks here. Pretty sure I just followed him around with my phone because I like looking at him. haha.....

Iris just kept going up this ladder thing....over and over, like it was no big deal. So I got on after her and um......didn't make it past one step before it flipped over completely. Iris must have some KILLER balance.

Royce would keep jumping into the blocks and get stuck in there and I would have to dig him out each time. You would THINK it would get old after a while but his smile made it worth it.

Then there was the trapeze. My family probably spent the bulk of their time there. Who couldn't resist  it?

Here Bronson is trying to reach that red ball hanging.....Camden was the only one who made it to the red ball.

We had gone with our friends there so while my friend sat there and watched Kellyn jumping in the same place while I tried the trapeze. Brooks grabbed my phone to take a picture but apparently he took a video. Which is "perfect" because everyone wants their FACE PLANT immortalized forever. Not.

Apparently you need stomach muscles to hold yourself up? Or even arm muscles?

I have neither.....so there's that.

(and I couldn't move my arms for 2 days afterward all because of this one attempt. Wow, I have issues)

Speaking of issues......

The day after Thanksgiving I took my two girls to Disney on Ice for their first time!!!

I can't describe how much I was geeking out over it all. I mean ICE SKATING and DISNEY and THE BEST CHOREOGRAPHY ever?!?!? 

and the costumes!!!!! Oh my word. Check out Captain Hook's crocodile and the person skating lying down in it!!!

And flying people, flying carpets, animal stampedes, coolest Alice-in-Wonderland cards dancing EVER and Lion KING ANIMALS!!!!!

And then at the end every princess and their prince comes out and dances. 

*sigh*

total girl heaven....

It's hard to put into words how excited I was through the whole thing......and crazy that I was like that. Maybe even more so then my girls.....and THEY were in heaven.

The only thing that would've made it better would've been to watch it with my sisters. :)