Doll Movie

My cousin made this movie while going to college and living at my grandma's house. It's genius. He showed it to Graham and Carmen when they were younger and Carmen talked about it for seriously a year. "Remember the doll movie?" I think it was scary and confusing for her little 2 year old mind to understand. This doll has some history with our family. I know that each and every one of my cousins played with the doll with the helmet. And I don't ever remember him having any clothes. So here it is. Enjoy.

Following in our Footsteps

Truman has just started to carry/drag his favorite blankie with him while he walks around the house. This is something both David and I did as kids. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I still sleep with mine. Truman is the first out of the kids to show interest in a blankie. And we're proud of it. :)

Abandoned Visitors

Here is what I saw on the counter one morning. Soggy Life cereal with an audience.

Breakfast Prayer

While Graham was giving the blessing on the food we were about to eat he said: "We are thankful for a mom that makes good food, so we don't have to go to a resaurant because her food is that good."

Well, I wouldn't say I am the best cook, or even a great one, but it does make me feel good that my kids think so and let me know it. :)

Earliest

Truman has been up and trying to walk for almost 3 1/2 weeks now. Right around the time he was 9 1/2 months old. That officially makes him the earliest walker out of all the kids. I have a great video to put on here, but it's giving my trouble. I will try later.

Yes I Did

So I have been contemplating for a long time now whether or not to cut my hair. While hanging with family, I would have a sporadic thought to cut my hair, knowing that my SIL Tracie could do the job for me. She would've done an amazing job, but she never had her scissors with her, and I would change my mind just minutes after each conversation.

Fast forward a few weeks. We were up in Rexburg with my family. My mom was on her way that afternoon for her hair appointment and asked if I wanted to get mine done too. There happened to be an opening at the same time with another employee and it would be perfect. So I jumped on it. My other SIL Sadie came with us for moral support. And she did a great job of it. Aubree, the hairdresser, gave me the award for the thickest hair she has ever cut. I don't know if that's a good thing. :) But it now takes half the time to get ready in the mornings. All in all I would have to say that I am really enjoying it.

Bestie

While visiting my family up in Rexburg for the past week, I was able to schedule a time to visit with one of my besties from back in the day. Erin. Love that girl. Even though our visits are few and far between, I always feel like time hasn't passed at all. We were able to meet up at Millhollow for some yogurt and had a good visit with some catching up. Love you Erin!

Homemade Shawl

The girls each got a homemade shawl from their Granny for Christmas. This was taken the day after Christmas right before church. They love their shawl and so do I.

Happy Day!

This is how we are feeling today. Full of joy! We've had a great, relaxing Christmas and hope yours was just as wonderful! (Picture of Truman was taken with my nephew's new ipod touch.)

*Funny conversation with Morgan tonight:
Me: Wow! It's already starting to get dark! Our Christmas day is almost over. Where did our day go?
Morgan: I don't know. Maybe it's up in Idaho?
Me: Maybe.

Christmas Miracle

Our community was heartbroken last Friday when news spread about the Provo Tabernacle burning. Many have memories there. Graham and I went to his friends Christmas choir concert just weeks before and felt it was strange that it is gone now. Our stake conferences were held in that building twice a year along with many others who also shared that historical building for many different occassions.
My brother sent me a text this morning of this picture. It's the famous painting of Christ coming out of the clouds representing his second coming. All was burned except him. Amazing. Many are calling it a Christmas miracle.

Another Great Quote

Graham got in trouble at school the other day for not following instructions from the teacher. This isn't his first time and I am sure it won't be his last. But I do have to say now that he is in 3rd grade, he has grown out a lot of his wiggles and really doesn't get in trouble. He came home from school and I could tell just by the look on his face something was up. He felt terrible. So we had a long talk. The funny thing is, I didn't hear anything from his teacher, it all came from him. During our conversation he said this little keeper(and yes, I wrote it down. word for word.):

"I think that teachers, after their first year of teaching they learn the look that can really scare the socks off of any student. So far, every single teacher I have had has that look."

I really don't know where these thoughts come from, but he has been filled with funny quotes ever since he learned to talk.

Christmas Thought

'Tis the season...

...of taking on too much. That's how I have been feeling anyway. I have started a little tradition in our family, where every year the kids get a new crocheted toy by their stocking on Christmas morning made by me. I think the kids really could care less, but I have this thing where I feel like I need to do it for them. That's something about me that I probably need to change. I am always taking on too much. Don't know if it's just me or if others do it. We just watched the classic Mormon flick The RM witht the kids the other night. Graham thought it was hil-arious. He was laughing at multiple parts. One thing he thought was hysterical was the fact that the woman go overboard with their relief society lessons with handouts and elaborate centerpieces. Then over in priesthood the men can't remember who had the lesson for that day. Isn't it kind of true?

....of giving. We just had a special delivery on our door step with an envelope. The envelope said From: Santa and his Elves. Because of that special delivery, our kids will have a very nice Christmas. And we look forward to the day that we too can help other families with young ones that are struggling to get through school, which brings me to my next thought...

.....of celebration! David is our college graduate! Undergrad that is. We have filled out multiple applications for graduate school. Two programs here at BYU. We hope to stay here, but are willing to go where we need to so David can get the schooling he needs.

....of reflection. We have been trying to keep the focus on our Savior during this Christmas season. It's so easy to get sidetracked and think only about presents. We are grateful the best gift of all. The gift of the Atonement from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

2010 Handprint Ornament

We had a great time making these ornaments tonight. It's become a tradition in our house to have the kids each make their own ornament each year. I loved this idea because it's a great way to preserve the size of their little fingers.

The Explanation

I wouldn't say that I really know how to quilt, but this is an idea I had for my mom's 60th birthday. With the help of each mother in the family I was able to make it. Each of my sister's and SIL's spent time with their kids to make a square for grandma. There are grandchild sqares throughout the quilt.
Yesterday my nephew got baptized. After the lunch we presented this along with a photo album with personal notes to mom. I was expecting her to bawl like a baby, and I was right! haha. I wasn't expecting me and my sis's to cry right along with her, but we did. It was touching to see how much it meant to her. She later stated she was overcome (since it was a surprise). Happy Birthday Mom! 60 is a big one! But don't worry about the number, we will all be there someday. :)