Monday, January 26, 2009
Ready for the Day
I haven't been sleeping very well lately so I have been staying up late and waking up early. This morning I laid down on the couch for a few minutes with Carlee to watch Super Why after taking the kids to school. Jake was upstairs playing on the computer and I must have dozed off. A few minutes later, I felt some tapping on my face and a little voice said, "Mom, I'm ready for the day!"
Switcharoo
Every night before I go to bed, I check on my kids one more time by re-tucking them in and kissing them good night. Imagine my surprise when I walked into Katelyn's room and found nobody there. So I moved onto Carlee's room . . .
She was there and sound asleep so I went to check on the boys . . .
No boys but one little girl sleeping in a boy's bed.
I continued walking down the hallway and found one little boy in the lovesac in the playroom but the oldest one was still missing . . .
Here he is in the guest bed.
Sometimes I wonder why they even have bedrooms. Half of the time they are sleeping with each other or all together crammed into one twin bed. I see legs on faces, elbows in ears, fingers in armpits and mouths wide open and drooling. What crazy topsy-turvy children! How can they sleep like that? I think it would be better if we turned our loft into a big community bedroom with all beds mushed together. Maybe they would finally stay in bed and I could have a craft room, storage room . . .
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Rough Week
So I was listening to the radio the other day when a song came on that I've heard at least a dozen times but I actually listened to the words this time. It is "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins. I added it to my playlist because I really needed to realize this week that I am going to miss my children being little. It has been a rough week for them and I think the reality of change has sunk in . . .
Clark has actually been really obedient and has stepped in to help me quite a bit, however, he still suffers from the elation and excitement he receives by teasing his brother and sisters. Teasing Carlee gives him extra joy. He pretends to be a monster and growls and chases her while she runs away screaming and crying. I tell her there are no monsters so she tells him to "leave me alone, Clarkie!" and proceeds to hit him. While he is laughing at her hitting him, I am trying to tell her that we don't hit. He also tortures her by carrying her around and away from everyone, putting her in a room, and shutting the door. I wonder if I should do that to him . . . if only he weren't so darn heavy!
Katelyn has what we call "Brattitude". She actually agreed that working on this would be her New Year's resolution. This happens about every 2-3 days. She will be a great helper--always willing to help me out with little things around the house, with Carlee, or just playing nicely, and then the Brattitude Monster takes over and she talks back, turns up her nose, stomps her foot and gives mean looks all the while saying, "I can't, Mom, I'm busy" or "Do it yourself". Looks like that monster needs to be chased away by Carlee. Maybe I'll allow hitting on that one, if only I could see it.
Jacob has a problem with staring at me and not comprehending anything that I say. As I'm telling him to do something or get his work done, he is completely thinking about something else. Everything is in one ear and out the other with him. The other day, I was rattling off a list of 3 things he needed to get done before school. Right in the middle of my sentence, he said, "Mom, do you know that all snowflakes are different and none of them are the same?" I said, "Yes, I did know that. Did you know that I was talking to you?" He nodded but didn't know what I said. Then he stuck his thumb in his mouth and walked away. Another new phrase that he has said twice is the dreaded one, "I hate you!" He has said that to me once and to Katelyn the other day. They were fighting in the car on the way to the store--kicking, screaming, crying, hitting, etc. when those mean words came out of his mouth. I was at my wit's end so I told Jake that if he hated his family then we would find him a new one while we were at the store. I was pointing out different moms and asking him which one he liked. He was crying and saying that he didn't want a new family but I said that if he hated us then he shouldn't be with us and he should live with one he loved. He could even pick what family he wanted! I was pointing out different characteristics of each mom, dad, brother and sister and Clark and Katelyn were giggling. He finally apologized to Katelyn and to me and said that he would love our family and be nicer. So, the moral of this story is . . . when you're at your wit's end, you've lectured, threatened, bribed, and punished until you're blue in the face, you go to your creative side and do whatever works!
Carlee is back to clinging on to me all day long. She follows me, wants me to hold her, has to be carried up and down the stairs, and can not be away from me. If I leave for one second to do dishes or put in a batch of laundry, she runs screaming and crying after me. Too bad that she is too big and heavy for a baby sling. That would be the best solution instead of putting myself in time-out for 5 minutes while she bangs on the door. She is also into everything and doing things herself. She has a huge sweet tooth and I have to pick the lesser of the two evil junk foods. She is into saying, "one mo' time" and "jus' wheel quick, Mom!" I am definitely learning patience with this one and I have to pick my battles with her. One such battle is her choice of clothing. She has to pick out her outfits and this is usually an argument. Do you know how difficult it is to argue with a 2-year-old? We always end up with a compromise but every day she insists on wearing these high-heeled Minnie Mouse shoes she got for Christmas. When I try to get her to wear normal shoes, she throws a fit so I give in and we shop and run errands in bright yellow high heels. I have to admit they do look darling on her and she gets a million smiles and compliments although I end up carrying her because she can barely walk in them. What we women do for fashion and beauty!
Now that I have complained about the fighting, bickering, and naughty talk of my children this past week, I do have to say that they are good kids. They always step up when I am stressed and they usually listen when we have "family council" (code for Mom is going to lecture). We have great days more often than not but it seems our few bad ones are pretty BAD so they tend to get the focus. I love my four munchkins dearly and nothing brings me greater joy. I love being a mom and it's what I've always wanted to be. I am so grateful that I can stay home with them and be there for every question about snowflakes, see the smirks and dimples when something is funny, hear their apologies for messing up, cuddle with them to read stories when the hustle and bustle of the daily routine is done, kiss them good night as they sleep peacefully, hear the words, "I love you" constantly, catch their flying kisses when they head off to school, and watch them saunter around in high heels flipping their hair and talking on their "i-flone". I know that I will miss these days and that they are growing up too fast. They are my greatest gift and I love them so much even through a rough week.
Clark has actually been really obedient and has stepped in to help me quite a bit, however, he still suffers from the elation and excitement he receives by teasing his brother and sisters. Teasing Carlee gives him extra joy. He pretends to be a monster and growls and chases her while she runs away screaming and crying. I tell her there are no monsters so she tells him to "leave me alone, Clarkie!" and proceeds to hit him. While he is laughing at her hitting him, I am trying to tell her that we don't hit. He also tortures her by carrying her around and away from everyone, putting her in a room, and shutting the door. I wonder if I should do that to him . . . if only he weren't so darn heavy!
Katelyn has what we call "Brattitude". She actually agreed that working on this would be her New Year's resolution. This happens about every 2-3 days. She will be a great helper--always willing to help me out with little things around the house, with Carlee, or just playing nicely, and then the Brattitude Monster takes over and she talks back, turns up her nose, stomps her foot and gives mean looks all the while saying, "I can't, Mom, I'm busy" or "Do it yourself". Looks like that monster needs to be chased away by Carlee. Maybe I'll allow hitting on that one, if only I could see it.
Jacob has a problem with staring at me and not comprehending anything that I say. As I'm telling him to do something or get his work done, he is completely thinking about something else. Everything is in one ear and out the other with him. The other day, I was rattling off a list of 3 things he needed to get done before school. Right in the middle of my sentence, he said, "Mom, do you know that all snowflakes are different and none of them are the same?" I said, "Yes, I did know that. Did you know that I was talking to you?" He nodded but didn't know what I said. Then he stuck his thumb in his mouth and walked away. Another new phrase that he has said twice is the dreaded one, "I hate you!" He has said that to me once and to Katelyn the other day. They were fighting in the car on the way to the store--kicking, screaming, crying, hitting, etc. when those mean words came out of his mouth. I was at my wit's end so I told Jake that if he hated his family then we would find him a new one while we were at the store. I was pointing out different moms and asking him which one he liked. He was crying and saying that he didn't want a new family but I said that if he hated us then he shouldn't be with us and he should live with one he loved. He could even pick what family he wanted! I was pointing out different characteristics of each mom, dad, brother and sister and Clark and Katelyn were giggling. He finally apologized to Katelyn and to me and said that he would love our family and be nicer. So, the moral of this story is . . . when you're at your wit's end, you've lectured, threatened, bribed, and punished until you're blue in the face, you go to your creative side and do whatever works!
Carlee is back to clinging on to me all day long. She follows me, wants me to hold her, has to be carried up and down the stairs, and can not be away from me. If I leave for one second to do dishes or put in a batch of laundry, she runs screaming and crying after me. Too bad that she is too big and heavy for a baby sling. That would be the best solution instead of putting myself in time-out for 5 minutes while she bangs on the door. She is also into everything and doing things herself. She has a huge sweet tooth and I have to pick the lesser of the two evil junk foods. She is into saying, "one mo' time" and "jus' wheel quick, Mom!" I am definitely learning patience with this one and I have to pick my battles with her. One such battle is her choice of clothing. She has to pick out her outfits and this is usually an argument. Do you know how difficult it is to argue with a 2-year-old? We always end up with a compromise but every day she insists on wearing these high-heeled Minnie Mouse shoes she got for Christmas. When I try to get her to wear normal shoes, she throws a fit so I give in and we shop and run errands in bright yellow high heels. I have to admit they do look darling on her and she gets a million smiles and compliments although I end up carrying her because she can barely walk in them. What we women do for fashion and beauty!
Now that I have complained about the fighting, bickering, and naughty talk of my children this past week, I do have to say that they are good kids. They always step up when I am stressed and they usually listen when we have "family council" (code for Mom is going to lecture). We have great days more often than not but it seems our few bad ones are pretty BAD so they tend to get the focus. I love my four munchkins dearly and nothing brings me greater joy. I love being a mom and it's what I've always wanted to be. I am so grateful that I can stay home with them and be there for every question about snowflakes, see the smirks and dimples when something is funny, hear their apologies for messing up, cuddle with them to read stories when the hustle and bustle of the daily routine is done, kiss them good night as they sleep peacefully, hear the words, "I love you" constantly, catch their flying kisses when they head off to school, and watch them saunter around in high heels flipping their hair and talking on their "i-flone". I know that I will miss these days and that they are growing up too fast. They are my greatest gift and I love them so much even through a rough week.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year 2009!
New Year's weekend was a lot of fun because my family came down to spend it with us. Kyle, Jenn, Mom, and Dad were planning on coming in the first place and at the last minute Steph and Jim decided to come as well. We missed Cath, Jay and Geoff.
They all arrived on New Year's Eve and the night was spent playing games, having Wii competitions (Guitar Hero and Dancing with the Stars), eating fondue, talking, laughing, and having a great time. Our fondue dinner was delicious with 2 different types of cheese dips for veggies and bread, 3 different types of sauces and meats, and a chocolate fountain for fruits and treats. Katelyn loved the chocolate fountain so much she even asked Grandma if we could buy it from her. (I guess we know what to get her for her birthday) Half of the family fell asleep before midnight (Mom, Dad, Tyler, Madi, Jake, and Carlee) and the better half stayed awake (Kris, Jim, Steph, Kyle, Jenn, Clark, and Katelyn) to actually ring in the new year. We made our new year's resolution toasts over sparkling cider, pulled poppers, blew horns quietly and then crashed for the night.
They all arrived on New Year's Eve and the night was spent playing games, having Wii competitions (Guitar Hero and Dancing with the Stars), eating fondue, talking, laughing, and having a great time. Our fondue dinner was delicious with 2 different types of cheese dips for veggies and bread, 3 different types of sauces and meats, and a chocolate fountain for fruits and treats. Katelyn loved the chocolate fountain so much she even asked Grandma if we could buy it from her. (I guess we know what to get her for her birthday) Half of the family fell asleep before midnight (Mom, Dad, Tyler, Madi, Jake, and Carlee) and the better half stayed awake (Kris, Jim, Steph, Kyle, Jenn, Clark, and Katelyn) to actually ring in the new year. We made our new year's resolution toasts over sparkling cider, pulled poppers, blew horns quietly and then crashed for the night.
Dad and Jenn were partners in Dancing with the Stars.
Dad really got his groove on!
Mom and Jim were partners. Mom was laughing so much she kept pausing the game accidentally and Jim was trying to keep his frustrations with her at bay.
Kyle and Katelyn were partners, Jake and Steph were partners, and Clark and I were partners. Ty, Madi, and Carlee just enjoyed dancing around the room and trying to copy the moves. The champions were . . . obviously, Clark and Mom!!! Where's our mirror-ball trophy?
On New Year's Day we woke up late, had a late breakfast and then went to the outlets. No trip to Vegas would be complete if the sisters and Grandma didn't do a little shopping at the outlets. The brothers, Grandpa, and children were good sports and we got some good deals. Then we headed home to play more board games and the other renewed tradition of Neon Leon.
Friday we went to the Lied Children's Discovery Museum and a discovery it was. The kids had a great time and it was so fun. They had a bank, post office, grocery store, hospital, puppet theater, performing arts theater, karaoke, a construction site and bubble tanks on the first floor. On the second floor, there was a wind tunnel, wheelchair basketball, virtual soccer on a holopod, chair pulls, and other scientific discoveries.
Clark tried his hand at basketball wearing hoops goggles. While looking through those glasses, the hoop was deformed and you had to make the shot.
Carlee tried her hand as well with Uncle Kyle's help
Katelyn sang a little Hannah Montana for the crowd in the karaoke room. Way to go, superstar!
Jake loved going up and down the slides. What a poser!
The kids used all their muscles and strength to pull themselves up the ropes on these chairs. Clark's wincing and grunting helped him the most. Carlee got a little help from Grandpa.
This was my favorite. It is called the Torture Chamber, I mean, Wind Tunnel. I put all four of my kids in there and the wind gets up to 78 mph. As you can see, Carlee definitely didn't like this and everyone was laughing at her while she was crying and screaming. The best part is that I couldn't hear her or any of them at all. Definitely on this year's Christmas Wish List.
Just kidding.
Here is Jake climbing on the gopher holes. Obviously you're supposed to go under and pop up in the holes like Steph and Madi but being Jake, he'll climb on top and bang on them.
I don't know who had more fun at the bubble tanks, the kids or Kyle and Jenn.
Katelyn put on several puppet shows.
And Carlee was the perfect forewoman at the construction site. She gave the workers plenty of lunch breaks by pulling the whistle.
It was a fun day and ended well at Cold Stone Ice Cream, our favorite. Yummy!
Saturday we had a breakfast buffet at the Aliante Station Casino and the kids loved piling their plates up with all the choices they could wish for. Then everyone packed up and headed home. I started taking down the Christmas decorations and 2009 has officially begun. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, fun family!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Captain Joseph Jay Stuart, USAF
Friday, December 26, 2008 my husband officially began his first deployment. He will be serving in Bagram, Afghanistan for about 6 months. (His orders say six but there is a promise that a replacement will be there in four. I'm planning on at least five months so that four is a nice surprise and if he stays for six, I can handle a few more weeks ;))
The Christmas season has been bittersweet this year because we have been so excited and grateful to be able to spend Christmas together but we knew that Joe would be leaving the next day. We figured that he would be deployed once he got done with residency and we got the official word in October. The whole month of December has been stressful and crazy as he has been working, doing deployment preparations, and trying to fit in Christmas activities. Joe has been amazing through it all by putting our family first while tying up all loose ends at work, being fitted for gas masks, training to shoot guns, signing wills and legal documents, getting paperwork signed at offices all over the base, picking up uniforms and supplies here and there, and making sure that I and our children are squared away while he is gone.
Watching him go through all the preparations has made me more patriotic and even more proud to be a military wife. I am so grateful for the men and women who have and are serving our country. We have met so many wonderful friends through the military and I have watched and admired those who have been through deployments. Some have been away from their families for shorter periods of time and some have been way too long. Several have missed holidays, the growing of their children, and special family events, including the births of new sons and daughters. Either way, these military personnel and their families sacrifice so much to keep us all free.
Joe knew that when he signed up for the Air Force that deployment would be a possibility and although he will miss us very much, he is very honored to have this opportunity to help the injured and serve his country.
We love you so much, Joe, and pray for your safe return. Thank you!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
It's Christmas!
We ate a breakfast of cinnamon rolls, eggs, and bacon and enjoyed playing the rest of the day. In between games and watching new movies, Joe was busy packing, downloading his new James Bond movies and other music, and setting up Internet cameras while I tried to finish unpacking from our trip and wash the laundry. It was a nice Christmas and we just enjoyed being together and playing.
'Twas Twelve Days Before Christmas . . .
. . . and all through our home, we were so crazy with plans and activities we didn't have time to moan.
Day 12 (Saturday, December 13)
Magical Christmas Forest
After Clark's basketball game in the morning and Katelyn's friend's birthday party in the afternoon, we bundled up (and I mean, bundled) and headed out for some dinner and a trip to the Magical Christmas Forest. It had been really windy all day long and very cold but we decided to brave the wind and go anyway since it was our last chance this year. We met the Swaseys and Aikeles for dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, which was delicious, and drove to the forest. After getting all snuggly in our heavy coats, hats, and gloves, discussing whether we should bag the forest and the wind and go bowling instead, running back to the cars for more blankets, scarves, and towels to wrap up in, re-discussing our indoor options, and finally deciding that "we were here so let's just do it!" we walked into the Magical Christmas Forest. And magical, it was! There was hot chocolate, a carousel, gunny-sack slide, Christmas train, Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, a Teddy Bear, and a village to walk through. It was all lit up and there were little houses and animated figures to see. The best part for the kids was the gunny sack slide. Because it was so cold and windy, it wasn't very busy so we got right on the rides and activities. Towards the end of the night, the wind died down and the weather was perfect--cold enough for hot cocoa but warm enough that we couldn't complain too much. It was a great evening and I'm so glad that we didn't chicken out because of the wind.
Day 11 (Sunday, December 14)
Speaking in Sacrament Meeting
Joe and I were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting the week earlier. Our topics were Gratitude and Charity. I chose Charity and Joe, Gratitude. Luckily for us, and especially Joe, there were 2 other speakers and the primary's musical number. I cut a little bit out of my talk but when it was our turn to speak, there was only about 15 minutes left in the meeting. I spoke for about 10 and turned the time to Joe who only had time to say a few words about Gratitude and bear his testimony so that we could end the meeting on time. It was the quickest talk he's ever given. Lucky! At least we got that under our belt for a year or so. Whew!
Day 10 (Monday, December 15)
Piano Recital
When we moved to Las Vegas, Clark continued taking piano lessons and Katelyn started. They take from a gal in our ward and are loving it. Clark proclaims to just tolerate it, but secretly he really enjoys it and Katelyn has really taken off and loves it too. Tonight was their Christmas recital. Clark played "Bouree and Musette" and "The First Noel". Katelyn played "Jolly Juggler" and "Up On The Housetop". They did a great job and we were very proud.
Day 9 (Tuesday, December 16)
Basketball, Dance, Choir Performances
Tuesday is our busiest day of the week due to early morning choir practice for Clark and Kate, Jake's afternoon preschool, Clark's basketball practice, Katelyn's dance class, and my dance class. Today was no exception but added to the chaos was 2 choir performances and parent observation at dance. I couldn't make it to the choir performances today but luckily they had another one scheduled for Thursday morning. That was the one I would go to. The other activities went off without a hitch and we got through another Tuesday.
Day 8 (Wednesday, December 17)
Orthopaedic Department Christmas Party, Parent-Teacher Conference
Today the kids were out of school for Parent-Teacher Conferences so they spent the day playing while I cooked for our dinner tonight and went to the school for conferences. The kids are doing well and enjoying school. Great grades and great teachers. We are really happy. We also got snow today! It was even sticking to the ground and was all over the mountains. So exciting. Who knew that sunny Las Vegas got snow? We certainly didn't and the weather report was that we would get about 4 more inches overnight. Crazy! I got a little excited when it was actual snowflakes so I took some pictures when it first started coming down. Little did I know that the ground would have soon been covered. Unfortunately I didn't get any of the mountains either but they are definitely covered in white!
Day 7 (Thursday, December 18)
Snow Day!, Jake's Preschool Christmas Party, and Dance Recital
Today was a Snow Day! There was so much snow overnight that Thursday's school was cancelled via the news on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, we woke up to sunshine and the roads were clear, so school was cancelled for no reason and I missed the final performance of Clark and Kate's choir. But Jake's preschool still held their Christmas party and Clark and Kate got to go. Special visitors came and all the kids got to sit on his lap and receive a gift. There were crafts and cookies galore. It was great.
Day 6 (Friday, December 19)
Polar Express Day, Drive to Utah
Today was party day at the school. Clark had a Polar Express Pajama Party and Katelyn had a holiday party in her class. Joe spent the day finishing up work and deployment stuff and I finished cleaning the house and packed for our weekend up in Utah. We left about 5:00, grabbed dinner and gas in St. George, hit a snowstorm between Beaver and Nephi, drove on snow-packed roads and arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Holt's house at about midnight. Let the Christmas festivities begin!
Day 5 (Saturday, December 20)
Holt Family Christmas Party
Sleigh Rides, Snow Tubing, Temple Square
Tuesday morning was spent out in the snow again. Grandpa hooked the sleigh up to the pony and took the kids for rides back and forth down the street to the church. Charlie also bought 4 inner tubes to hook to the four-wheeler so all the boys could sled together. Again, they had a blast flying around the field on the tubes and sleds.
Christmas Eve
After breakfast, we loaded up and headed home for our own Christmas in Vegas. We stopped at Grandma and Grandpa Holt's for a box of Christmas gifts, ate some quick sandwiches, and continued the drive. Luckily we were between snow storms so it was smooth driving until we got into St. George where it was raining. Clark decided that we should eat at Mongolian BBQ Grill so Steph and Jim met us there for dinner. The kids loved it and the servers were so great. There was a cute lady that crushed up crackers for the kids and showed them how to eat with chopsticks. She was even helping Carlee hold them and put the crackers into her mouth. She kept coming over to our table telling the kids to eat their dinner so she could give them a treat. She also reminded them of Santa coming tonight so they better eat until they were full. She was so funny and good with the kids. We then grabbed some stuff for Joe at Steph's house, filled up with gas, and continued home.
About five minutes before we got home, Jake and Carlee started to fall asleep. We tried to wake them up so we could do our Christmas Eve traditions but they were so groggy. When we pulled up to our house, we noticed that the Christmas trees were all lit. I didn't remember leaving them on so I was wondering what was up. When we walked in, there was soft Christmas music playing, the smell of pine trees and some goodies and cards on our counter. When I opened the fridge to get the kids a drink, it was full of a yummy Christmas dinner complete with ham, potatoes, green beans, salad, pie, cake, juice, and egg nog. Some sweet little elves had let themselves into our house to welcome us home. Thanks, dear friends, for being so sweet. That was so thoughtful and generous. We really love and appreciate good friends like you. Those little things mean so much and it was wonderful.
We quickly unpacked our suitcases and started our evening. We read the Christmas story out of the Bible and The Night Before Christmas. Then we opened our traditional Christmas pajamas and ornaments. We started watching Polar Express while I made hot chocolate and got out the sugar cookies for the kids to decorate for Santa. When the movie was over, the kids went straight to bed without argument. It was amazing. I think they were finally exhausted from our quick Utah trip. Carlee and Katelyn snuggled up with Clark and Jake slept in his own bed and they were sound asleep in about 5 minutes. When we put them to bed, we told them that they couldn't come out of their rooms in the morning. We have an open hallway that looks down into the family room so we said that they had to just call for us at 7:00 and we would come up to get them. We'll see if they actually follow orders in the morning . . .
Day 12 (Saturday, December 13)
Magical Christmas Forest
After Clark's basketball game in the morning and Katelyn's friend's birthday party in the afternoon, we bundled up (and I mean, bundled) and headed out for some dinner and a trip to the Magical Christmas Forest. It had been really windy all day long and very cold but we decided to brave the wind and go anyway since it was our last chance this year. We met the Swaseys and Aikeles for dinner at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, which was delicious, and drove to the forest. After getting all snuggly in our heavy coats, hats, and gloves, discussing whether we should bag the forest and the wind and go bowling instead, running back to the cars for more blankets, scarves, and towels to wrap up in, re-discussing our indoor options, and finally deciding that "we were here so let's just do it!" we walked into the Magical Christmas Forest. And magical, it was! There was hot chocolate, a carousel, gunny-sack slide, Christmas train, Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, a Teddy Bear, and a village to walk through. It was all lit up and there were little houses and animated figures to see. The best part for the kids was the gunny sack slide. Because it was so cold and windy, it wasn't very busy so we got right on the rides and activities. Towards the end of the night, the wind died down and the weather was perfect--cold enough for hot cocoa but warm enough that we couldn't complain too much. It was a great evening and I'm so glad that we didn't chicken out because of the wind.
Day 11 (Sunday, December 14)
Speaking in Sacrament Meeting
Joe and I were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting the week earlier. Our topics were Gratitude and Charity. I chose Charity and Joe, Gratitude. Luckily for us, and especially Joe, there were 2 other speakers and the primary's musical number. I cut a little bit out of my talk but when it was our turn to speak, there was only about 15 minutes left in the meeting. I spoke for about 10 and turned the time to Joe who only had time to say a few words about Gratitude and bear his testimony so that we could end the meeting on time. It was the quickest talk he's ever given. Lucky! At least we got that under our belt for a year or so. Whew!
Day 10 (Monday, December 15)
Piano Recital
When we moved to Las Vegas, Clark continued taking piano lessons and Katelyn started. They take from a gal in our ward and are loving it. Clark proclaims to just tolerate it, but secretly he really enjoys it and Katelyn has really taken off and loves it too. Tonight was their Christmas recital. Clark played "Bouree and Musette" and "The First Noel". Katelyn played "Jolly Juggler" and "Up On The Housetop". They did a great job and we were very proud.
Day 9 (Tuesday, December 16)
Basketball, Dance, Choir Performances
Tuesday is our busiest day of the week due to early morning choir practice for Clark and Kate, Jake's afternoon preschool, Clark's basketball practice, Katelyn's dance class, and my dance class. Today was no exception but added to the chaos was 2 choir performances and parent observation at dance. I couldn't make it to the choir performances today but luckily they had another one scheduled for Thursday morning. That was the one I would go to. The other activities went off without a hitch and we got through another Tuesday.
Day 8 (Wednesday, December 17)
Orthopaedic Department Christmas Party, Parent-Teacher Conference
Today the kids were out of school for Parent-Teacher Conferences so they spent the day playing while I cooked for our dinner tonight and went to the school for conferences. The kids are doing well and enjoying school. Great grades and great teachers. We are really happy. We also got snow today! It was even sticking to the ground and was all over the mountains. So exciting. Who knew that sunny Las Vegas got snow? We certainly didn't and the weather report was that we would get about 4 more inches overnight. Crazy! I got a little excited when it was actual snowflakes so I took some pictures when it first started coming down. Little did I know that the ground would have soon been covered. Unfortunately I didn't get any of the mountains either but they are definitely covered in white!
Day 7 (Thursday, December 18)
Snow Day!, Jake's Preschool Christmas Party, and Dance Recital
Today was a Snow Day! There was so much snow overnight that Thursday's school was cancelled via the news on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, we woke up to sunshine and the roads were clear, so school was cancelled for no reason and I missed the final performance of Clark and Kate's choir. But Jake's preschool still held their Christmas party and Clark and Kate got to go. Special visitors came and all the kids got to sit on his lap and receive a gift. There were crafts and cookies galore. It was great.
Day 6 (Friday, December 19)
Polar Express Day, Drive to Utah
Today was party day at the school. Clark had a Polar Express Pajama Party and Katelyn had a holiday party in her class. Joe spent the day finishing up work and deployment stuff and I finished cleaning the house and packed for our weekend up in Utah. We left about 5:00, grabbed dinner and gas in St. George, hit a snowstorm between Beaver and Nephi, drove on snow-packed roads and arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Holt's house at about midnight. Let the Christmas festivities begin!
Day 5 (Saturday, December 20)
Holt Family Christmas Party
Today was spent relaxing and playing with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We prepared dinner in the morning, played in the snow in the afternoon, decorated gingerbread houses, ate dinner, and opened gifts. The kids had a great time playing together. The adults had a great time with the gingerbread houses. There was arguing over how to decorate it (Jim and Steph!), laughing wickedly about theirs being the best (Kyle and Jenn!), telling their kids to decorate the cookies instead of the house (Cath!), quietly decorating with creative ideas (Geoff and Alanna), and allowing the kids to decorate how they saw fit (Joe and Kris!). Grandma and Grandpa just enjoyed all the noise and chaos. The gift exchange was fun and everyone received great gifts. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa for spoiling our children and us, but especially for giving Clark the best gift ever! Thank you , Cath and Jay, for the wonderful books, CD's, and cookware.
Day 4 (Sunday, December 21)
Grandma and Grandpa Stuart's House, Texas Cousins Arrival
We drove up to Brigham City last night to stay at Grandma and Grandpa Stuart's house. We went to church and then relaxed and played all day long. After dinner, Charlie and JaNay arrived from Texas and the kids were so excited to see each other. Matt and Carrie came over earlier that evening and were waiting for their arrival too. In fact, they all wanted to be together so much that all of the cousins had a sleepover at Grandma's house. It was pretty chaotic getting 14 cousins to settle down and go to sleep because they were so excited but finally they did.
Day 3 (Monday, December 22)
Playing in the Snow, Stuart Christmas Party
The first thing the boys (Tommy, Tyler, Andrew, Mathew, Clark, John and Zach) wanted to do this morning was play in the snow. They were up extremely early trying to sneak out before being sent back to bed TWICE! Around 6:30 they were up for the final time and ready to don the snow gear and head out to the field behind Grandma and Grandpa's. They played in the snow in and out all day long. They took turns driving the four-wheeler while pulling 2 sleds with the others piled on top. If they fell off the sleds, they would run and try to jump back on even if there was already a cousin on it. The girls (Katelyn, Sarah, Amelia, and McKell), Jake and Joseph also went out to play but they did a lot more playing indoors than the older boys.
That evening the entire family got together for the traditional German dinner, family talent show, nativity play, and exchanging of gifts. Everyone piled into the living room for the party. McKell played the violin and John played the guitar. The piano was played by Tom, Andrew, Mathew, Clark, Nathan, Alyssa, and Katelyn. Sarah played the bell pipes and the rest of the crew sang Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Grandma and Grandpa then did a white elephant gift exchange among the grandchildren along with the rest of the gifts. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa for the generous gifts!
Sleigh Rides, Snow Tubing, Temple Square
Tuesday morning was spent out in the snow again. Grandpa hooked the sleigh up to the pony and took the kids for rides back and forth down the street to the church. Charlie also bought 4 inner tubes to hook to the four-wheeler so all the boys could sled together. Again, they had a blast flying around the field on the tubes and sleds.
Christmas Eve
After breakfast, we loaded up and headed home for our own Christmas in Vegas. We stopped at Grandma and Grandpa Holt's for a box of Christmas gifts, ate some quick sandwiches, and continued the drive. Luckily we were between snow storms so it was smooth driving until we got into St. George where it was raining. Clark decided that we should eat at Mongolian BBQ Grill so Steph and Jim met us there for dinner. The kids loved it and the servers were so great. There was a cute lady that crushed up crackers for the kids and showed them how to eat with chopsticks. She was even helping Carlee hold them and put the crackers into her mouth. She kept coming over to our table telling the kids to eat their dinner so she could give them a treat. She also reminded them of Santa coming tonight so they better eat until they were full. She was so funny and good with the kids. We then grabbed some stuff for Joe at Steph's house, filled up with gas, and continued home.
About five minutes before we got home, Jake and Carlee started to fall asleep. We tried to wake them up so we could do our Christmas Eve traditions but they were so groggy. When we pulled up to our house, we noticed that the Christmas trees were all lit. I didn't remember leaving them on so I was wondering what was up. When we walked in, there was soft Christmas music playing, the smell of pine trees and some goodies and cards on our counter. When I opened the fridge to get the kids a drink, it was full of a yummy Christmas dinner complete with ham, potatoes, green beans, salad, pie, cake, juice, and egg nog. Some sweet little elves had let themselves into our house to welcome us home. Thanks, dear friends, for being so sweet. That was so thoughtful and generous. We really love and appreciate good friends like you. Those little things mean so much and it was wonderful.
We quickly unpacked our suitcases and started our evening. We read the Christmas story out of the Bible and The Night Before Christmas. Then we opened our traditional Christmas pajamas and ornaments. We started watching Polar Express while I made hot chocolate and got out the sugar cookies for the kids to decorate for Santa. When the movie was over, the kids went straight to bed without argument. It was amazing. I think they were finally exhausted from our quick Utah trip. Carlee and Katelyn snuggled up with Clark and Jake slept in his own bed and they were sound asleep in about 5 minutes. When we put them to bed, we told them that they couldn't come out of their rooms in the morning. We have an open hallway that looks down into the family room so we said that they had to just call for us at 7:00 and we would come up to get them. We'll see if they actually follow orders in the morning . . .
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