Our Old Ways

The Terrys and Smiths have other plans, so we aren't going to be the pickleball version of ourselves. We're going back to the grazing and pajama versions. Our friends were supportive of the move. 

I would do a play by play, but we really did just eat and laugh and talk. The kids had fun playing games with Todd. 

I'm grateful to have friends that do not require us to entertain. 

AJ and Rebecca

New Year's countdown

Kids near and far...Kassie and Ethan celebrating in Utah

Mathew in Arkansas

Miranda and Anna under the table eating 12 grapes to bring luck for the new year. 

And a surprise visit from Evie, Anna's sweet friend. She walked in the middle of the night, because Anna's phone privileges were revoked for the day. I won't get into it. But I thought that was pretty lovely. 

 Happy New Years! 

The forgotten week

That five days in between Christmas and New Years is just weird. Routines are off, meals are a hodge podge of leftovers, stale treats and heating up tater tots. 

It's no man's land.

We're in a holiday fog.

We managed a few things...

AJ picked up her official driver's permit!

I'm working on my paint by number. It's coming along,

The ward held their ice skating party....it was "winter raining". 

I sat in the truck. I draw the line at watching ice skating and getting soaked. I had a nice nap and Megan took pictures for me! I know I'm lame and totally no fun.

Even though I bark at her alot and tell her to "stop parenting your sisters", I am really glad that she's so good at stepping in when I am snoozing in the truck. 

We held our 3rd annual Power Hour at the gym and Mark set it up so that there was a big rowing race at the end with little boats to show who was winning. It was super cool. People suffering on the floor is a sure sign. 

I'm glad this weird week is over. Lets take down the tree and get organized. 
 

Happy Christmas

 I used to hate it when I heard someone same "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas". Sounded weird. 

Now I get it. Because I felt so happy all day. I'm in. 

I love these happy memories. 

Megan opening her own copy of Halibut Jackson, a childhood favorite.

AJ getting a cover for her headboard...which is currently an un-zen navy blue. 

Opening Megan's paintings she worked on for weeks before Christmas. They are so beautiful!

A calligraphy set with ink well! 

Spontaneous dance party!

Silliness!

Feeding the current Transformer obsession.

Mathew making toast in his new toaster. 

Everly putting the world right. Combining the remnants of a failed gingerbread house, macoron rejects and the hazelnut cones from her stocking. Beauty from ashes!

All the ribbons retrieved and organized. 

Catching sisters hanging out. The best gift. 

Happy Christmas, indeed. 

Rollin and Smokin

Christmas Eve was all about getting ready to absolutely relax on Christmas Day. That means finishing up the three-day effort to change Anna's room from a saturated orange explosion into a creamy calm experience. We took the "one wall at a time" approach. And it took three solid coats. But she loves it and I'm excited that it's done and I won't have to muster the energy after Christmas!

Mark is smoking some Poor Man's Burnt ends and that means I'm not cooking AGAIN. It really is Christmas!

Everyone got busy wrapping their gifts for each other and finishing up last-minute task. 

Christmas Eve Bingo revealed the theme for the year....polar bear pants 9plaid for the boys) and some type of Chicago themed t-shirt. I tried...I really did. Etsy delivered Anna and Everly's shirts ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Of course, I had purchased nondescript Old Navy back ups just in case. 

The kids WOULD NOT go to sleep. Finally, at 3 am, I texted them and told them to plug their ears and keep their doors closed. Creating magic is a team effort and this team is ready to go to sleep!

Shepherd's Night Fettuccini

I don't think there is a more wonderful way to bring Christmas Cheer to my heart.

Do the cooking!

Mathew planned a wonderful meal for Shepherd's Night! Fettuccini Alfredo from scratch. 

Delicioso!!

We ate it by candlelight and, I am not lying, I am non momming, it was the most delicious alfredo I've ever tasted. We were all making happy eating sounds. We rivaled Bob and his hand-shucked corn. 

Carolers! So fun and so awkward. There is an acceptable amount of time one should sing at other people. The line was crossed. 

Lookie there! We have three Shepherd's Night takers! I sympathize with and join those that will be sleeping on softer surfaces, but I salute those with younger backs than I. You are making Christmas Magic, my dears.

Under one roof

When I bought the truck, I didn't stop to think about the things we'd be giving up by letting go of the minivan. 

No more riding to church all together.

No more road trips with more than three kids,

No more movies on the pop down screen that we always hit our heads on. 

And no more minivan express. 

What have I done??

By dang, we can't go see lights in two cars, that stupid. 

So I borrowed the Terry's minivan and we made a batch of the best cocoa....the real stuff. The one part cocoa powder, two parts sugar, sprinkle of salt and real milk kind. (I added some half and half just for good extra creaminess. And it was piping hot!

AJ made some tickets and we let Mark punch them. Kinda silly but still the best. 

We're all in the same car!

We dropped in to Deanna Rose for the light show and found a spot. It was packed! The star wars segment was the best. 

I love this family and I'm excited to make them do this even when they are all grown up!