Christmas 2010

Since it's almost New Year's, I figured I'd post some of our pictures from Christmas.

Santa was generous and pretty much amazing this year.  He really stepped it up.  Every kid got exactly what they asked for.

Matt asked for a remote control monster truck.  Does it matter that that's exactly what he got from Santa last year?  Nah, why would it? 

Abby got a unicorn Pillow Pet.  Abby was wishy-washy all December about what she wanted for Christmas, but there was one thing she continually asked for: a unicorn Pillow Pet. 

Millie hasn't had a lot of experience with Santa yet, so she didn't really know that she needed to ask for something.  Besides, even if she had, I think she would've only asked for a shoe, sock, book, or snack since those are most of her favorite words.  However, Santa did think about how she loves cars and when we told him that she loved the ride-on cars at Cindy's house last month, he put two and two together and got her favorite gift of the year.

And the number one gift Santa brought was the tortoise that Emma has been asking for for a little over two years.  He's so cute and little, but he has the potential of growing to be 18" and 40 lbs.  Eventually he will be an outdoor pet, but for now he lives in the tank Emma's sitting in front of.  She named him Dribble, like the turtle in the Judy Blume book Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.  But this little guy is a tortoise, not a turtle.  Emma has happily taken on the responsibility of being a pet owner and everyone loves to peek in at him all throughout the day.

There are a few other pictures, but I won't bore you.  It was an awesome day and we had a great Christmas weekend. 

Millie's 2nd Birthday

Yesterday was Millie Marie's birthday.

Her brother and sisters had gone to the neighbor's yard sale last week and bought her some birthday presents.  (I didn't get shots of Abby's and Matt's gifts.)  Emma got Millie a little drum set.  Millie LOVES to play the drums for Rock Band.  Nearly every morning Millie will come into my room and head to my closet where the drum set is stored.  She'll grab the drumsticks and begin singing, "We Will Rock You."  Millie is a Queen fan.



Pay no attention to the fact that the birthday girl is pant less.  She deliberately stripped right before the festivities began!



Aunt Tara came by and had some gourmet hot dogs and mac and cheese for dinner.  She brought Millie this cute elephant with a blanket.  Millie loves the blankie.  It's hers.  Don't forget that.

Poppy (Josh's dad) and his wife Karen sent Millie a doggie that talks.  Not only does it talk, but Josh programmed it and now it calls Millie by name.  The first time it said, "Hi, Millie!" her eyebrows shot up and her mouth gaped.  She likes her new doggie.

Mommy and Daddy cheated and let Millie pick out her own gift.  We were at the store doing Christmas shopping and Millie found Sleeping Beauty in the Barbie aisle.  She looked at it, grabbed it to her chest and yelled, "P'ease!!  P'ease!!  P'ease!!"  How can you say no to that?  So when the confusion of check out hit, we took the doll from her, wrapped it and gave it to her several days later.  I think her sisters like it even more than she does.

Millie was a rock star with her birthday cake.  She didn't really know what to do at first.

Mommy stood by in case she needed to help Millie blow out the candles.

Even Daddy expected her to take a few minutes to finally blow out the candles, but she didn't.  She got them both on the first try.  Rock star.

And what's a birthday bash without a dirty bowl on your head?  Millie promptly ate her cake and ice cream and created her own beret. 

Millie is learning how old she is.  If you hold up your own two fingers and ask her how old she is, Millie will tell you that she's "Twoooooo!"

Millie has had a major year of development and I look forward to what she will do this next year.  I'm thinking we will begin using big kid cups, the potty, longer sentences, less pacifiers, a big kid bed, and lots of other big kid adventures.

Happy birthday, Sweet Girl!!

The Mark of the Birth.....mark

I think we all have those things about us that are different.   I have a somewhat bright red birthmark on my upper lip.  It sort of looks like a bloody nose. 

The kids I grew up around were the pretty typical mean ones.  Not all of them, but enough that I got called names, told I was ugly, laughed at, and even treated as sick (in a "what's wrong with you?" sort of way) all because of my birthmark. 

When I was younger, a woman that worked with my parents told them about laser surgery and how it could remove my birthmark.  I wanted it!  No more comments of, "You're nose is bleeding," "Do you have a cold sore?" or "What's with your nose?"

But as I got older, I didn't mind my birthmark anymore.  My family and friends didn't notice it, people around me began to mature and stop making stupid comments about it, and I realized that it's a part of me.  It's not something that I can just get rid of.  My birthmark has helped form me into the person I am today.

Me, 2009

But now that I'm in the nursery, I get to have little kids around me a lot.  Every week I seem to have someone ask me, "What's that?" as they point to their own, smaller, upper lip.  I explain that it's a birthmark and it's just where my skin is a different color and it's been that way since I was born.  They kind of nod in acknowledgment and we move on with whatever we're doing. 

Yesterday was no exception.  I was asked by one of the girls (not the same one from my previous post, btw) about my birthmark.  I explained and she nodded.  During music time, the music leader added some Christmas songs to our list of singing.  She turned to the group of 3-year-olds and asked, "Who has a red nose?"  My little friend from earlier turned around in her seat and pointed at me, saying, "She does!" 

Yes, yes I do.

Potty Mouth

It is difficult to find a play without swearing in it.  Unless it was written many, many years ago.  But even that is no guarantee.  In college, I did take my kids to theatre class with me every so often.  It wasn't too often that the girls came with me, but my classes were such that a quiet little girl would not even be noticed. 

There was one time when we had a performance day and several classmates got up to perform.  I had one of the girls with me.  Maybe Matt.  I honestly don't remember.  I just know that the child was just starting to talk, but when a group of adults were talking s/he would tune them out because they were boring.  Unless they started making a big deal about the kid sitting there.

One guy got up and had several naughty words in his monologue.  After he finished he looked over at me and noticed my child.  He began to freak out that he had used such language in front of my child.  I immediately stopped him.  If he didn't make a big deal about it, then my child would have no idea that something bad had happened.  And I was right.  The kid had no idea what was being said and s/he went on with their business without any issues.

I didn't take any of the kids to performance days after that.  Once I could get away with.  Twice?  Better not press my luck.

So it's been a while since I last had to worry about little kids and swearing.  Until today in nursery.  I don't know what the whole story was, but as we prepared for snack I heard one girl say, "And I just said, 'What the hell?'"  I quickly said, "Let's talk nicely" and got the snack passed out, purposefully avoiding singling out the girl in front of everyone. 

And I tried really hard not to laugh.

A Letter

Dear Migraine,

Thank you so much for stopping by.  It's been a while!  I'd like to say I missed you, but honestly I forgot about you.  Not that I don't absolutely love when you show up.  Especially when your visits coincide with extra stress on my part.  You always remind me how much I love my bed.

You see, Migraine, when you are around it is really hard to keep my eyes open or even stand up straight.  I really just want to lay around and hold my head in a vice grip.  But your impeccable timing allows me to crave bedtime more than usual.

I love that tonight you showed up right before Josh headed out the door.  Trying to get four kids bathed and ready for bed with you hanging around is quite a feat.  The kids were actually pretty good after they realized that when I said, "I'm not feeling good," I actually meant it. 

Oh wait.  Except for when Millie grabbed the tube of toothpaste, squeezed the thing nearly empty and rubbed it all in her face and eyes.  Her screaming nearly inflated you twenty times, Migraine.  I thought you were going to make my head bust.  Luckily, I was able to flush the toothpaste out of her eyes and she's okay now.  She does smell nice and minty though.

Also, Abby's favorite key chain slid underneath the oven.  Do you know what that means, Migraine?  That means that I got to pull the huge oven away from the wall.  Something that made my head spin.  Well, you know that.  You were there.  Especially since I had to bend over and sweep up all the GROSS STUFF underneath it.  How could I sleep tonight knowing all that was there?  Ignorance was bliss.  But, thank you, Migraine, for giving me the peace of mind that under my stove is now clean.

By the way, Migraine, have you been working out?  I think you're even stronger now than you were last time we hung out.  I'm just sayin'.

And now, Migraine, I bid you adieu as I attempt to sleep tonight before I prepare to tackle the nursery at church tomorrow.  My bed invites me and I happily accept.  I truly hope we don't see each other again for quite a while.  No offense.

With Love,
Shelly

Holiday Concert

The girls had their holiday concert the other night.  I tried to upload the videos I took so anyone not on facebook could see them, but Blogger is not working right.  So if you want to see them, and we are friends on facebook, check them out.  If we are not friends on facebook but you still want to see the videos, I'll upload them as soon as I can.

Emma and her band.  There are a total of seven members.  One flute, one sax, one trumpet, one percussionist, and three clarinets.

The band played very well, especially for being several brand new members.  They played mostly Christmas songs and it was very fun to watch.  Emma did great and we are very proud of her!

Abby is in the choir, which is much bigger than the band.  Where the band was available only for the fourth and fifth graders, the choir was open to kindergartners through fifth graders.

The choir was very good.  One of the final songs featured a few soloists, including Abby.  She did so well!  It nearly made me cry with pride.  Literally. 

It was a great night!

Merry Creepy Christmas

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year.  I love the actual meaning, first off.  The birth of our Savior is the greatest gift of all.

But I also love the other aspects of the year: the lights, the tree, the stockings, the movies, the music, the TV specials, the gifts, Santa, the goodies.  All of it. 

Well, most of it.

I really don't enjoy the song, "Baby, It's Cold Outside."  Have you ever heard the lyrics?  Let me enlighten you.  It's a duet between a man and woman.  Basically, she says she has to go.  He says the storm is too awful to be in so she should just stay.  Sounds cute, maybe a little flirty.

No.

It starts out all nice:

I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
Well Maybe just a half a drink more - Put some music on while I pour

Then she starts to question what's in her drink.  Um, did he slip her a mickey?  He's definitely moving in on her....

The neighbors might think - Baby, it's bad out there
Say, what's in this drink - No cabs to be had out there
.....
I ought to say no, no, no, sir - Mind if I move a little closer
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense in hurting my pride
I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out

Then comes the definitive line.  No means NO, Buddy.  But it sure doesn't stop him.  If nothing else, this dude needs to be cited for sexual harassment.....

I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no - Ooh baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been - I'm lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm -- Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious - Man, your lips look so delicious
My brother will be there at the door - Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious - Gosh your lips look delicious
Well maybe just a half a drink more - Never such a blizzard before

There's more to the song.  I've heard it beautifully sung.  The melody is great, I love the harmonies, but the lyrics are a bit creepy.  I'd think the ideal guy to sing this song is the guy in this commercial:
 



I couldn't remember which jeweler did this commercial so I went to YouTube and looked for "creepy diamond commercial."  Yep.  Found it. 

Creepy, creepy, creepy.

I Wish It Was Christmas Today

In case you, like me, need a holiday pick-me-up.

Debbie Downer Days

I've been having some "down" days.  Debbie Downer days, if you will.



I'm not a good enough mother.
I'm not disciplining my children enough.
I discipline my children too much.
I don't have a clean enough house.
I'm not close enough to being ready for Christmas.
I don't give enough of myself to my husband.
I don't give enough of myself to myself.
I'm not exercising consistently enough to feel good about myself.
I need a haircut.
I eat too much junk food.
I don't feel guilty enough about eating too much junk food.
I feel like I'm barely staying afloat in my calling at church.
I feel like I'm overly invested in my calling at church.

The last one is the thing on my mind tonight.  Mostly because I've been working on stuff for church for the last several hours.  In January, 25 of my 52 nursery kids are heading to Primary with the older kids.  (We'll only have 27 kids, whatever will we do?)  They will be in a class called the Sunbeams.  Because they are 3 years old, there are plenty of worries for these little guys to be able to sit still for nearly an hour before they go to class and have to sit still again.  That's a lot of stillness for such little kids. 

So we've been practicing.  We've had Sharing Time and music time.  The kids have been sitting in their chairs and raising their hands and offering answers.  They are smart.  And they know who Jesus is.  Really, isn't that all that matters?

Tomorrow we are going on a field trip to the Primary room where some of the kids will see their brothers and sisters.  Even some of their parents.  I'm excited for them.  It's a fun change.

I've taken it as a personal challenge to make sure these little ones are taught what will be expected from them in Primary.  You can imagine how big Junior Primary will be if there are 25 3-year-olds.  Not all of the age groups have 25 kids, but they are all large.  If we sent 25 rowdy 3-year-olds into a room with 100(?) other kids, what sort of learning and sharing could occur?  Not much, I can tell you that.

So along with our practice Sharing Time and our field trip to Primary tomorrow, I also made necklaces for the kids to have tomorrow.  They have a picture of a sun and the middle of the sun says, "Sunbeams in Training". 

I sat there looking at my creations and thought, "This is fun!  I really hope the kids like these!"

Then the Debbie Downer in me popped up again.  "Why am I putting this much energy into something no one will appreciate?  98% of all handouts end up in the garbage."  Yes, that's a scientific fact.... I'm guessing.

So I hope that the things I've struggled with all day end up being worth it in the end.  I'll know by tomorrow morning.

As for the rest of my Debbie Downer list, check back with me in about 60 years.

Millie's Favorite Commercial

It's nearly Millie's second birthday.  Well, in 12 days, but still.

If I were to sum Millie up in an image it would have to be this:



This is Millie's favorite commercial.  She stops to watch it.  Then she laughs as the baby zooms across the country.  I think Millie relates to this baby.  She gets it.  I think because she moves that fast too, but without the walker. 

"God Is Not Dead; Nor Doth He Sleep"

Last night my sister took me out for a date.  We went to listen to the Christmas concert for the East Valley Mormon Choral Organization. 

It was beautiful.  Music is truly the universal language.  I loved the whole thing. 

The program ended with the director challenging the audience to discover the heartaches that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow experienced as he penned the words to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."

I accept your challenge, sir.

According to Tom Stewart, Longfellow and his wife, Fanny, were married for nearly 20 years and had five children.  In 1861, the Civil War broke out.  That June, Fanny cut their seven-year-old daughter's hair and decided to save the cut hair in an envelope sealed with wax.  The wax from the candle dripped onto her dress.  Her dress caught fire.  Fanny tried to save the two little girls who were in the room with her.  She carefully ran with them to Henry's office and he tried to extinguish the flames with a rug.  When that didn't work he threw himself on her, burning himself in the process.  She died the next morning.  Between grief and his severe burns, he couldn't attend her funeral.

Two years later his son was shot while in battle.  The bullet entered under his shoulder blade and injured his spine, however, the wound did not kill him. 

Holidays were the hardest for Longfellow to endure.  Life was difficult to survive without his wife.  And the injury of his son seemed to haunt him as well. 

Yet, somehow, Longfellow found some hope:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

This story touched my heart.  The choir's performance was beautiful.  I wish I had a recording of it. 

Longfellow must have been a strong man to have endured so much trial and pain and yet still write one of the greatest carols of hope for the Christmas season. 

I've been a little afraid of Christmas this year.  I had some weeks of envisioning the mini-stocking we'd use this year for our unborn baby, the one we used for the other kids when we were pregnant with them.  That stocking is back in the box with other unused decorations for the season. 

But this carol is a wonderful reminder.  God has not left us in our sorrows.  He loves us, despite the trials and heartaches we experience.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I realized today that everyone has a Christmas tree story.  Whether it's the imitation tree you grew up with or the fantastical glory of chopping a new tree every year. 

So I thought about it.

What is my favorite tree story?

There's the tree we have now.  I bought it two days after Christmas a few years ago.  It was 75% off and pre-lit.  Bonus.  (If you did not read that word in a high pitched sing-song voice, you need to go back and read it again.)



December 2010
Emma convinced the kids to pretend they were watching a movie....



I think the tree was supposed to be the movie....

They are weird kids.

There's the tree we had back in college.  My roommate Tara and her dad picked up a tree for our apartment.  It was tall and a bit sparse.  A tall Charlie Brown-ish tree.

December 1996
Pardon the crop-job on this one.  It was the only pic I had of it.

There's also the one from when I was a kid.  We had one year in particular that our family just struggled.  I'll never forget it.  I was in second grade.  My mom took me and sat me down to explain that there wasn't enough money for very many presents and we wouldn't be able to have a tree that year.  I was disappointed, but I didn't want my parents to feel bad so I put on a brave face.  I got home from school one day and there was a decorated Christmas tree in our living room.  I said to my mom, "I thought we couldn't have a tree this year!"  She told me that this tree had been sitting on our doorstep and someone had ding-dong-ditched it.  That was a pleasant surprise during a difficult holiday season.  I don't have a picture of that one.

But I think my favorite memory (this year, at least) will be the tree from Josh's and my first Christmas.  I've probably already told you the story, but I can't remember for sure.  So I'll tell it again. 

Josh and I had gone to his parents' house to go sledding a few days before we got our tree.  They lived on this huge hill and it was ideal for such an activity.  Yes, the hill had slope, snow, and, unbeknownst to us, huge boulders hiding underneath the snow.  Josh and his sister went down the hill, hit one of these huge mounds of rock, and CRASHED!  The plastic sled they had flown down on splintered and busted into thousands of pieces.  Josh, who was in front, hit the rock with his butt.  His sister (who was about 11) slammed into Josh's back so hard that she was knocked unconscious.  The ride to the urgent care was perilous with Josh occasionally fainting out of pain.  The doctor told him he had a bruised tailbone, but we both wonder if there was a hairline fracture there that they missed.  (His sister was fine, btw, Josh gave her a blessing right there on the spot and she had no lasting problems.)

And yet, he still went trekking out into the Pike National Forest with me on our quest for the perfect tree for our first Christmas.  And he cut it down and even hauled it back to our Bronco II to bring it home.  He then took pain meds and went to bed.

December 1999

It's not a pretty tree.  I don't know that any of the trees you cut down from the forest really are beautiful.  They don't fit the ideal description of a large, bushy, full pine.  They're more mutt-ish.  But when the man you love trudges through the snow (and every time he lifts his leg high enough to clear the several inches of white stuff it causes severe pain in his rear) just to attempt a new tradition with his blushing bride, it's got to be a favorite memory. 

Granted, we have not gone to cut down our Christmas tree since, but it was a lovely thought.

And That, My Friend, Is What They Call "Closure"

Ever heard of "closure"? 

And THAT, my friend, is what they call CLOSURE from Leo Carbonell on Vimeo.

Closure is a popular psychology term. It refers to a conclusion to a traumatic event or experience in a person's life.  --Wikipedia

Pardon my use of this century's pseudo-Britannica, but it works.

Yesterday was our opportunity to find closure with our miscarriage.  Maybe you're sick of me talking about it, but let me talk about it some more so you can see my point of view. 

A friend of mine told me over facebook: "I still get tears in my eyes when I remember my miscarriages. They hurt, and those who havent' had one can sometimes be insensitive, by wondering what the big deal is. But those of us who have been through it understand. We send our love and prayers. It is proper to morn, in fact it is probably very healthy to do so. I won't lie to you. You'll always remember, but with time, the pain of that remembrance will ease. God bless you."

I know it's true.  I'll always remember this.  It's with me forever. 

But it's also true that time is starting to help us heal.  I began my emotional healing just over a week ago when I crossed the finish line of the first 5k I did.  It triggered something in my mind that ultimately lead to a buffering in my heart.  It's hard to explain it, but it had nothing to do with crossing the finish line before that girl that kept trying to run way ahead of us, got tired and then fell behind then ran way ahead again and again.  She was just annoying.  No.  This was something bigger.  Something to remind me of my strength and ability to carry on.

The physical part was confirmed during our doctor's appointment yesterday.  The baby is for sure gone.  And so is nearly all of the physical preparation for him/her.  My doctor has been incredibly kind and helpful during this time.  She took the time to talk to us and let us know when we can try to have another baby.  (Btw, she said docs used to say three to six months, mostly so they'd have a previous period to use as a due date calculator, but there's no physical reason to wait.  She did suggest to wait until after my next period just so everything is cleared out and it's easier for a new egg to implant.) 

So I should have closure now.  And to an extent, I do.  I'm at the "conclusion" of a "traumatic event."  My emotions and body are able to move on.  However, my memory will always hold this "traumatic event" close.  It won't hold me back, but it will never be lost.

Confession of a Mother

I have some strengths.

I am organized.  Sometimes annoyingly so.  My DVDs are filed away by genre.  So are my cd's.  And then they're alphabetized within genre.  I arrive at church half an hour early to prepare for Nursery. My grocery shopping list is separated into sections of the store, and sometimes even by aisles.

I work hard.  The first month I worked in a call center for the credit union I broke the record for the most hours spent on the phone.  My teachers and bosses have all loved me because I always go above and beyond to find every possible way to excel.  I graduated magna cum laude.  I love to learn and apply my newfound knowledge.

I am optimistic.  I often start sentences with, "At least....."  Once in 8th grade my friend said to me, "Don't you ever get sick of looking on the bright side all the time?"  I guess I annoyed her.  Probably one reason why we are no longer friends.  But I often can find the good in most situations.  It's one reason I enjoyed my thankful posts for Thanksgiving.

But I have plenty of weaknesses.  And the greatest of them all has been slapping me in the face for a good two weeks now.

When it comes to my family, I don't utilize my strengths. 

(A little off subject, but something I need to get off my chest: I've known for a long time that I treat perfect strangers kinder than I do my own family.  I'll smile at a child crying in the grocery store.  Unless it's my own kid.  Then I'll grit my teeth and make threats that I'll never fulfill.  Am I really going to lock my child in the car?  No.  But I hiss it anyway.)

I do things well for other people, but when it comes to my own home, I'm too lackadaisical.  As if I expect my kids to just suddenly start cleaning up after themselves.  Hello?  How are they supposed to do anything if I don't teach them first?  Why should I expect mornings to run smoothly if I don't set the example of getting out of bed on time?  What good am I doing by letting them get away with no responsibilities beyond homework?  And it's all laziness on my part. 

We had Family Home Evening tonight where we established daily, weekly and monthly chores.  A first step in making our home more of a haven than a dump.  The only way this new plan will work is if I stay organized, work hard, and remain optimistic that it will be worth the effort in the long run.  I can do those things outside the home.  It's time to do them inside the home. 

It's time to flip my weakness into a strength.  It's nothing a whole lot of prayer and determination can't fix.

Going Old School

Ever watch the show "Cake Boss"?  I swear that you can depend on Buddy (the owner of the bakery the show follows) to use the term "old school" at least once an episode. 

It's time for me to go Old School.  It's time for some pictures chronicling our lives.

We spent last Tuesday in St George, UT, with my sister Tara and her family as they became an eternal family.  The St George temple is oldest functioning LDS temple in the world.  It is amazing to think of the craftsmanship that went in to building this temple over 100 years ago.

We got no good shots of Tara and Jabon with our camera, but I loved this one.  It looks like Ashton (the little guy at the bottom of the pic) is telling the paparazzi, "No more pictures, please."

The kids and I had spent the previous five days with our friends.  Here are our children trying to pose for a picture together. 

Trying to pose again.

Trying to pose again.

Thanksgiving morning my sister and I participated in a 5k.  Yes, my second one is less than a week's time.  I'm already becoming a seasoned racer.  Ha ha.  The proceeds from the race went to benefit a young woman we happen to know from church who is fighting a rare form of leukemia. 

Styling.

Josh was so nice to take pictures of us along the way.

I look like I'm walking, but I'm really not.  I promise.

At the end of the race we saw the finish line and I asked Tara if she had enough left to really run to the end.  She said she didn't.  Then we rounded the corner and the girl took off.  Of course, I did what any normal sister would do.  I called her a big liar and then sprinted to make sure she didn't leave me in the dust.  We crossed the finish line together.  And only 49 seconds slower than my brother and I had done just a few days before.

If you can just imagine a bunch of chaos, driving hundreds of miles, some antibiotics, lots of food, and plenty of extended family, then you can grasp an idea of what all the details in between the pictures are. 

It's been a fun and crazy holiday.

Christmas Movies!

'Tis the season.... to watch the best movies ever.

So here's our Christmas movie trivia for 2010......

#1
The movie we are watching right now:
Gangster Johnny on TV: You was here, last night too, wasn't ya?

Mr. Hector, Hotel Concierge: Yes... sir, I was
Gangster Johnny on TV: You was here, and you was smoochin' wit my brother!
Mr. Hector, Hotel Concierge: [after a pause] I'm terribly sorry, sir, I'm afraid you're mistaken.
Gangster Johnny on TV: Don't gimme that! You've been smoochin' wit everybody! Snuffy. Al. Leo. Little Moe, with the gimpy leg. Cheeks. Boney Bob. Cliff.
Officer Cliff: [gasps] No!
[others stare at him in disgust]
Officer Cliff: It's a lie!
Gangster Johnny on TV: I could go on forever, baby!

#2
I want to do this quote because it's so funny:
Mr. Parker: What is the name of the Lone Ranger's nephew's horse?

Mother: Ah... Victor! His name is Victor.
Mr. Parker: How the hell did you know that?
Mother: Everybody knows that!
But it may not be so easily recognizable.  So here's this one instead:
Mr. Parker reads a side of the box with the prize that he won]

Mr. Parker: Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.
Mrs. Parker: Uh, I think that says FRAGILE, dear.
Mr. Parker: Oh, yeah.

#3
Josh introduced this one to me the first Christmas we were married:
Clark: Since this is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think she should lead us in the saying of Grace.

Aunt Bethany: [turns to Lewis] What, dear?
Nora Griswold: Grace!
Aunt Bethany: Grace? She passed away thirty years ago.
Uncle Lewis: They want you to say Grace.
[Bethany shakes her head in confusion]
Uncle Lewis: The BLESSING!
Aunt Bethany: [they all pose for prayer] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands/ One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Clark: Amen.

#4
In honor of Emma who did this play in 2006:
Zuzu: Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.

George: That's right, that's right.
George: Attaboy, Clarence.

#5
One of my very favorite Christmas movies:
Buddy: It's just nice to meet another human that shares my affinity for elf culture.


#6
In honor of our fun Christmas Eve last year:
Santa Claus: [voiceover, as the Hero Boy opens his package to reveal the lost sleigh bell] Found this on the seat of my sleigh. Better fix that hole in your pocket. Mr. C.


#7
Emma was almost in this play:
District Attorney: What is your name?

Kris Kringle: Kris Kringle.
District Attorney: Where do you live?
Kris Kringle: That's what this hearing will decide.
Judge Henry X. Harper: A very sound answer, Mister Kringle.
District Attorney: Do you really believe that you're Santa Claus?
Kris Kringle: Of course.
District Attorney: [long pause] The state rests, your honor.

#8
We need to watch the marathon of this one:
Charlie: [after Santa has fallen off of the roof] Look, Dad, he disappeared.

Scott Calvin: [looks around] He's naked somewhere.

#9
A true Classic:
Linus: I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.
 
#10
And one last one:
I must stop this whole thing! Why, for fifty-three years I've put up with it now. I must stop Christmas from coming... but how?


And the BONUS:
 
Nora Krank, we're here for Frosty!


Leave a comment with your guesses!

#25 I'm Thankful For.....

Some days it's easy to sit and think about what I'm thankful for.  I do that thing that I think a lot of bloggers do.... During the day I find moments when I think to myself, "I need to blog about this."  And I've found my thankful posts have been along the same lines.  I generally have an epiphany at some point during the day that I think, "Yep, that's what I need to write about."

Today I didn't have a single epiphany.  I'm not sure which way that sentence goes.  Did I have not one epiphany of what I'm thankful for today or did I have so many epiphanies that there wasn't one but many? 

Since this is my final thankful post I think I just don't want it to end with something lame or a cop out.  I don't want to have my final thoughts on this matter in 2010 to be, "I'm thankful for Thanksgiving."

So I'm going to list a few things that I didn't get to write a full post about.

I'm thankful for:

My parents
My siblings
Josh's parents
Josh's siblings
Good food
A beautiful house that we got for half price
My talents
Rockband
Good books that suck me in and I can't put down
Helping hands around the house
Dates with my Honey
My religion
A cool pillow and a warm bed
Josh's job

We've had some trials these last few weeks.  It hasn't always been easy to find something to be thankful for every day.  Some days I could tell you exactly what I'm not thankful for, but that would have defeated the purpose.  However, it's been very easy (even with our trials, vacation, etc) to sit and write a post everyday.  It's been important for me.  And I really wonder if I would have been able to make it through our miscarriage as easily if I hadn't had this project going on.  Some things just are not our own ideas.  They must come from other Sources.

I'm thankful for Divine Inspiration.

#24 I'm Thankful For.....

Last year I ventured out into Black Friday for the first time.  Both of my older girls wanted Nintendo DS's for Christmas.  Emma told me everything was going to be okay because Santa would bring hers.  How do you argue with that?

So I went and stood in line at Walmart for over an hour to get the NDSes.  By the time I got up there, I was told I could only have one.  Problem was I have two daughters.  Luckily, my sister Tara has more gumption than I do and she literally stepped in and got that second one for me.

My sister-in-law was teasing me a bit because I was holding the two small boxes constantly.  They didn't sit in our cart for even a second.  There was no way I was taking the chance that I would lose either of my two prizes. 

This year, I'm thankful I don't have to go to Black Friday for more affordable Christmas presents.  I can go if I want to, but I don't have to.



I'm so thankful for that!

#23 I'm Thankful For.....

Yesterday I didn't get a chance to write because we had a long, full day. 

We started out by watching my sister and her family get sealed together in the LDS temple in St George, UT.  They are no longer married "till death do you part."  They are now married "for time and all Eternity."  It was a beautiful ceremony and although I about froze my patooty off as all the pictures were taken, I loved it and I'm so happy for them!

I'm thankful for the temple and the ordinances performed within it that allow families to stay together forever.  If you want to see some pictures, be sure to go Here.

#22 I'm Thankful For.....

I was thinking about what I've written about and realized I hadn't written about my one and only son yet!  How could I nearly miss that???

Matthew is a laid back and easy going kid.  He loves to laugh and have fun.  He has a big smile that lights up the room.

All of these are good qualities and important for him to possess.  Sometimes you see someone and their challenges and think, "Wow, they have so much they are going through.  They must be a strong person."

And sometimes you look at someone you know and love so well and think, "Wow, if anyone can endure this challenge, it's you." 

This is how I feel about Matt and his heart condition.  I don't know anyone who could so patiently handle the trials Matt has.  He sits so quietly in the lobby of the doctor's office waiting for his check up.  He also so quietly has laid in his bed after having his heart literally in the surgeon's hands.

He is a good brother and uses this same patience with his sisters.  And goodness knows he puts up with a lot from them!

Matt is a loving, happy boy and I'm so happy to have him in our family.  I tuck him in every night and give him a kiss on his forehead.  He always rubs the spot I've kissed and declares to me, "Mom, I'm rubbing your kiss in!"  He's so sweet. 

I'm thankful for my Matthew Ammon.

#21 I'm Thankful For.....

I've had a few sappy posts lately.  I think that's what happens when you truly think of the things you are thankful for.  Those that are highest priority also get the most sincerity.

But sometimes the big things overshadow the smaller details.  The little things you love and don't even realize that you do.

A few weeks ago my dad told me a story about my great grandparents.  I think he must have been making his own thankful list because he's become a bit sentimental in the last couple of years.  He told me that he remembered when he was younger and there was talk of building a bathroom onto the house.  That would mean no more outhouse.

It would also mean, according to Grampa Capell, that the whole house would stink.  How could anyone even consider putting a commode inside the house?  It wasn't worth the hassle.  He preferred to fill the hole with dirt and move the outhouse to a new spot when it got stinky.  You can't do that if it's connected to the house.

I never got to meet Grampa Capell in this life.  Probably had a few great conversations with him before I was born and in Heaven.  He sounds like an incredible man and Dad has nothing but loving memories of him.

But I'm thankful for indoor plumbing.

And air freshener.

#20 I'm Thankful For.....

Today was the 5k for Chloe's Sunshine Playground.  It was my first actual race.

My friend Cindy and I had agreed to participate together.  As I was talking to my brother Peter about it, he thought it would be a cause worth joining in as well.

So at 7:00 this morning we loaded Emma and Abby into the van and the four of us (we met Pete at the race) took off.  Cindy's husband was kind enough to keep Matt and Millie with him and their boys.  We got our snazzy t-shirts and race numbers and timing chips.  We stretched and got ready to run.

There were some major concerns I had coming into this:

1.  The elements.  It was a bit windy this morning and it was about 50 degrees.  That doesn't sound too bad, but it was cloudy.  And I'm ashamed to admit how cold I actually was. 

2.  The altitude.  There's an elevation difference of 2855 feet between my home and Syracuse, UT.  It's not much of a difference, but it's enough of one that I knew it could really hinder me.

3.  Out of shape.  I haven't done very much running in the last several weeks.  I completed the c25k program with perfect attendance.  I didn't miss a day.  As soon as that tenth week came, I was lucky to run two days a week.  That went on for a several weeks and then when I miscarried I took an several days off from running.  This week I ran/walked 2 miles on Monday and ran 2.6 miles on Wednesday.  I wasn't sure how I'd do today.

4.  Headache.  I suddenly found myself with a major headache around the 2k mark, despite my efforts to drink lots of water yesterday.

But I am absolutely thankful for my goals and my ability to accomplish them.  A couple of times I actually considered suggesting that Pete and I stop and walk.  But I didn't want to.  I wanted to run.  I had things to prove to myself.  We were some of the slower starters.  Lots of people ran quickly ahead of us.  But we stayed steady and around the 4k mark we picked up the pace. 

When we saw the stop light next to the finish line we picked it up even more.

We rounded the corner to the last several yards to the finish line and picked it up again.  Then Pete and I began sprinting.  At least I did.  Pete was very chivalrous and allowed me to pull ahead of him.  I barely made it over the finish line before him.  But the main point is.....

I made it.

Pardon the blurriness.  Abby was our photographer! :)

I ran the entire 5k.  33.55 minutes.  Despite the elements, the altitude, the headache, and the near depression of the last two weeks I accomplished my goal. 

Crossing the finish line was like crossing a line in my life.  The line indicating my first step to move on.  I ran a 5k on sheer will power.  And now life has affirmed that I can use that will power for anything.  And becoming a stronger person is Step 1. 

I'm thankful for my first 5k race today.

(I'm also thankful for my friends that stopped by and said hi this afternoon.  I loved seeing you and can't wait to do it again sometime.)

#19 I'm Thankful For.....

Today I'm thankful for lazy days.  Like the ones where you don't really do anything.  Nothing really gets accomplished, but it's okay because nothing really needed to be accomplished. 

Including my thankful post.  I'm expecting a busy day tomorrow and a more lively thankful post.  Tomorrow.

But for today I'm thankful for the small moments when I just get to be lazy.

#18 I'm Thankful For.....

Today's thankful post is pretty straight forward: I'm thankful we had a successful road trip today. 

I'm thankful we had no mechanical issues.

I'm thankful we had no weather issues, except for that bit of wind that lasted about 20 miles.

I'm thankful the kids were mostly good.

I'm thankful we only had to stop four times because Millie couldn't sit still any longer.

I'm thankful my husband supports and loves me enough to encourage me to have fun, even if it's without him.

I'm thankful for Diet Cherry Pepsi.

I'm thankful it was only 13.5 hours on the road.  It really could have been much, much worse.

#17 I'm Thankful For.....

Some people endure high school.  Like Josh.  High school was not his favorite time of life, I think.  When we go driving through the beautiful highlands lying north of the valley, Josh often points out the lakes and/or ice cream shops that he visited during regularly scheduled school days.

Yesterday Emma was allowed to hang her campaign posters.  She's running for student body president.  I took the kids to school early and we hung the posters before all the good spots were taken.  Funnily enough, the politics of elementary school aren't nearly as cutthroat as they seemed to be in high school.  Anyway, I asked Josh if he ever ran for office in school.  He just kind of looked at me. 

I ran a couple times.  I never won.  But I did successfully help a few of my friends campaign.  I got to be on the student council since I was the Honor Society President.  I served with several of my friends.  My best friends included the FBLA president, the Senior class president, some Sterling Scholars, the Key Club president, Student Body President, various athletes, members of choirs and bands, and (of course) the drama club.  There's more.  I just can't remember it all.

I loved high school.  Obviously.  I was always busy.  A typical day could easily include practices for assemblies, play practice, choir practices, football games, basketball games, voice lessons, student council meetings, NHS meetings, Seminary Council meetings (we had released time LDS seminary and I served on that council as well), homework for my classes (including AP classes), and my 10-hour/week part time job as the "Snack Bar Girl" at a roller skating rink.  And I loved every second of it. 

I had the best friends.  We did so much together and kept each other on track.  I'm not always the easiest person to love.  I know that shocks you, but it's true.  Yet, so many of my friends from 14 years ago are still my friends, despite the fact that I've had 17 different addresses in 4 different states since we graduated. 

And I get to see some of them this weekend -- starting tomorrow night when I land at Cindy's house.  I love that we are taking this trip.  The kids are just as excited as I am.  I think we've all been wanting a chance to get out of the house.  The only bummer is that Josh has to work so he's not coming.  That's really sad.  (I'm going to miss you, Baby!)  But I'm still really looking forward to being with my friends, meeting spouses I haven't met before, watching my kids play with theirs. 

I'm so thankful for my wonderful memories of high school and for my friends that I've been able to keep.

#16 I'm Thankful For.....

Consider this post a "clip post".  Kind of like a clip show on a sitcom.

I'm thankful for my husband.  And here's why:

1.  We have a great story of how we met.
2.  Our first date was two months after we met and a month before we were engaged.
3.  Longer stories of our courtship. (Separate links)
4.  He's so cute!!!
5.  He has star qualities.  (Separate links)
6.  He's talented and creative.
7.  We have the same crushes.
8.  We have the funniest inside jokes.
9.  He's humble.
10.  He can pull off footie pajamas better than anyone!

If this were TV, you'd really like this post.

#15 I'm Thankful For.....

I know I've told this story before, but it's a good one.

The day Abby was born, she made sure the world knew it.  My labor had slowed and my doctor thought he had enough time to go assist in a c-section with another doctor.  I was put on pitocin and in less than an hour I knew it was time.  I told Josh who told the nurse.  She came in to check me out and started to freak out.  Yep, Abby was on her way but my doctor was still down the hall in the OR. 

So the nurse ran and grabbed some kid in the hallway.  I think he may have been a doctor, but I'm not 100% sure.  The nurses threw a gown on him.  As they tried to fit his fingers on his right hand into a glove, his left hand kind of held a glove in some sort of finger-tip-protection position. 

Meanwhile, I could feel Abby coming.  I mean, she was a-comin'!  I kept saying, "She's coming!  She's coming!!!"  And the nurse and boy-doctor kept saying back to me, "Don't push!  Don't push!!!"  To which I responded, "I can't help it!  I can't help it!!!"  The boy-doctor held that glove with his fingertips and I think he held it against her crowning head to try to keep Abby from just shooting out. 

This is my Abby.  She has always been a full force girl.  She makes me crazy but I love her so much.  She wants to be her own person, so it's an amazing compliment when she tries to dress like me or read when I do.  She's smarter than she gives herself credit for.  (She's a lot like her dad in that way.)  She's a force to be reckoned with.  She has a good heart and she can be very loving and caring when she wants to be.  She's a wonderful daughter and I'm excited (and scared to death) for her to grow into the beautiful young woman she desires to be.

I'm thankful for my Abby Lynn.

#14 I'm Thankful For.....

Josh tells me that he enjoys reading my blog because it's like reading my journal.  I'm pretty honest with what I write.  Sometimes I write to vent.  Sometimes I write to inform. Sometimes I write to brag.  Sometimes I write because I'm so bored that I'll die if I don't do something. 

Tonight I write to sort myself out.  I gave myself a week to slow down and prepare to recharge.  We began losing our baby a week ago today.  Since then, I've been trying to relax so I can heal both physically and emotionally. 

Physically: Tomorrow I'm going running for the first time in over a week.  It's the longest I've gone without running since August.  I'm looking forward to getting out and just running.  Plus, it's time to get these extra pounds back off.  I gained several pounds the last six weeks as I ate what I wanted when I wanted.  Tomorrow I put my Bodybugg back on and start logging my food again.  No more late night ice cream binges.  I don't know if I'll really miss that.  The binging guilt isn't always worth it.

Emotionally: I'm still having a hard time.  I still know Heavenly Father loves us.  And I truly believe we are meant to have another child in the near future.  But there are those things that get me down.  I didn't give birth, but my body has to heal as if I did.  This is where I get a bit upset.  I don't have a baby, so why should I have to deal with this for so many days?  A miscarriage isn't like a regular period.  But it's not like postpartum recovery.  It's this limbo in between.  But with the same amount of hormones.  And that's the killer.

I'm not at that point where I see pregnant women and mourn.  I see babies and want one, but I was like that before. 

I think the hardest part is speaking out loud about how I feel.  I can write about it, but when I talk about it I worry about being too emotional.  And then the person I'm talking to might get worried about me.  I don't want anyone to worry.  I'm the worrier.  That's my job.  Not anyone else's.  So I go into mechanical mode and I feel like I sound so heartless.  Like I don't really care that I lost a baby.  But I do.  It feels so contradictory and I hate feeling that way.  But I haven't figured out how to master the balance yet.

And so I write.  It's easier than talking.  My favorite aspect of my keyboard is the Backspace button.  I can express myself so much easier because of it.  And I can take a while to think about what I want to say.  There's no pressure on me to answer the question, "How are you?" because I can sit and figure out what the answer really is before I say it.  I can express myself and feel liberated.

Today I'm thankful for my blog and my ability to write.  I'm thankful for emails I write that express my feelings even more than my blog does.  I like writing.  I wish I could do it even more.  And I hope to be proficient at it one day. 

#13 I'm Thankful For.....

Tonight as we drove home we began a bit of a family sing-along.  It started out with Primary songs: I Am a Child of God, Follow the Prophet, etc.  Then Josh asked the kids what their favorite Christmas songs are.  It may seem a little early for Christmas but I love it and I learned last year to begin celebrating Christmas as soon as I could because the weather throws me off and I need all the time I can find to get ready for it.  (That sentence was a little Faulkner-ish, I think.) 

Anyway, we began singing a few different carols: Up On the Housetop, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and so on.  But my favorite part was when each kid sang their own solo.  Abby sang a song she's practicing for the school choir concert next month.  Emma sang some cute little song that she made up the words for since she couldn't remember them.  And even Matt, who rarely sings out loud, sang a bit of O Christmas Tree for us.  Millie joined in on a few of the songs too. 

I love that my family loves to sing together.  Actually, I just love that they love to sing at all.  Singing is one of my favorite things to do.  And singing Christmas songs is a double whammy of greatness.

I'm so thankful for music and the power it has to bring people together. 

#12 I'm Thankful For.....

Hello.  My name is Shelly and I'm a TV-holic.

I watch quite a bit of TV.  Mostly because my house would be way too quiet at night without it.  How funny is it that all day long I wish for a moment of peace and at night when I get it I turn on the TV to drown it out.

Today I'm thankful for my DVR. 

But now I'm tired from staying up late watching Blue Bloods on my DVR.  So I'm going to bed. 

How's that for a nice and insightful post, eh?

#11 I'm Thankful For.....

I think it's very convenient that Veterans Day falls in the middle of my Thankful Project. 

I'm an Air Force Brat.  Yep.  Moved a lot.  Met a lot of people.  Switched schools fairly often.  Although, most of the moving occurred earlier in my life when Dad was not active duty.  Dad had been in the ROTC and served in the Air Force Reserves.  When I was in 2nd grade he became a recruiter for the Reserves.  His first assignment sent us to New Orleans, Louisiana.  Then we hopped over to Idaho and Utah, where we were able to stay for several years since Dad was able to promote within the same office. 

After I graduated from high school, Dad was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado.  It was at this point in my life that I seriously considered joining the Reserves myself.  I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life.  School didn't interest me, but I knew I didn't want to work at the gas station for much longer (hated that job).  My only other option seemed to be joining the military. 

I told Dad about my decision and he sat me down, as if I were one of his possible-recruits.  He looked me in the eye and told me, "The reason you join the military is because you love your country and want to serve it.  If the only reason you want to join is for the benefits, then you're doing it for the wrong reason and need to think about it more."

I learned something from my dad.  My dad who loved his career in the Air Force Reserves and came from a long line of honorable veterans, including both his mother and father.  Serving the nation of the United States of America is not a benefit.  It's an honor.  One that cannot be taken lightly.  Soldiers serve because they love their country.

I remember when I was 12.  I was watching TV and the announcement came over the airwaves that the Gulf War had begun.  I began to cry.  I was so worried that my dad would have to leave us to go fight.  After all, his father had fought in Vietnam and Korea.  I'd heard the recordings Dad and his sisters had made that they sent to him.  I'd heard Grampa's stories.  It didn't matter that most of his stories revolved around him being in bar fights with his buddies.  I was still scared that Dad would have to leave us to be put in harm's way.  He found me crying and asked what the matter was.  I told him and he reassured me that as a recruiter he was needed much more on the home front than out in the fields. 

Those couple of moments of fear are the closest I'll ever know of what it is like to have a close family member away at war (I hope).  I'm so grateful to those that serve and sacrifice their lives for us.  It's not just the overwhelming sacrifice of possibly never coming home.  It's the sacrifice of missing time at home with their families.  The days and months spent in a foreign land protecting people they don't even know.  Missing holidays and birthdays and milestones.  And, of course, the families that support them without question.

The members of the military and the veterans that previously served are incredible.  True heroes.  People to look up to and admire.  I love my dad and his service.  I love my grampa and his long career of being in many battlefields (beyond the bar fights haha!).  Our family history indicates our family's dedication to this nation from the Civil War to the Revolutionary War.  I'm thankful for their service and love that I have this heritage.

Thank you, all members of the military both active duty and veteran.  And to my brother, Peter, just beginning his Air Force career: God be with you.  I love you, little brother.  You are already one of my heroes.

#10 I'm Thankful For.....

You may remember how I was slightly upset over a fender bender Josh was involved in, by no fault of his own.  The gentleman tried to file a claim against our insurance.  But to no avail.

His insurance recognized the dent in the side of our car was not caused by two vehicles colliding, but by the bumper of another vehicle backing into our door.  Thank goodness. 

Next Monday morning our car will be taken to a local body shop where the work will begin to fix the door, replace the broken handle, and whatever other damage was included in this mess.  After Josh drops the car off, a rental car will be brought for him to drive home so he has a replacement vehicle while ours is in the shop. 

I'm so thankful we will have our car fixed, Josh will have a rental to hold him over, and we don't have to pay our $500 deductible for something that wasn't our fault.  Also, I'm thankful the truth was obvious and the insurance company willingly took liability for their customer's mistake.