Christmas TIME 3

Jeremiah has been in on the act this week...building snowmen with Jadee and the 2 feet of snow we got last week, shoveling with Davis and making sure Jeron wears a helmet to sled. Today he pulled the kids around the culdesac with the 50. Jeron and Jadee LOVED it. Davis...not so much (that is why there is no picture of him).

This picture was taken before the helmet lecture. Our friends, the Fisks, spent a week in the hospital after brain surgery with their 5 year-old after a sledding accident. Jacob's accident was just a couple of days before this picture, at a time when we weren't sure how extensive the damage was. He and his family experienced a true miracle when he went home just a week after his brain surgery. He has some work to do to recover fully, but he's going to do it. I am all about having fun and taking calculated risks, but I am also about using the advances in protective technology we've been blessed with in this generation. So, put a helmet on your kids!

Christmas TIME 2

Jeremiah took the kids all by himself on Saturday to get a tree at Costco. It's my year to have a full tree (as opposed to the skinny, sparse kind we get in the mountains). He refused to take a camera with him, so I took the first picture of the kids with the tree and their Santa hats.

I bought the kids little snowglobe ornaments last year for $0.99 each at the Macy's after Christmas sale. I wrapped them up and they each got to open a present representing the TIME we would spend together decorating the tree.

I don't know why decorating the tree is never what I imagine it in my head to be. I tell myself it is because my children are so young. It's mostly a free-for-all with ornaments yanked from the box and thrown on the tree quicker than you can say "Merry Christmas". Little or no thought is given to where the ornaments came from or what they mean. I work really hard each year to give the kids ornaments that represent something about them or something they did that year. They don't care. Davis just wants all of the train ornaments that belong to Jeron; Jeron wants to make sure that everyone knows he has the most because he's "been alive the longest"; and Jadee just wants to put the most on. Davis spent the entire decorating time crying, yelling or throwing a fit. It was fun. Maybe in a year or two it will be more like I imagine it. Maybe someday they will care that the ornaments mean something. But for today, I'll try to remember that it's not about me. And that's okay...for now.

Christmas TIME

I've decided that I am going to give my children the gift of time during this Christmas Season. I have come up with some simple gifts that represent or contribute to fun activities that we can do together to help us celebrate the season. They are so excited that they get to open presents...even if it's only one at time every day or two!

Today Jadee got to open a little present full of lots of construction paper and glue sticks...we made count-down chains! Jadee did it like she is a pro...even kept up the AB pattern. It's all in the tongue...

Davis started out strong and then lost interest. He then flew his small chain around the living room and eventually tore every link apart.

Jeron has "done this since Kindergarten" so he is a seasoned chain-maker. He wanted his to be a train for his picture...you can even see his mouth making train noises!

The finished product...

Come back soon for some more Christmas TIME fun!

Happy Turkey Trot Day!

We had a great Thanksgiving day, starting with the Sparks Parks & Rec Annual Turkey Trot. The whole family got involved this year. Jeremiah ran the 10K, I pushed the jogger around the Marina for the two mile, and Jeron ran with me. Although neither of us posted any great results, it was a great way to start a day full of otherwise indulging ourselves!

We were blessed to be invited to Arva and Ron's for dinner, and can I just say that I have NEVER had a turkey so moist and juicy and delicious? It was fabulous. The table was spread with all of our favorites: pistachio salad, broccoli salad, yams with lots of marshmallows on top, sweet potato souffle, rolls and raspberry butter, stuffing, mashed potatoes, two kinds of gravy, green beans, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, key lime lemonade and sparkling cider. Did I miss anything? It knocked us out! Nobody had room for dessert until much later in the day. Thanks, Arva & Ron, for having us over and feeding us so well. We love you!

Some of the things the kids listed during our "What are you thankful for?" discussion around the table:

Jeron: a house, the temple, food, a family, Dad working, gymnastics, trophies, friends

Jadee: food, toys, church, gymnastics, family, trophies (she doesn't have any, but she's thankful for them), toys, friends

Davis: food

I am thankful for many things, too. Of course, there's the usual list, then I've tried to be a little more specific on my FB posts over the last couple of weeks...so check out my wall over there!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The kids with Flash Can, the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful mascot. The Turkey Trot benefits the KTMB organization.

At the start line with my running partner (he ran the whole 2.11 miles...except for ten feet he says) and my precious cargo.

Jeremiah at the finish line.

Primary Program

Today was the annual Primary Program in our ward. Jeron and Jadee both had parts, and they both did a GREAT job. They also both knew and sang all of the songs very well. It is always fun to watch them. Arva and Ron came over to watch them in the program. They got a bonus too, as Jeron and Jadee both had the scripture in their respective sharing times. We got the best bonus, though, because Arva and Ron also brought us dinner! It was delicious. Thanks, Arvie and Won! We love you!

I took some pictures of the kids with Arva and Ron before we went to church...pretty cute, I must say!

Happy Birthday, Dylan!

Here are a few pictures of your first party...until your mom can unpack the camera!

LIVESTRONG DAY

Today is LIVESTRONG Day. LIVESTRONG is an organization whose worthy goal is, simply, a world without cancer. Lance Armstrong is the founder of this organization. Many may know that he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer 13 years ago today. He is riding this year to promote cancer awareness and to raise money for research. His is an amazing story.

Jeremiah and I had the opportunity to watch him race in person at the Tour of California back in February. I met him, and he signed a jersey for me. He seems very aware of his fans and goes out of his way to meet as many as he can.

Of course, LIVESTRONG was there passing out chalk and encouraging people to write uplifting messages of hope and remembrance on the roads of the race. I thought today a fitting day to share some of my road artwork.

My mom was a huge Lance Armstrong fan. I think she had LIVESTRONG bracelets before Lance did! I am grateful to people like Lance Armstrong for using their notoriety to advance good causes. The abolition of cancer is one of the greatest causes I can think of.

I love you, Mom! Until we meet again, we will LIVESTRONG.