How is it that today is the last of they ear and that my kids will be going back to school in a day. . . even my kids are a little melancholy with the close of the holiday break which in my mind says we did something right. We were hoping to get some more skiing in over the break, but alas the temperatures were cold like a not even hitting double digits or a high of 12 so we opted for more in door activities like making bath bombs, playing games, girls continued crocheting, Lego building, movie watching, and yummy food. We did venture out for a trip to the aquarium which was super busy so everyone must have had the same idea that day.

Making bath bombs

 















Andrew and Marcus were so excited to see the balloons when they came up stairs for dinner and the party. Marcus picked it up and started tossing it then he realized there was something inside look at him checking out what's inside.


















Then he tried popping one by sitting on it and it didn't work so Steve got out a sharp kitchen knife and had Marcus throw the balloon against it and when the candy and joke came flying out he thought it was great and was throwing balloons at Steve and the knife before we even realized what was happening and he was so sad he'd used up all his balloons so quickly.




Then we watched a Pete the Cat New Year's show on Netflix and count down and did are poppers. Then everyone went to bed early -- including Momma. ;) Good bye 2018, Hello 2019. Adventure awaits!

Thursday I had the opportunity to help with Lila's class Christmas party in the Chinese room and as they entered the room Tian Laoshi played Jingle Bells in Chinese and the kids danced and sing. Lila came and got Marcus out of the stroller who thought it was the awesome to dance with Lila at school. One of the games was to make a snowman out of a classmate -- the girls decorated Lila.




















I managed to go to the temple that afternoon for a much needed spiritual boost. It was nice to have the girls home a little early to watch the boys so I could go. They watched Home Alone while I was out.

Then Friday we took the whole family skiing at Nordic Valley. It's a great place because the girls can ski the whole mountain no problem and the magic carpet is great for the littles. I didn't actually buy or use a lift pass since I was with the boys most of the day at the magic carpet. Marcus loved skiing but wouldn't even try putting his skis in a triangle to slow down so you'd have to stop him. He and I did about 7 runs on the magic carpet while Steve took Andrew up the little lift a couple of times and the girls just skied and skied. Marcus wanted a break so we went up on the little deck area and Andrew came over for a minute to eat his trail mix "with nuts for protein" where he learned that I have no idea. So Steve took the girls over to the big lift and a few minutes after he left Andrew wanted to start skiing again so I told him he could put his skis on and do the magic carpet run as many times as he wanted while I watched. He must have made 8 or so runs up and down that thing and the guy sitting next to me commented how cute he was and how good he was doing. Then the girls met us for a little lunch. After lunch we got Marcus to put his skis on for a few more runs because he wanted to ski with Ellie & Lila, but the little stinker still wouldn't do triangles to slow down even when the girls were showing him. So after a couple of runs I decided to take him home for a nap. He was not happy about that and screamed most of the way home about how he wanted to keep skiing (that's good -- always want them to want more ;). Steve said Andrew even went up the big lift called Apollo and did the Old Barn run and that's all he talked about the next day and kept showing it to us on his map which he's determined to collect like the girls.














Saturday Steve's brother-in-law Doug Gibbons called and said they were going skiing at Snowbasin and wanted to know if Steve or anyone wanted to go. It was a cold day and the girls were tired from skiing the day before so they declined, but Steve went and had a good time skiing with them. While at home we decorated giant gingerbread mean, cleaned a little, and watched all 3 Santa Clause movies. It was really quite a nice relaxing day.




















They turned out cute and I was surprised how particular Marcus was with what candies went where and he wouldn't let me help at all and as soon as he put on the last candy he said, "ok now I eat". I gave him a cookie instead. Andrew actually took a bite out of his which is what he is pointing to in his picture he said it didn't taste bad, it was just hard.

Sunday was also a great day. Lila and I spent an hour reading in The Book of Mormon before church (we were trying to complete President Nelson's challenge to read it before the end of the year which we had been working together to do). We were ending with 3 Nephi because of some reading we had done in conjuction with our reading and that section is all about when Jesus came to ancient America so we decided after church to watch The Testaments. It was great. We opened some toffee popcorn we had received from the neighbors and the kids all sat and enjoyed the movie. It made me excited for the new Come Follow Me curriculum and how we can be studying and learning together more as a family on Sundays.

Christmas Eve came and we had debated going skiing at Snowbasin, but things just didn't work out which is ok. Steve and I ran a couple of last minute errands. Then for some reason I ended up organizing our movie collection and we've been talking about watching Superman (the originals with Christopher Reeves) with the kids and decided to watch the first one that afternoon (maybe we'll try to watch more over the break). It was fun and we really enjoyed just relaxing together. Then after dinner we read the Nativity story in Luke 2 while doing this little bottle cap picture activity which helped keep the boys engaged. Then we had a little battery operated light that we passed around as we recited The Living Christ from memory. It was a special moment. Then the kids watched Small One while I finished making our traditional chocolate cake.



While they were eating we checked the Santa tracker at which point Andrew was done eating because he needed to go to bed so Santa could come -- he could not be awake when Santa got here. ;) All the kids slept upstairs: Lila with Andrew and Ellie with Marcus. For two reasons, 1. the girls could help keep the boys from just coming down. 2. we had a couple of surprises to setup downstairs. Grandpa helped us get everything down there and Mimi helped me wrap some presents and make giant bows. Then we went to bed.














The girls crocheted everyone a scarf and Steve that great hat.















Lila made those awesome binocularus for Marcus which he just loves!

And the building/playing begins

The plan was to wait and see when the stuff downstairs would be discovered. I started making breakfast and sent Ellie downstairs to get some orange juice from the freezer down there. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, I heard her say, "UMM!" And I realized I had just made the surprise happen. So we gathered the kids and all went downstairs to discover.












I played a round of air hockey with the boys Christmas night and it was fun. Andrew likes to play with all 4 pucks and use two of the paddles. Marcus kneels on a chair in the middle and is some what of a double agent because he just moves his paddle back and forth and you never know which way it will go and he is quite effective at scoring in both goals. Steve played ping-pong with the girls and had a good time too. It will be a nice addition to have downstairs. Tomorrow we're going skiing with Grandpa at Snowbasin. My first time to strap on skis and the girls are each trying their new skis. There should be a fresh layer of snow so it should be a fun day. The boys are excited to spend some time at Mimi's house. :)

I told a friend I love Christmas and this week because it's almost as if time stands still. We've no place to be, no school, Steve's taking time off from work, it's family week so we have no church responsibilities and we just get to be together. It truly is a wonderful life.

The day after we put up the Christmas tree I caught Marcus running around with an ornament yelling "bomb". He and Andrew like to make shapes with the magnetic tile toys then throw them and watch them explode -- they call them bombs. Good thing I caught Marcus before he threw it on the tiled entryway. I still catch him every once in while in front of the tree just looking at the bright round ornaments and I wonder what he is thinking.

Last night we were debating buying some gift cards to a little ski resort here that was having a flash sale. We would mainly go to get the boys more practice and because the girls can go wherever on that mountain and be fine, but we were a little hesitant because our first ski gear check with Marcus this year did not got well, but as I dropped Andrew off last week Marcus said, "I want to ski." So last night I said, "Marcus do you want to go skiing with Dad." To which he replied, "No." I sighed. Then Steve said, "Do you want to go skiing with Mommy?" To which he said yes and ran over to the ski gear bag and told Daddy to go get his boots. He even practiced his wedge which with the other three we taught pizza and french fry, but this kid is too food oriented and when we said that he just looked at us like he was longing for food so we went with triangle and sticks and he did it several times and we would clap for him -- it was cute! He also loves to have a turn with the new vacuum we got from Carole and Russ while they were here over Thanksgiving.
























I was able to attend the Christmas Concert with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and Kristin Chenoweth with some dear friends. It was a great night filled with food, laughter, sincere heartfelt compassion and Christmas cheer. 


This little boy, Andrew has been loving the violin and has already learned a full song after only 5 lessons. So so cute! A boy a few years older than him played a Christmas song on his violin on Sunday and it was so good -- he loved watching him do it. I am happy it is something he wanted to do and is really enjoying it.

Now for a funny Andrew story: I asked Andrew to shower before school and he came over and said, "Mom do I have to shampoo my hair?" Then you could see his brain working behind those eyes of his -- you know the look I'm talking about. And he said, "WAIT! why is there poo in shampoooooo and how does that make you clean?" Needles to say I didn't make him shampoo his hair that morning.😂

Steve was aching to go last weekend, but alas we had a few things to finish up that I needed his help with. So with my Dad in town the two of them went up today. Andrew realized what was happening at breakfast and begged to go. We told him he had to eat breakfast, do his online preschool, and practice his violin then he could go. As soon as he finished all of that he said "now I can go skiing. let's go Mom." But I had to wait to pick the kids up from school and get them off to a party so we left home about 2pm headed for Snowbasin. Andrew was so excited. Steve said his first couple of runs were slow and he was a little nervous, but then he got the hang of it and they made 6 runs in the hour he was there and he even got to see Santa Claus on the slopes.

 

Mimi and Grandpa bought everyone tickets to ride the Heber Valley North Pole Express. We had a magical evening. The weather was great, we had no issues traveling, and the train wasn't overly crowded, Santa was great and really personable.

We invited Mimi and Grandpa to ride down with us. Andrew had his little Christmas tumbling show right before we had planned to leave so they joined us for that too.










Then we checked Lila out of school on our way home. The kids had no idea what we were doing. So as Lila and I were walking out to the car she said, "why are you checking me out early?" I told her she'd have to ask Mimi & Grandpa. Then she saw them in the car and went running, leaving me in the dust. She got in and asked what they were doing here and Andrew beaming said, "they came to see my Christmas tumbling show." :)

We came home had Andrew change clothes, get a snack, had everyone use the restroom, then Ellie walked in and we loaded and left. In the car on the way down, we practiced reciting The Living Christ a couple of times and then I had brought the book The Polar Express with a reading on CD so we listened to that and the the kids got all excited. We met Jake and Nessa and their families there and waited for a bit in the cold to board the train.

Then everyone got settled in seats and waited for the journey to begin.















The kids had a blast looking out the window and eating a cookie and drinking hot cocoa. Then we stopped because there were reindeer on the tracks and we sang Jingle Bells really loud to get them to move. Lila even sang the chorus in Chinese. Then we saw Santa and The North Pole.










Then Santa boarded the train and everyone received a bell and the kids were able to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Andrew froze and said, "Ummm" So Santa said he'd bring a surprise and Andrew got all excited and said, "I love surprises!"













 




On the way back to the depot the kids had a blast dancing to the Christmas music. It was a lot of fun. Marcus even snuggled up to me for a bit.


Then in the van on the way home the kids and Mimi & Grandpa since they were in the back watched Tom & Jerry Nutcracker while they ate their candy canes. We got home and a had a second dinner since we were a little hungry still (sack dinner in the car didn't quite cut it but it held us over well enough). Lila had to do some math homework and Andrew had a little melt down because it was past his bedtime. But that still didn't squelch the magic of the night. Something fun about being on a train together and enjoying some Christmas fun in love and unity. "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

Here are monthly highlights from our 2018 year:

I'm really proud of my kids. This year as we've been preparing for Christmas it has really touched my heart how they have thought of others first. Andrew wants to make something for the girls and wants get Marcus this car pez dispenser he knows he likes (now if I can only find one in the stores or online -- no luck so far). Ellie started crocheting a scarf for the bus driver to help keep him warm on these cold mornings and then decided to make some for friends. Lila also has been crocheting scarves for teachers and friends. We are going through a lot of yarn here, but I love it. They haven't made huge lists of things they want -- I even had to ask Lila what she told Santa she wanted at the ward party the other night because I've asked the kids a couple of times and I get responses like a sketch pad or LOL dolls or I don't really know. Love them to pieces for thinking of others first.

Also last week both the girls got awards at school. Lila was given an "Acts of Kindness Citation". And Ellie received the student of the month award from the music department and is going offsite to a Mexican restaurant Orlando's for lunch on Monday. She is super excited. Also funny note--her grades at the midterm point are pretty similar to what they were at the end of the first term. Her math grade is an 89.56 which rounds up to an A- where as at the end of the first term it was an 89.47 which came out to be a B+. When we pointed it out she couldn't believe that 3 one-hundredths of point kept her from getting an A- first term. She's doing good at managing her homework and keeping on top of things and we're proud of her.

We had a couple of festive parties at the end of the week. Thursday, Steve and I went out to dinner with his colleagues and spouses. Then Friday night was the ward party where we walked the Layton Christmas lights and then went back to the church for dessert and socializing. Steve and I were in charge of the kid movie corner so we spent our night there watching some fun Christmas shorts with all the kids. Andrew thought it was great to stay up late and watch movies, but he was super tired and it threw off his schedule the rest of the weekend. Marcus loves the Christmas lights and always says, "Oh it's beautiful so beautiful." Although he did get cold because he refused to put on his hat and gloves -- we had to force his coat on him while he screamed. Good times! :)

Jesus Christ taught, “Ye are the light of the world.” We can share that light to all of God’s children when we give as He gave to people near and far. This week we've been asked to focus on ways we can serve those in need globally.

I've been watching the progress of the migrant caravan and feel so badly for these families most of who are fleeing persecution, poverty and violence in their home countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. They are seeking a better life for their children -- and who can blame a parent for that.


More than 7,000 Central American migrants have arrived at the US-Mexico border after crossing Mexico and parts of Central America. They are staying in temporary shelters in the border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali. With the change in the weather these shelters have been compromised and are plagued with respiratory diseases as well as unsanitary living conditions.

This story was brought to my attention because my parents have planned a trip to the border in a couple of weeks and I'm worried about them continuing with this trip. Also this story really hits home with me because in my little home farming community I grew-up with families who crossed the border illegally in hopes of a better life for their children. Out of desperation they often sent their children separately across the border -- can you imagine being so desperate for a better life you would send your child with a complete stranger into a new country where they can't even speak the language. My friends long ago became legal citizens and are great law abiding people and I am grateful for them and I can only imagine most of those people at the border are the same good people just trying to make their situation better. 

I'm not saying I know the answer because I know immigration is a sticky issue, but I'm saying let's show a little compassion and understanding as the issue is trying to be resolved. In an effort to help, Steve and I have decided to make a donation to UNICEF who helps provide clean drinking water, sanitary supplies and training regarding nutrition and child protection.

Steve and I also spoke to our children tonight about how blessed we are to live in this country where we have freedoms that we can feel safe in our own homes, travel to and from school and other activities without fearing for our lives, that we can get clean water any time we want by just turning on the faucet, that we can go to the bathroom and flush it away (this got some giggles), but then Steve pointed out that it is a real issue that causes disease. We talked briefly about politics a little and how we can stay informed and vote because that is how we affect politics. Steve has been reading about George H.W. Bush since his passing and he has been impressed with the great policies he was able to put in place due to the fact that he worked and compromised with the Democratic Congress. We talked about that with our children how everyone today seems so focused on being right or winning (how often do we hear, "I WIN" in our own home) instead of trying to work together to find the best solution. You could see Andrew's little wheels turning and he said, "so when you work together nobody loses and nobody wins" and Steve corrected him and said "nobody loses and everybody wins because each side gets to have a little of what they want". It was a good discussion. Ellie has been studying government in her Utah Studies class so she found it fun to discuss a current issue.

If you are interested to learn more here are a few articles I felt best gave an overview of the situation:

this one is a bit more biased, but I liked that towards the end of the article it gave ways to get involved which is where I got the idea for UNICEF

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started Light the World today with a day of service. I hopped onto JustServe.org to find ideas I could work on with my family, but as the day grew closer I realized that we had several things we could do at home with our young kids that was service. So we:

*We finished The Book of Mormon as a family. It was our goal to complete it before we started our Christmas readings this December.

*We also finished making the little gifts for the combined Relief Society & Young Women Christmas lesson tomorrow

*I also had some other projects for Young Womens the kids helped me with

*I attended Lila's Christmas recital (hey with the number of recitals I attend a year I think it counts as a little service towards my children -- not too mention the time I put in helping them practice)

*Helped a neighbor who found water in their newly completed basement

*Started our Secret Santa Project

*Lit a tree & put up our outdoor nativity for the neighbors to see

See the two boys peaking through the window--they got cold and went in when we finished the tree

Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, spent much of His ministry caring for individuals, one by one. Join us this Christmas as we follow His example and find ways to share our time, love, and resources with those around us. Light the World

Steve's had a light work week post Thanksgiving and he's been helping me do some Christmas preparations and we also decided to do a ski check. Man these kids grow so fast we had to move Ellie up to the next size of adjustable boots and everyone's skis are a little short, but we think it will be good to start there for the season and then maybe we'll upgrade mid season (the nice thing of having several sets with these kids is we only have to buy one new set for Ellie then everyone else just bumps up to the next one and then when Marcus out grows them I'll try selling them).




Andrew was so sad we didn't actually go skiing after trying on all the gear.

Marcus had to be bribed with chocolate to try his gear on or move in it. He is so stubborn. He would be crying and screaming and then I would say come get the chocolate kiss and he would immediately stop and easily glide on his skis over to me -- little stinker.

Andrew has been saving two movie tickets he won from the eye doctor to go see Wreck it Ralph 2 (I think it's official title is Ralph Breaks the Internet -- but that's not what it's called around here). So Monday night I sent Steve out on a few errands and to get tickets to the movie Wednesday morning. All the kids thought it was great. The timing worked out well for us and we enjoyed the time together. The kids liked the movie, but to be honest it was not the same fun kid movie as the first one.


We grabbed some burgers for lunch on our way home then Steve had to go to work for a couple of hours. He managed to pull it at the same time as his parents arrived. We were blessed this year to have Carole, Russ, & Lexi join us for Thanksgiving. We visited for a bit and relaxed. After dinner I took all the girls shopping, Lexi needed some more winter clothes. Carole was nice to buy each of the girls a couple of things and a toy for the boys. Andrew got this new game Rubiks Race and it was played a lot this weekend along with lots of other games along with a new cooperative game I got for the kids where everyone works together to complete the goal for the game (so no winner--man am I tired of hearing, "I win"). Seriously we played a ton of games this weekend and one of the funniest points was when we were playing Apples to Apples and the word was Filthy and Ellie put in House Guests which made us all crack up since we had house guests.
















We had a lovely Thanksgiving meal. I didn't take a picture :( but it was yummy and we all enjoyed sitting down together. And then we enjoyed turkey leftovers the rest of the week as turkey pot pie, turkey noodle soup and some yummy turkey sandwiches.

Then Friday morning we decided to go to the aquarium. I knew the mall would be crazy because of Black Friday shopping and I thought the aquarium might have a sale so we could get a membership again and it all worked out great. Even Carole and Russ mentioned how much fun they had at the aquarium.











 
The girls got these cool necklaces at the gift shop -- I never even stop at the gift shop, but we ran into my Mom, sister, sister in-law and their kids going in as we were exiting and everything was on sale too so I let them each pick one thing and the necklaces were really cool they came with a clam in a can of water that they opened up to find a pearl and then with these little charms to place the pearl in, Lila got a dolphin and Ellie got a turtle.

Since we ran into my family at the aquarium we planned to have a little get together Saturday morning so the kids could play and it went well, we had fun playing games, snacking on more food, everyone played a couple of rounds telephone charades, and of course there was baby loving.

Saturday night Steve got a little light headed and dizzy. I think he was tired from staying up late and watching movies with his Mom and Lexi -- they got to sleep in a little more than Steve so I think his body was telling him he needed sleep. Marcus however didn't know to leave Daddy alone and convinced him to read his favorite Elephant & Piggy books to him (Should I Share My Ice Cream is his absolute favorite I think he has it memorized).

Steve's parents headed back to Stephanie's early this morning so they could help her with her kids for a couple of more days before they flew back on Tuesday. Our kids were all sad when they woke up and started getting ready for school and noticed Grandpa & Grandma weren't here, but we are sure glad it worked out for them to come visit us. We are grateful for them and the opportunities that we have to spend time with them.