It's a comin'

These invitations are why I adore Target , they are scalloped oval cards,, the green polk-a-dots are the envelopes....so charming....so Miriam.

If M's party planning was left completely up to her, we would have an American Girl tea party, with fairies, horses, and dogs, a pinata, dance party, play-dough and lots of crafts, with a Costco sheet cake, home made ice cream, old fashioned lemon aid, cookies "glued together" with icing, and butterfly biscuits.
The invitations have now been completed, so we will go with the original plan

A Tea Party Birthday

There will a craft (but not 3), there will be dancing (but no strobe lights), there will be games (but no pinata), there will be cake and treats (but not a Costco sheet cake).

I think, that as long as there are friends, lots of sugar, and prettily wrapped packages she won't notice.

A Pie

Today wasn't great, I feel bad about that since it is Sunday, and was Stake Conference, but even hearing Elder Oaks speak, and he is hilarious by the way, couldn't help me today.

It's funny, if you look at the following pictures, it would seem like we had a wonderful day, you wouldn't know that I was frustrated with Darin, that Byron cried and whined relentlessly, and that Miriam was sent to bed without stories and cried herself to sleep.
I feel guilty about all of it.

We did do some fun things in between the frustrations and here they are:

Last week we found this book at the library. I wasn't going to get it because, lets be honest, no matter how charming it is, I am not going to make black bird pie. Then, I noticed the recipe for Custard Pie which is Darin's favorite and is so hard to find. Miriam and I made plans to surprise him with a treat.

The book has all the darling illustrations from the series with excerpts from the books when they mention foods they eat or make.

Here she is! Yummy, but not as smooth as I would like it.


Miriam spent some time with my camera. I think these capture those fun moments that you never take pictures of.

Now it's time for bed because this day must end.

"The sun will come out tomorrow, but cha' gotta hang on till tomorrow!"

Divine Nature #1

This is my second go-a-round with the Personal Progress program. The first time, when I was a pre-teen/teenager was a good experience. This second time as a thirty-something is an amazing experience. The first time, I read the scriptures, I thought about them for about 3-5 min and then wrote in my journal. This time around I read the scriptures, had a great conversation about them with my friend Fiona, read a few scriptures over with Darin, had another great conversation with my friend Mirissa, have pondered, felt repentant and humbled.....I am now ready to write in my journal.

Divine Nature
Be partakers of the divine nature....Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;and to virtue knowledge;And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity
(2 Peter 1:4-7)

I have inherited divine qualities, which I will strive to develop

I am a conflicted woman. I have inherited both divine qualities and some not so divine qualities. I have this prideful, overbearing nature that is in conflict with my peaceful "happiness maker" nature. Swinging in between, is me. I have been raised to have an opinion on things, which is good. I have been raised in a time where everyone, especially women, are encouraged to express that opinion, which is also good. The bad part comes when I feel the need to express these opinions in a prideful or forceful way. The scriptures in 2 Peter, Alma 7, and D&C 121 all talk about being patient, humble, kind, temperate, and virtuous always....ALWAYS. Even when you disagree with someone, even when provoked, even when you are tired or sad.

I can hold my own in an argument, I talk loud and fast and think of sarcastic "zingers" to get my point across, but when this happens I inevitably feel sad and regretful later. It's not in my true nature to act this way, even though I have this HUGE impulse to jump in and fight. I am an emotional, spirited person, which I feel is a blessing, but I can't let those emotions override the empathetic, caring person I also am. No one listens to opinions when they are flung about in anger anyway....at least I don't. The only way ideas can really be shared is with kindness, patience, temperance, humbleness and virtue. So....I will continue striving to develop those divine qualities which I have inherited, and keep my feistiness for things that really matter!

Today.....

was a pretty fun day!

January Means.....

Snowflakes and hearts.

It also means Heather's annual White Elephant cousins party!

Miriam getting her yearly measurement taken and recorded in the phone booth...yes their house really does have a phone booth right off the kitchen. The previous owner needed to take calls when he was home and wanted a sound proof barrier between him and the rest of the family. Good idea.

YANKEE SWAP!!
I almost had this. As the time ran down, I had big plans to send it to Shauna.

We ended up with these...."Christmas fries" which was what M called them (Homer and Bart Simpson ornaments). As you can see she was NOT happy about it, but I don't think she was all that excited about the curling iron case either. Sorry Shauna...we tried!

I actually think we came out on top seeing as I gave my old high school graduation mug. Getting rid of that thing automatically puts me on top!

Scary Stuff

M's friend Finn came by with a cryptic message "someone scary is coming over very soon".
A minute later THIS was at my door....

yes, I would say that is scary, but not as scary as THIS....

I was in the middle of taking down Christmas when THIS guy....

woke up from his nap really early (and wanted to help)!! AHHHH!

GIFT

I have a problem similar to a lot of women I know with young children. My children want my attention 24/7 and if they don't get it they are sad, and if they are sad, I feel like I am not being a good mother (their sadness vocalized also makes me feel like my brain is going to explode).

A few years back I learned an important lesson. No matter how much you give to your children they will want more. You can read 6 books and feel like they should be satisfied...but they won't be. You can play for 3 hours and feel they will be good for the day.....but they won't be. You can let your kids have one cookie and say "enough is as good as a feast" but it isn't. Kids, at least my kids, will take all I can possibly give and ask for more. They are insatiable when it comes to love and attention (and treats).

It's up to me to set the limits of what I can give. Oh, but I want to give SO MUCH. I want them to have the whole world, to experience everything good, to read every great book, see every great thing, and most importantly to BE HAPPY. I want this so bad that their wants are being put above my needs.

One more thing to add to all this is that I preach waaaaaay too much.
This brings us to my WORD FOR THE YEAR.

"....We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same...."

-Nelson Mandela

"Don't tell me you are going to be good....SHOW ME"

-Me, to Miriam on a daily basis

Example sheds a genial ray which men are apt to borrow, so first improve yourself today, and then your friends tomorrow.

-Unknown

I am going to give my family the GIFT of taking a bit of time to achieve my goals.

I am going to exercise everyday while they cry, complain and whine.
I am going to go to that General Conference discussion class I am interested in, and maybe the bread making class too.
I am going to get babysitters more often to be alone with Darin.
I am going to sew something ANYTHING this year.
I am going to get my Personal Progress medallion (for the second time).

because I truly believe that sacrificing some of their time for me is a GIFT to them in return (even if they cry about it). It's the GIFT of a happy confident mother, the GIFT of someone who doesn't base her self esteem on others achievements, the GIFT of a good example rather than just a good sermon. So when they cry, and whine and complain I won't let my exploding head keep me from doing something that is necessary for my self worth. I will give them a hug and whisper "I love you so much I have to do this".

Happy New Year!!

Darin and I rang in the new year by watching some comedian/reality cop show with a bag of doritos...whoo hoo!
However, that was just one night of our 4 day New Years vacation.

Heres what we did with the rest of our time.

"The Boys" (as Miriam started to call them) building the yak. I joined my Mother-in-law in becoming a member of the "Yak Widows Association".

There was one morning where the boys left the basement to take us ice skating.



The two Byron's worn out from the fun (Big B is not really sleeping).

Miriam and I did lots of shopping.

Rule #34 of Elisa's rules and things for having a funner life and making a better purchaser out of yourself (thats for anyone who has read the book Bud, Not Buddy which you should read if you haven't)

NEVER buy Christmas decorations before Christmas. These poinsettia picks were 90% off.

I am lately enchanted with bells, add some antique glitter = heavenly. (75% off)
I lean toward traditional in my Christmas decorating, I have to take note of these things as I tend to be a schizophrenic decorator. So many of our furnishings were hand me downs, now that I get to pick out things by myself I have a hard time figuring out what I like. Holiday decorations are a non-stressful way of exploring my tastes.

Don't for a minute think I spent $44 for that Pottery Barn tree skirt, it was $11 I think, and the socks were $3. I realized when I got home that the socks were embroidered to hang the opposite direction of other Christmas stockings, which is why they were $3...but I am okay with it.
I made stockings when Darin and I were newlyweds but now with kids I didn't like them saying "Elisa" and "Darin". It felt strange.

There were lots of delicious homemade meals, lots of laughing and playing with the kids, lots of cookie making, lots of treats eaten and lots and lots of noggin', playhouse disney, and sprite watching.

For G'ma and G'pa...she "adores" her dress!
Thank you for the wonderful wonderful weekend!

2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here's to my 2008!

The most amazing thing I saw this year:
Grand and Bryce Canyons

Coolest Place we traveled:
We didn't go very far this year but Zion Ponderosa is always a highlight.

The best movie I saw this year:
Lars and the Real Girl

The most fun I had watching a movie:
Twilight
Iron Man

Best books I read:
The Whistling Season
The Giver
The Book Thief

Most fun I had reading a book:
Eclipse

My proudest moment this year:
This is a bit sad, but all my proudest moments were for others accomplishments...something I need to work on in 2009
Darin's graduation, Darin's new job, Miriam's solo, Bub's cuteness.

Biggest lesson I learned this year:
How to be a friend and a leader to the Young Women (firm with a smile).
I can best inspire my loved ones to greatness by achieving my own goals. It is inconvenient for my family to take "me time" but they will benefit in the end. (I learned this in 2008 I hope I can put it into action in 2009).

My worst moments of 2008:
Every time my pride overcame my compassion. and I got into arguments with people I love. I hate being so flawed.

SPT- Hope

I have proof that Darin reads my blog.
Miriam isn't the only one with a new American Girl Doll.



Meet Meg.
She and Karen are sisters.
They share clothes, books, toys....everything.

I am HOPEFUL that this gift comes with a trip to the American Girl Store at some point {right sweetheart?}
Although, I think I will need to make my own matching outfits, I don't think even my best laid weight-loss plans could get me into the American Girl sizes.

I am prone to "holiday let down" (which I am currently feeling) but I am very HOPEFUL for the new year, some changes for the better, some attitude adjustments....I am working on some plans.

Happy Memories!

Miriam with Emma, who was Emily for a little while and is currently Karen

Fluffy beautiful Utah snow that fell on and off the whole time.

Laughing hysterically while playing games with my family
Making fun foods (Frikadellers, mulled cider, and butterfly biscuits)
Watching movies I NEVER would have watched but enjoyed (I Am Legend?!) and movies I will ALWAYS watch (Better Off Dead).
Sledding down our driveway hill, and taking long walks in the white silence.
Watching Miriam enjoy herself so much, and having babies around to entertain us.
Talking with Julia and Mark till 3:00 am

These are the things I want to remember about Christmas 2008

Christmas Morning

"Stop...Wait....Stay there...just a second...Don't come down yet!"

Between these two, there was a plethora of fun toys to play with. They were so cute toddling after each other all weekend.

Every kid needs an Uncle like Mark. He sleds with Marcus after the rest of the kids have long ago finished, lets the kids jump all over him, is always willing to sit back and read a story, and helps the kids play with their toys. It was so fun to have him back with us this Christmas!

AEBLESKIVERS!

Santa knows we like our Flilipino treats...as well as discovering new and exciting yummies.

Miriam was overjoyed with her American Girl Doll "JUST what I wanted...just what I have always wanted!" the money spent was worth every penny.
Bub is easy to please. He liked everything he got and everything everyone else got, and would have been equally as happy with packing peanuts and a paper cup.

Christmas Eve

We started the evening with Mom's traditional Danish dinner. It sounds strange; cabbage, ham and, caramel potatoes but it is so amazingly delicious. Even the in-laws like it so I know it's not just my Danish genes responding to the motherland.

On to matching jammies from Grandma and Grandpa.

Our Nativity highlights:

Placing our gifts to Christ, written on paper, in the manger to make the Christ child a soft bed.

Madison agonizing over whether she wanted to be Mary, or the donkey. It was back and forth for awhile.

Our donkey (thanks Jared)

Miriam nervously muttering to herself "I bring you good tidings of great joy,I bring you...." in preparation, and then performing the line with her arms outstretched.

Our hilarious wise men dressed in Grandma's silky pajamas. Mark and Darin were such great sports but they did request not to appear on this blog dressed as royalty.

Little Tatum, our only shepherdess, insisting that she sit upon Joseph's lap most of time.

The comfort and joy that comes from reading Luke 2 and singing Christmas songs with my family.

We read the Christmas excerpt from Little House on the Prairie and talked about the great gift of service Mr. Edwards gave to the Ingals family. We then discussed how gracious and grateful Mary and Laura were when they received their simple gifts of a tin cup, a peppermint stick, a heart shaped cake and a shiny new penny. The kids were given a tin cup full of the corresponding gifts to remind them to be grateful and, to remember their manners when receiving a gift.

We sprinkled reindeer food along the sledding hill to our cabin.

We all played the chocolate bar game until Dad and Jared were so sick of chocolate they didn't want to roll doubles anymore!

We sent the kids to bed and played a few hilarous rounds of Quiddler until sugar plums were dancing in their little heads.

We adults finished out the evening by watching 'Get Smart' and laughing as we set out Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
From our little corner of the world

To yours!

Celebrating 9 Years

Is it strange to celebrate our ninth anniversary looking at corpses?

I just REALLY wanted to go this exhibit. The lowest grade I ever received in my 17 years as a student was in Anatomy at the U, but I loved every minute of it. The memorization was intense, but I have never been more inspired by a class. I was so amazed by my own body.

I was inspired again today.
And it made me want to exercise.
I am also grateful I have never smoked.

Darin was so kind to take me. He was suppose to go with his work, but he didn't because he knew I wanted to go with him. Then he took me to Mazza, a restaurant he thought I would like (he has had business lunches there). It was wonderful Middle Eastern food.

A trip to Kim Long's oriental market for Filipino stocking stuffers, as well a few fun things for us, and then we spent the afternoon and evening putting together Miriam's new bed. I think she is going to LOVE it, especially the new play/reading nook it creates...pictures to come!

Is tomorrow really Christmas Eve?