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?

IKEA Spree

We fit a set of bowls, plates, cups, 6 cinnamon rolls, 1 almond cake, 3 recycling bins, 3 closet organizers and 1 full size loft bed in our little 'ole Nissan.

It was a fiasco for sure, but we were so excited about getting it to fit that we didn't mind being so cramped. Well....Bub kinda minded.

Darin spent (is spending) the evening putting together the furniture, while I sorted through the kids toys to organize everything.

The kids "nursery" is going to have tons of room for playing, even when/if we are blessed with another baby (not that we are announcing anything now or anytime in the near future). Can you believe we will have 3 kids in one room?? We are nuts, but it's fun being nuts.

Music and the Spoken Word

The Priesthood in our ward canceled all their morning meetings (Darin usually has a meeting on Sunday mornings) so that I, along with other members of our Relief Society, could attend a live taping of the longest continuously running broadcast program.

Music and the Spoken Word

Although very beautiful, this picture is not from today's broadcast. Today looked like a village in Switzerland with all these sparkling snow capped little houses . The choir and orchestra gave me heart palpitations, as usual, and they also had a wonderful bell choir. I am now officially in the mood for Christmas!

I know I have mentioned it before, but Christmas music fills my soul with JOY.

Snowbiz!

She did it!

Her first recital

I can't thank my parents and Sarah enough for driving all the way up here. Miriam has had the day of her life, and the anticipation of going home with them tonight (4 day sleep over!) is the icing on the cake. Wait...maybe the new fancy dance bag from Aunt Julia, or the ballerina music box and tiara from Aunt Sarah & crew would be the icing on the cake. Well, whatever, this day has been a big ole' cake with icing for "the divine Miss M".

Still Snowin'

The snow this year has been light and fluffy so far. I bet the skiers are in heaven. It makes me long to go skiing again. As long as it was on a clear day, not too cold, no wind, fresh powder and a promise of hot chocolate at the end. I am kind of a pansy these days, actually, I always was one I just admit it more readily now.

This is not a new idea, but I started compiling our yearly Christmas cards into one album. It will be pulled out every year along with the family album all of Darin's family contributes to as our gift exchange (idea from Stacy Julian).

I am still deciding on whether or not to add a picture with Santa, or a Christmas Eve/morning picture from the same year, or simply the card.

Some of our cards are kind of big, maybe I will stick with simple pimple.

I found the Red Envelope album at Downeast Outfitters for $5. Love that place, I need to take my sister-in-laws there when they visit Utah (remind me L C & S)

Blizzard Weather

It's a blizzard outside. It's suppose to last all day. Blah.
I love the snow. Love Love Love it, but it's a nuisance when we have things to do people to see!

We did get one item checked off our TO DO list.

He was so good. Petrified and stoic, but he didn't squirm or make a peep!

SPT- Comfort

Then.....

and now.


It's our ninth anniversary today. I awoke to have this conversation with the love of my life.

Me: "What day is it? It's Wednesday.....OH! it's our anniversary! Happy Anniversary."
Darin: "Nine years of wedded bliss, with ne'er a cross word between us."

Then we laugh like crazy.

Then Miriam came in and Darin said: "Did you know that nine years ago Mommy and Daddy were married in the temple for ever? That means you will be our daughter forever and ever"

Me: "Yep, we were married and then Heavenly Father sent you to us, as a special gift so we can be a family forever. Stuck together like crazy glue"

Miriam laughing: "Like crazy glue! That is what you said in the parking lot when it was crowded! 'stick to me like crazy glue'".

If that is not COMFORT I don't know what is.

We are going to celebrate next week, when Miriam will be visiting her grandparents (THANK YOU MOM & DAD and Sarah and Julia).

SPT

On the Fifthteenth of December

Miriam made treats for her friends. The same ones we made last year as per her request.

We used up all the left overs. Not the prettiest treats (I ran out of patience), but I am sure someone would enjoy them!

Tonight is Darin's work party. I am excited because Darin and I hardly ever do anything by ourselves. Darin's work isn't the type of place where we could just drop by and see him, so the kids and I have never been in his office, and I have only met his boss once. This will be a good opportunity to put names with faces.

I didn't take pictures of the outfit I am wearing tonight as Cristin requested (we were on the phone when I was clothes hunting), but I did find a cashmere cardigan at DI for $5.00..not too shabby. I also found these black velveteen pants for Bub that make him look like a little old man...kind of shabby but still cute.

A Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is to not look like a little girl when we go play in the snow.
Some man told my mom that her "cute little girls" looked like they were enjoying the snow. Oh the humiliation!

Luvies,
lil'B

On the Thirteenth Day of December

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Bub didn't cry, that seems amazing to me since this is the first year Miriam would go anywhere near Santa.

Miriam asked him for an American Girl Doll. At first she wanted Samantha, then she wanted Kirsten, and today she said "any one in the whole magazine, I'll let you pick", which is good because I know for a fact Santa didn't get either Samantha or Kirsten.

The whole American Doll thing in general was a hurdle for us. We both thought spending $90 + on a doll for a four year old was excessive. Darin and I try to keep gifts low key on Christmas (we do the three gift thing, a learning gift, a fun gift, and a spiritual gift). That way, the gifts from cousins and Grandparents are more exciting, creating more natural occurring gratitude rather than the parental prodded gratitude. But, as my sister-in-law Cristin pointed out, Miriam has no idea the doll is $90 she just loves it and believes that if she is good Santa will bring it! I bought a AG knock off but, the more Miriam poured over the AG magazine (they send like one a week!) the more I knew in my heart she would know the difference. I understand her desire, I have wanted an AG doll since the first year they came out. I remember asking my Grandma Young if I could take her magazine home with me, and I looked at it over and over. I was old enough to know what $90 meant, and I was also too old to play with dolls so I just didn't dare ask for one. When Darin got tired of me losing ebay bid wars and pouring over the classifies he told me to just get it. I didn't realize how bad I wanted to get one until that moment so, I took back the knock off and ordered one. I am SO EXCITED to get "our" American Girl Doll...I can't wait to do her hair.

What does Bub want?

World Peace....and candy.

The Tenth and Eleventh Days of December

Wednesday was our ward outdoor nativity. This is when we bring the gifts purchased from our angel tree to lay beside Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus. There are no pictures of this event because:
1. The Young Men and Young Women were in charge (I serve in Young Womens).
2. I had to pick up 170 glazed donuts with M and B.
3. M and B had to go early with me to the cold outdoor event so keeping them warm and happy was a challenge.
4. B refuses to keep his gloves on....FOR THE LOVE!
So, this event wasn't a spiritual highlight for me, but the fires were cozy and we didn't run out of hot chocolate or glazed donuts.

Today was another Christmas Tea Party.

Tonight was M's first dance performance. It was actually a pre-performance at a rest home, the real deal is next weekend. Miriam was excited to buy new "jazzy tan" tights that she says look like "Norwegian skin color" (again, a reference to Laura Ingles and her Norwegian neighbors on Plum Creek) and get her first ever offical costume. Oh the ecstasy! Perform she did too...exaggerated moves, big eyes, yelling out the little part they sing. Although she didn't hit all the moves, you could tell where she was going with it. Aunt Julia would be so proud. We are.