I love Christmas

I love that Christmas is not merely a day, it is an entire season wrapped in the sights of glowing bulbs atop sloping rooftops and boughs of evergreen laden with baubles and bells, berries and bows, the sounds of hurried shoppers grasping for lists in deep pockets of down filled coats and familiar carols with words that remind all of Christmases past and all its glorious magic and wonder, the smells of sugar cookies cooling on frosted platters accented by bite-sized morsels of nut-filled fudge, and hot cocoa steaming in Santa mugs topped with whipped cream and marshmallows just waiting for chilly little ones to burst through the door with red cheeks, tingling ears, hands and toes.



I love the focus on giving. Good people bestowing goodness on those less fortunate...and the many subtle reminders of the Savior in poignant nativity scenes and touching stories illustrating His supreme love and sacrifice.





I love the excitement and anticipation of the season, squeals of delight as long wished for trinkets are discovered beneath brightly colored paper and silvery bows.



I love time spent with family and friends, long evenings and late nights, no schedule to keep, just fun to be had.

I love pictures with Santa, getting gussied for holiday parties, shopping for hard-to-find gifts, and watching Rudolph on TV. I love my kindness tree (filled with hearts a full week before Christmas this year), four advent calendars that mark each day of December with a treat or a puffy little velcro backed toy, and my new pre-lit (costco) garland that dangles from my banister in all its red and gold glory adding the the perfect festive touch to my holiday haven.

Most of all...I love that I get to do it all again...next year

Tis the season

Picture perfect holiday bliss.

Basking in the tranquil scents and sounds of Christmastime (together as a family).

Savoring festive offerings of the season.

Elated anticipation and thoughtful reflection welcome the most magical day of the year.



(ha ha ha---oops! I mean ho ho ho!)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Cindy has added you as a friend on Facebook.

Don't be surprised if this little ditty shows up in your inbox sometime in the near future. It seems that everyone I know and have ever known is getting a little facebook love from yours truly.

My obsessive nature has grabbed hold of this pop culture internet phenomenon and turned it into my own personal quest to contact as many people as I possibly can during waking hours (which seem to be stretching well into the a.m. these days!).

I am absolutely, overwhelmingly, exhaustively, frustratingly busy right now...

I am leaving town this weekend and have cleaning, packing, rearranging and scheduling to do.

I am hosting the biggest party of my entire life in just over a week and I have decorating, shopping, phone calling and some serious organizing to do.

Christmas is a mere fifteen days away and I have yet to wrap up my wrapping (or shopping for that matter).

Luke just changed his ENTIRE Christmas list which means that I now have loads of exchanging, brainstorming and reevaluating to do.

But...I found Kim! My best friend from eighth/ninth grade through this miraculous networking site--that I resisted for so long--but have now embraced--and she left the sweetest note...on my WALL...it's been over twenty years since we have talked...

And then there's Jeff...one of my closest friends from elementary/middle school. We have not seen one another or spoken since half way through high school and are now communicating via facebook messaging! He has two daughters and lives in Sandy! It's incredible!

I haven't had time to work out the particulars of the system, or to know how in the world to respond to "Jo Blow has sent you a snowball..." For now I am steadfast and focused on scouring and scrutinizing endless lists of friends, hoping to spot a familiar face or a name from the past.

Christmas, Shristmas...I'll get to it...eventually. Right after I confirm the request I just received to be someone's friend!

Shopping for Legos and dusting the family room never brings this kind of self satisfaction!

No mashed potatoes, but we're having a baby!

Six years ago today was Thanksgiving Day. We were planning to have dinner at Cherie's, we were in charge of the mashed potatoes.

I was excruciatingly pregnant, two weeks shy of my due date and on bed rest attempting to avoid a uterine rupture (a common risk after three c-sections).

Long story short...I awoke in the wee hours of the morning in an unusual amount of pain, and rushed to the hospital (due to the aforementioned risks of this pregnancy). I was hooked up to monitors and given a massive dose of morphine for the pain. When it was discovered that I was in full blown labor (huge problem due to aforementioned risks of this pregnancy) everyone moved in double time to get me prepped and ready for the OR. The doctors, nurses, my husband, and parents (who had just arrived at the hospital) were extremely concerned and their sober faces hinted at their obvious unease. I was the only one untouched by the gravity of the situation because I was lounging on a beach somewhere south of the border, occasionally floating just above the surface of the earth in a delightful, cozy sort of way. I was in a narcotic daze (aka ten mgs of morphine) that kept me content and untroubled through a hurried transfer to the operating room, a spinal block, and a quick c-section that recovered my baby just in time as a two inch tear was discovered in my uterus.

Luke was born at seven o'clock in the morning. Our fourth child and first boy. What a treasure he was from the moment he entered this world. I fell madly in love with my little guy the second I saw him, and continue to be enraptured by him today.



He is funny, animated, loving, stubborn, emotional, and incredibly handsome. He is polite, well behaved and extremely intelligent. He loves Legos and sports, riding bikes and watching Star Wars. He adores his sisters though he is a master at torture and teasing.

I love watching him grow and change, though I wish the transition would slow and each divine childhood stage would linger...just a bit longer...




I love that Luke's birthday correlates so conveniently with Thanksgiving each year, because he is certainly one of my greatest blessings and I am absolutely, unconditionally, overwhelmingly grateful for him!

Am I a dork or just a true fan?

Friday, November 21, 2008.

At approximately 4:00pm a group of individuals dressed in black, faces translucently pale, lips a dark ebony, practically pounced on the automatic doors at Jordan Commons. It was the forever-anticipated opening day of Twilight, and this band of dark shady looking gals were heading straight for the theater. Could it be the elusive Cullen clan coming to preview their paramount debut on the big screen? Perhaps a covey of villainous creatures seeking revenge on the unusual but freakishly beautiful family that have the entire female population in a frenzy over their illustrious frontman Edward.

"Who wants popcorn?!?"

Nope! It's just my girls and me so caught up in the crazy madness that is Twilight we just couldn't attend the movie that has occupied our every waking thought and conversation for the past several weeks dressed simply as...mortals...

The movie began amidst screams, squeals and manic applause. Near combustible energy exploded in shrieks, and declarations of love for Edward filled every inch of the theater.

That energy continued as the complicated love affair between Edward and Bella unfolded brilliantly on the screen, reaching it's peak at their first kiss ("I want to try something...hold very still...") (!!!!!!!!) and carried the captivated audience through til the intense and vicious ending.

Twilight was a cinematic experience unlike any other. My enthusiasm was matched only by that of my girls whose high pitched screams at the first sight of Jacob left them trembling and unable to speak for close to an hour...

As the movie came to an end we remained glued in our seats, gazing at the screen, scouring every credit until the lights came up. Our gothic looks were lost in the fascination of the show, and it wasn't until we wandered out of the theater to sideways glances and nods of understanding that we remembered our painted faces and drab attire.

The experience just wouldn't have been complete without the look. We were in "vampire mode." I will make no excuses or apologies, but... next time...we might try going for a normal, blend in with the crowd, don't bring any attention to ourselves, (aka boring) look!

My Christmas Wish

Yesterday I was wandering the interior of Southtowne Mall, content and unrushed, humming along to Christmas music wafting from unseen, muffled speakers. Dollops of red, green, silver and gold caught my eye as I recognized and embraced that exhilarating, giddy feeling that marks the beginning of the holiday season.

I was in a happy mood, happy enough to pause at the kiosk peddling fuzzy little magically moving worms and mention to the dark eyed, pony tailed vendor that I had actually bought some illusion inducing novelties identical to those displayed on his cart in Las Vegas last year. In a suspiciously heavy accented voice he attempted to convince me of the upgraded version which he was willing to sell--to me only--for a mere five dollars a piece. I ambled away with a slight shake of head and a bit of a smirk in response to the four times he referred to me as beautiful...I know...anything to make a sale, but it still made me smile (just a little).

After a stop at Hollister (where the lighting is so dim I ended up buying a hoodie and sweats that were two different shades of blue...) I started up the stairs with only a sideways glance toward PretzelTime (no excess carbohydrates for me...) when I saw him...bright red pants suspended around a full middle, snowy white beard, spectacles resting precariously on the bridge of his nose...

"Oh!" I exclaimed looking around. "It's SAN...ta..." My excitement abated as I realized there was no one around to share this first magical sighting. No baby snuggling in a stroller, no sticky-fingered toddler grasping my pocket, no preschooler begging for a stop at the pretzel shop I so deftly avoided. A faint but noticeable aching feeling tugged at my heart as I realized I was traipsing through the mall unaccompanied, which is convenient and welcome on most days, but not on the day I spotted Santa Claus setting up to welcome eager, excited holiday guests...

A delightful rendition of Grown Up Christmas List caught my attention just as I caught the eye of Santa bustling a few steps below me. He smiled as I stared and focused on the words of one of my favorite holiday tunes which detail the difference between a child's wishes for Christmas and an adult's. How appropriate.

I thought about how life has changed. I remember when our days were not broken up by school time, only nap time. The closest we got to homework was reading aloud Dr. Suess and A Bad Case of Stripes. I remember going for days without leaving the house...it was easier that way. Things were simple then. I could snuggle and smooch my little ones without embarrassment (theirs not mine). I wasn't confiscating cell phones at dinner time and arguing about weekend curfews. I didn't worry about team tryouts and good grades. Timeout was a form of punishment not "me time."

When I arrived home, bags and packages carefully hidden away from curious eyes, I welcomed my kids home from school and told of my Santa sighting.

"Did you talk to him?"

"What did he look like?

"What was he doing?"

After promises were made to return to the mall, young ones in tow, we went about our daily after school activities--homework, practicing, lessons...

Life has changed, but the changes are good. I have fun with my kids. I love that we can all go to the movies and truly enjoy the same show. We play games together, we laugh, a lot. We can ride the same rides at Disneyland and Lagoon, and go to restaurants that don't provide high chairs or even kid menus.

If I have the chance to talk with Santa this year, I will ask him for a very special gift...My Christmas wish is to enjoy each stage of my life. No wishing away limitations that come with having a young family, no longing for more freedom and time to myself. That time will come, sooner than I really want it to. I wish to build memories, and then cherish them forever through the continual changing tides of childhood and life. I wish to always look back with a gleam and a giggle knowing that I made the most out of every single moment and experience.

I know I will spot Santa a time or two this season as I maneuver my way through holiday shopping at the mall. I will make a special effort to take my kids at least once, even the older ones, to visit together, which we can still do, and enjoy. I might even splurge on an expensive (in my opinion) professional photo. That way I'll have a stronghold on the memory--Christmas 2008, suspended in time, just as they are, this fabulous stage of life, appreciated and treasured forever.

There's a new girl in town

...and she's got a delightful little blog labeled Forever Strong.

Roo is creator and contributor to this online glimpse into life as a sensational tween. On this site she reveals her likes (friends, cell phone, Twilight, friends, tennis, cousins, sweets, friends, TV, Orlando Bloom, Jonas Brothers, and friends) and her dislikes (just vegetables, paying tithing and mean, annoying people).

Pictures, polls and games, all the little quirky additions blogger makes available to those of us who rely on internet service and dependable keyboards to draft our thoughts and activities, are front and center on Kelsey's blog. It's quite an enjoyable little site, about a darling little (actually not so) girl!

I am very proud of her.

(I know you want to go to Roo's blog...just click on her name over in my side bar)

Elf task force

Today I clipped a little snippet from the Draper Paper touting Santa's Helper who could arrange for the big guy to entertain at holiday parties, etc. I will be hosting our extensive extended family festivities at a Christmas gala and a pop in from Kris Kringle would definitely be a holiday hit.

The little crumpled piece of newspaper was spotted instantly by Jaycee as she wandered into the kitchen after school.

"What's this?" she inquired.

"Oh, just a little Christmas ad." I answered nonchalantly.

"It says: call Santa's little helper, call early, times book up fast."
"Is that Santa's number? Can we call him? Why does it say to call early?"

(I know that the magical wonder of belief is fading as each year passes into the unrelenting reality of growing up. I protect the cherished secrets of Christmas for as long as I possibly can...and as it stands now, I am half and half with two who are in on the splendid ruse, and two who remain firm in their notions of flying reindeer and colorful, pointy-eared elves)

Thinking quickly I explained that the number Jaycee had discovered was not Santa's number, but, as it stated, was the contact information for Santa's helper.

"Parents can call this number and set up special surveillance for their kids by Santa's elves."

Jaycee gazed at me with a hint of disbelief, but not enough to call my bluff.

"Why do you have to call? You always tell us that Santa's elves come out right after Halloween (used to be Thanksgiving, but the threat is far too effective to utilize for only one short month) and they watch everyone, checking in and then reporting back to Santa."

"Well, this year I am especially concerned about all the fighting that goes on in our home. You guys are having a heck of a time getting along, and I thought an elf-task-force would help to keep you in line and to make Santa extra aware of how you are behaving."

"So there will be special elves watching us this year?"

"Yep, they are rigorously trained to watch certain children twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are especially sensitive to arguing, name calling and tattling...NOTHING gets by these guys."

"...and why do you have to call early?" The question barely audible coming out as a squeak.

"There aren't very many elves qualified for this important role, so you have to get your name in quickly to receive an assignment."

"Hmmm."

(later that evening)

Jaycee: "Luke, guess what's wierd? Mom hired army elves to watch us this year! They're going to be everywhere, all the time. We have to be REALLY good or we're going to have a REALLY bad Christmas!"

Ohhhh..."I'm Dreaming of a White (lie) Christmas" this year!

Luke's Post (erior)

The bare facts are these...Luke is very dedicated to his schoolwork, doing all he can to keep from falling behind. He studies diligently so as to keep ahead of the crack, I mean pack, and would be devastated to slip to the rear of his class. Bottom line is this...(without sounding too cheeky) it would be such a bummer if he didn't get a least a B (as in buttock).

Where the good things are

(Cue catchy tune in your head)...Good things Utah, good things Utah, good things Utah, where the good things are...

Now rewind back a few days...before Walmart's intercom system was leaking faint renditions of O Little Town of Bethlehem and Target's tinsel topped trees were on display...It was Halloween, and the girls and I spent the morning in the audience of the local chat-fest/cooking/craft/television show, Good Things Utah!

Watching closely you could see each of us waving and clapping in our Halloween attire from the sidelines. The girls loved seeing themselves on the in-studio monitor and imagining the television sets that were transmitting their images into hundreds of homes! We all loved meeting the hosts (who are even more stunning in person) and watching the backstage action where several cameras, microphones teleprompters, props and a moving stage worked around each other in perfect symphony to pull off the live, fast moving, sometimes improvised show.



No adventure of ours would be complete without our best friends...Jennie (who scored our audience seats) captured quite the cameo dressed as a darling fifties gal and was displayed on camera along with a snip of music from Grease! Jessica was actually given a microphone and asked about her fabulous Cindy Lou Who up do! "There's a cup in my hair..." was the best line of the entire show! Rachelle (looking lovely, dressed as her favorite nurse) spotted herself on camera and searched everywhere for the source of the recording ("which camera is mine?")! The rest of the girls grinned, gleamed and giggled, naturals at playing into the unseen lens!



Good things...all around!

What's a vampire's favorite candy?

...SUCKERS!!!
(compliments of Jaycee)

What's a vampire's favorite snack?
...PEOPLE!!!
(compliments of Luke)

It's been all Halloween all the time around here as we prep for the SPOOKIEST day of the year!

Our family Halloween party on Sunday was packed with creative costumin', classic chili (served with a side of Fazoli's) eatin', game playin', picture takin', Braxton gazin', Treyson cuddlin', and orange frosted sugar cookie inhalin'!



The Oborns minus Ashton (darn strep throat) and Thom (he was going to be dressed as a bee keeper...cute!)



The Hallings...
bringing a little Christmas cheer to an eerie Halloween celebration!



Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus...nice to meecha! Plus...our beautiful girls who wanted to be..."hot guys!"


We have a nifty little "pumpkin patch" right around the corner from our house. There are loads of pumpkins to choose from right out of a convenient tawny-tinted(cardboard) bin!



Our ideal jack-o-lanterns-to-be were carved in a jiff thanks to Scott's ingenious idea and dexterity with a jig saw!




Jaycee was the only "Pebbles" at her Halloween parade this year! The pink wig and matching lipstick made her the envy of the fourth grade!

Luke hates his Batman costume ("it BUGS me!") (He REFUSES to wear the mask!) and is looking ahead to next year when he plans to dress as a "scary football player."



Trick or treating here we come...I am bracing myself for the onslaught of Reeses and Kit Kats!

Have a SPOOKTACULAR holiday!

Does anyone know David Archuleta's address?

...cuz we've got something REALLY cool to show him!

Jaycee's activity days "daddy-daughter derby" was held last week, and the theme for this years girl-infused pinewood derby race was "all about me." The girls along with their dads (and moms for creative input) were charged with creating a car that would not only sail along the metal tracks of the official derby race course, but would also reflect their personality, their likes and interests.

Thinking we'd construct something pink with lots of glitter and jewels to represent our girliest of girls, Jaycee surprised us by suggesting a David Archuleta car. "We can glue pictures of him all over the car!"

One third of a bottle of modge podge later, and we had a very unique expression of Jaycee's riveting interest of the adorable American Idol who captured her heart and managed to replace Hannah Montana as favorite/most fascinating/talented person alive!

I believe that though David is a national phenomenon there has been no greater homage paid to him as that of the pinewood derby car exacted in his irresistible honor.

We think...that he will think...that this car is awesome!

...attempts at well-roundedness...

Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Tumbling
Cheer
Soccer
Basketball
Karate
Gymnastics
Acting
Musical Theatre
Singing
Piano
Guitar

Each of these activities are ones embraced at one time or another by my girls over the past eight or nine years. The first week or two of each new undertaking consistently sees the realization of an unknown passion, the discovery of a new life dream...

By week three at the announcement of lessons or practice I inevitably receive "the look." You know the look I'm referring to...cheeks filled with air, lips pursed in that "do I HAVE to?" sort of way. Eyes rolled back slightly and nostrils flared just a smidge. As soon as I see "the look," I know that yet another extracurricular pursuit is about to bite the dust.

If we make it to week six, we are in full blown "I HATE dance/cheer/guitar/karate!"

At two months a decision must be made--sometimes we're done, no looking back, even after non-refundable registration fees, costume fees, recital fees, etc. Other times we persevere, week in and week out enduring the ensuing battle over thirty minute practice periods, extra lessons for performances, sore muscles, "really mean" teachers/coaches/instructors, and interference with inflexible social agendas.

Our latest pursuit is tennis and we are miraculously in our second straight year. It is more demanding than many of our previous attempts at well-roundedness, but it has produced far less complaining and criticism than the other undertakings combined.

Dare I say..."we have finally found it--their 'thing' their 'niche' their 'life passion'?" Well maybe passion is going a bit far, but for now, I am enjoying the good natured grins and lack of nasal flaring associated with the sport that may have just captured the ever-fickle hearts of my girls!




P.S. My darling cousin Ciara "tagged" me--so fun, but slight problem--I HONESTLY cannot come up with six random facts about myself that nobody knows!

Early New Years resolution...try not to be such an open book!

SYTYCD=best...night...ever

Joshua+Twitch+Katee+Kherington+Will+Bollywood+No Air+Bleeding Love+The Garden+Mercy (aka Door Dance)+Tabitha and Napoleon+Mia+Nigel=the most supreme form of entertainment on television surpassed only by the ultimate experience of seeing the top ten dancers live!

So You Think You Can Dance (absolute favorite show...transcended only by American Idol) finally came to Utah on tour, and we were there to welcome the most versatile and astoundingly talented hip hop, ballroom, contemporary and jazz dancers in America!

Joined by our fellow SYTYCD-obsessed friends, Lexi and I were on our feet, screaming for our favorites from the first chill-inducing moments of Cat Deeley's charmingly accented voice booming from the loudspeakers introducing each dancer, to the final group number performed flawlessly with the boundless energy and enthusiasm that made this one of the greatest concerts I have ever experienced.

After the show we shot out of the E-Center in true expert-fan fashion and secured a spot at the rear entrance where we were hoping the dancers would make an appearance for autographs and pictures. Just after midnight the first of the thirteen dancers sauntered out to the anxiously waiting crowd. Over the next hour or so we were able to talk with each of the performers. There is just nothing quite like actually meeting these iconic dancers that we followed each week throughout the summer months, hurrahing their unbelievable talent and dancing styles. They were funny and unassuming, affable and appreciative. They seemed as thrilled to meet us as we were to meet them!



Best part=hangin' out with my girl! (Fourteen and she still likes to do stuff with her mom!)

If you need me...

...I'll just be over here...catching up with a few old friends...








Oh how I LOVE fall premiere week!