{Christmas~2009}

Is is just me or does Christmas take so long to get here, and then it seems to be over in a flash? I love the spirit of Christmas, and wish it could last all year!

A few days before Christmas, we loaded the family up to spend the day finishing up our shopping and to visit temple Square, something we try to do every year. I love the Spirit that we feel there, and the reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I always dread the drive and the long day, but in the end I'm always thankful that we made the effort. After the annual Meadow ward Christmas Eve party/program and candlelight pizza dinner at Gram & Papa's we came home and the kids got to open their Christmas jammies (not that they really needed any more PJ's, but it's a fun tradition for them). Carlie was so funny....her jammies had ballerinas on them and she just had to show us her dancing abilities. She'd do a kick and then pause to look at her leg to find another move, copy it, then pause to find another. What a crack-up she is!

Santa found our house and all the kids were happy! Brock asked for Eyeclops Night Vision goggles, and Santa came through for him. He also surprised him with a Bionic Eye magnifier.

All Kaleb asked for, and wanted more than anything was a Nintendo DS! Well, Santa brought one, but he also wrote a letter and made a deal with Kaleb that in return for the DS he had to work extra, extra hard at being good this year!

Carlie has been asking for a tiger for months....we kept thinking she would change her mind, but she didn't., so a tiger she got (yes, I know it's really a cheetah, but Carlie liked that one best, and to her it's a tiger). It's sudden movements and even it's eyes sort-of give me the creeps, but Miss Carlie is in love!

I am thankful for the Holiday season, for the joy on my children's faces, for the time spent with family and friends, for the generosity and love we've felt..... I am simply thankful, we are truly blessed!

{Taking a Little Break}

Yep, I'm taking a little blog break. I had all sorts of posts planned about our little families traditions, I was excited to share some of the things we do to celebrate, but unfortunately somethings have happened that have really just ruined it for me. I want to be able to enjoy the Christmas season without worrying about being judged or criticized for what I choose to share.

I'll be back, I promise. I just don't know if it will be after Christmas, or maybe even after the New Year! Happy Holiday Wishes to you all!

{Traditions}

I ♥ Christmas! I think it must be a trait I inherited from my Grandma Ainge, she lived for Christmas, she truly loved it. In fact she even passed away on Christmas day in 2005, making sure that Christmas time will always be her time! I was thinking the other day about the many traditions we have in our family at Christmas time, sometimes they change, or we add new ones, some years we skip a few, but traditions are what makes Christmas special for me. So, throughout December I'm going to post about some of my families traditions, and I'd love to hear about some of yours.

First, and as much as I hate to admit it, it's become a tradition for me to procrastinate at about everything......getting up my decorations, shopping, everything! Why, I have no idea? I love Christmas, and I love when everything is decorated and shopping is done and I can enjoy the season, but alas, I put it all off every year. I'm hoping today will be my decorating day, but most likely, I'll put it off again!

Our next tradition, and it's a favorite for our kiddo's, was started last year. Grandma and Grandpa Dearden got the kids these great advent calendars. The boys get Lego's and Carlie got Polly Pocket this year and Barbie last year. Each night they get to open a door to find a surprise. I think this is the only time of year they look forward to bedtime all day! The first Saturday of every December is set aside for the annual Beckstrand Family Christmas Party. We all get together, eat yummy food and enjoy the chaos each others company. It's also (hopefully) becoma traditions for my cousin Brian's family to stay at our house when they come for the party. They have two boys and then a girl just like us, and the kids get along so well. The kids play while we stay up late and laugh! Carlie has been asking every day when "Awie", (Allie) can come back to sleep over!

All the kids 18 and under draw names and exchange gifts. The boys both got Lego's this year (score!), but my camera battery was dead and Carlie got a FurReal Pet Kitty that she hasn't put down since (I had to bribe her to leave it home from Church).

My sweet Uncle Don made each family one of these beautiful Christus statues! He is the same Uncle that made my Nativity that I showed last year here. A few of my pieces had been broken in one of our moves and he replaced them for me this year. What a talented and thoughtful man he is!
We always know what to expect from my sweet Grandma, it's her tradition. We each receive a small bag, with money, socks and a handmade ornament. I knew there was a story behind this, and my mom reminded of how the sock tradition came to be. Grandma's mother had a rental home, every year she saved some of the rental money and at Christmas time bought stockings for the family a tradition which Grandma has carried on. She also makes each of us an ornament, this year they were doves.....our little tree in the basement holds a few of the many she's done over the years. Each family receives a handmade dish cloth (or hot pad) and a scrubber. But the gift I look forward to each year is her homemade caramel nut roll.......HEAVENLY! Each family gets one..... I have to admit the first few years we were married, I didn't share, I ate the entire thing myself. I figured if Derrick never got to taste it, he wouldn't miss it, right? Notice, no picture of the nut roll, yea, it's gone already!

I'd love to hear some of your traditions!

{Thanksgiving Break}

Ahhhh, it's quiet at my house.....well, relatively quiet, since I still have Carlie and Tylie here, but the boys are back to school after a very long week home! Don't get me wrong, it was a nice break, but I was ready for it to end. We spent Thanksgiving this year at my Grandma and Grandpa Beckstrand's house with some of my dad's family. It was yummy as always and fun to visit with family, while the kids ran around just like we used to. Thankfully it was warm enough they could do some of the running outside!We spent the rest of the break doing some cleaning, getting the lights on the house, listening to fighting kids, eating leftovers, getting a Christmas tree and did I mention listening to fighting kids? Derrick and I also snuck away with some friends for a date night to dinner and to see New Moon again! All in all, it was a good break and I'm thankful for it!

{These Are a Few of my Favorite Things}

Cherie over at Bakow Babble did a post/challenge last week to show some of your favorite things in your home. I'm taking her up on that challenge and decided to start with our living room, or the Home Teacher room as we've dubbed it. This is the one room in our house that's supposed to be off limits to play in, I say supposed to be, because last week Carlie and Tylie claimed it as theirs.

And took over...Silly Girls!

One of my most treasured and favorite things in my living room is this tatted doilie. It was made by my Great Grandma, Eva Beckstrand. Not only is tatting a lost art, but it's difficult (so I hear). Great grandma had horrible arthritis, and her hands were quite disfigured from it, but she didn't let that stop her, she played the piano daily and beautifully and continued tatting. We lived across the street from Grandma when I was about 4, and my sister and I became her little buddies. I know that Grandma made sure each of her Grandchildren received a doilie, but to my knowledge, Lisa and I are the only great grandchildren that got one.

This four generation picture was made for me by Ann. She was sneaky and got the pictures from my mom. She also was sweet enough to give me a matching frame so I can do one for Derrick, if I can ever get the pictures I need.
My plant shelf, filled with things I love.
My Grandma Ainge loved to do ceramics and made the all the figures of Christ. She also made the small replica of the Manti Temple, and gave it to me the day I went to the Temple. The framed picture of the Manti Temple was given to me by Ann. Along with it, was a card telling me how she looked forward to the day when she would have the chance to attend that particular temple, but that she would wait, so she could share that day with me. I was not even close to being ready to take that step in my life at that point, and she did wait quite a few years. The tea cup and saucer were a gift brought back from a trip to Nauvoo by my parents. And the blue cream picture and saucer came with my ancestors from Iceland. They have been handed down from oldest child to oldest child for many generations..... I pray we never have an earthquake, with them up so high!
My well loved piano. When my Grandma Ainge passed away, I inherited her piano. I have many memories of singing around this piano with my Aunts and cousins while my Grandma played, and also, of just hearing my Grandma play. That's one thing I truly miss each Christmas, hearing my Grandma play the piano.

My old school desk. This desk came from the town schoolhouse. It was attached to two more like it. My dad took them apart and my mom, my sister and I each have one. I wonder if my grandpa and his brothers may have sat in this very desk at some point?

My Grandpa's mission suitcase. My Grandpa took this on his mission to South Africa, many, many years ago. I'm guessing at least 75 years or even a few more. I love that they painted the addresses right on the suitcase itself. Lisa has a trunk that they did the same with. Guess where we found them? In the old milk barn, covered in dust and grime. A treasure for sure.

As you can see most of my favorite things from my living room have sentimental value. I'd love to see some of your favorite things if you want to take the challenge!

I for got to add my 5 things I'm thankful for.....better late than never, right? 1-Tithing. 2-Ancestors. 3-A girls day/night out to look forward to (I need one bad). 4-My children. 5-The Conoco in our little town (formerly the Chevron).

{Reading the Night Away}

Blogging funk or no, there is one thing continually changes on my blog. One little thing that you may or may not notice, is always changing....it's the "Pages Read in 2009" section on my sidebar. You see, I ♥ to read, and I also don't always sleep well, so I read. Someone asked me last fall how much I actually read and I honestly didn't know how to answer that question. So, I decided to keep track of how many pages I read this year. To date my total is 30,857. Don't judge me. I make it a point to try not to read my days away, and I can honestly say that 95% of my reading time is at night after my kids are in bed. That is my winding down time, reading on the couch, in the bath, or in bed, and I look forward to that quiet calm. The library and the bookmobile are my favorite places..... I can't justify buying books that I'll have read in a few days. It's very seldom that I recommend books to others. I hate to tell someone you should read this, only to have them hate it, or worse even, be offended by something in that particular book. That said, I just finished a book that I loved (in approximately 28 hours, that's fast even for me).....it made me laugh out loud, cry (enough that I got out of bed and went to the couch, so I didn't wake Derrick), and then it didn't even end the way I expected it too!

The Actor and the Housewife

by Shannon Hale

A very different kind of fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale. What if you were to meet the number-one person on your laminated list—you know, that list you joke about with your significant other about which five celebrities you’d be allowed to run off with if ever given the chance? And of course since it’ll never happen it doesn’t matter…

Mormon housewife Becky Jack is seven months pregnant with her fourth child when she meets celebrity hearth throb Felix Callahan. Twelve hours, one elevator ride, and one alcohol-free dinner later, something has happened…though nothing has happened. It isn’t sexual. It isn’t even quite love. But a month later Felix shows up in Salt Lake City to visit and before they know what’s hit them, Felix and Becky are best friends. Really. Becky’s husband is pretty cool about it. Her children roll their eyes. Her neighbors gossip endlessly. But Felix and Becky have something special…something unusual, something completely impossible to sustain. Or is it? A magical story, The Actor and the Housewife explores what could happen when your not-so-secret celebrity crush walks right into real life and changes everything.

Sorry, I just copied and pasted the info.... I really couldn't explain it better myself. If you are looking for an entertaining, fun read, I'd recommend this one. And really let me know what you think.

Oh yea, I almost forgot. I'm copying Ann and putting 5 things I'm thankful for at the bottom of each post in November.

Here goes...... 1-My bloggy friends that motivate me and encourage me. 2- Mr. Hubby, he's a great guy and I feel lucky he picked me. 3- A cut and color, topped off with a chance to visit with my cute SIL stylist Katy. 4- Supportive family. 5- Coke....stone me if you must, but Coke makes me happy!

{Hmmm, I'm Drawing a Blank Here?}

Do you ever have those days, ok, or weeks if I'm being honest, that are just blah? I need to update my blog, actually I want to update my blog. I'm honestly sick of looking at preschool Halloween, that's not saying they aren't darling, I just want something new there. But what? I can't think of a single thing to blog about. It's not like we don't have stuff going on, we're busy as ever....but with the same old, same old everyday stuff, you know? I guess I'm just kind of in a funk. Help me out people.....any ideas? What would you like to see/hear? I'm open to any and all suggestions (that doesn't mean I'll take you up on it, but I'll think about it).

{Preschool Halloween Fun}

We just finished our preschool Halloween party and we had SO much fun! The kids were all adorable....I just love them all. We were sad that Tylie was sick and couldn't come, it seems like every time we do something fun, we are missing someone. Mom and Carlie right before school started.

(You can't really see my make-up, but I was ROCKIN' the silver shadow)
Miss Monica's Preschool Class
Aren't they all adorable?

Carlie had the treat today, so we made Ding Dong Spiders. I forgot until the last minute that I was going to use licorice ropes for the legs.

We had a bean bag toss with our Halloween print bean bags!

We made Ghosts from styrofoam cups! These are so fun..... you really should try it. We practiced last night and my kids loved it (ok, I did too....it's kind of addicting). All you have to do is draw your face on, obviously the kids all wanted me to do theirs. Then put them on a cookie sheet in your oven preheated to 350. Watch them, ours only took 2-3 min. You can leave them as is, or mold them a bit while they are still warm. We also poked a hole in the top so they could be hung up.

And last but not least a fun little Frankenstein to wish you a Happy Halloween!

{My Karate Kid}

(Brock didn't want me to use this picture, because his thumb is out, and that isn't correct, but well, I liked it and didn't listen)

I had the opportunity this past week to attend an assembly at the Elementary school that Brock's Karate group participated in. Brock started Karate earlier this year, and it's been such a good thing for him. I've been so impressed with his teachers, Miss Camile and Miss Monica and the fact that these kids not only are learning Karate, but also discipline, kindness and are building self-esteem. Before Brock can pass off and advance a belt, he has to have one of his parents and also his teacher sign a form stating that he conducts himself both at home and school in an appropriate manner and that he is kind and courteous. He also must complete 5 random acts of kindness to receive a stripe on each belt.

Each week, as they end class they recite their creed. Each of the kids has it memorized and I hope they all have really listened and thought about what it means to them. I was so impressed, I had Brock repeat it for me, so I could share it with you.

**Karate Creed**

Discipline- the key ingredient for success in life is a discipline of mind and body. Setting goals and making sure they are accomplished builds discipline. Whatever goal I set for myself, I’ll first get a mental image in my mind, of exactly what it is I want to achieve. Then, I’ll be determined and persistent enough to overcome all obstacles that get in my way towards that goal. Finally, I’ll train and study accordingly, until that goal is accomplished.

I hope Brock knows how proud I am of him for working hard at this and sticking with it. I've seen so much growth in him since he began Karate, and I love it! Way to go buddy!

{Today I Am Thankfull For....}

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

~ Cicero

It's been too long since I've done a gratitude post, so without further ado, this week I'm thankful for.........

• My Friend~ Ann and her cute kids came down and spent the weekend with us while our men were on the mountain hunting. I can't even tell you how much I needed that girl time. We chatted, went to a yard sale and the craft fair, drove around and took pictures, had some late night talks, had a yummy lunch at Cluff's, made New Moon invitations....we just had girl time. I can't even begin to tell you what an impact Ann has had on my life. She's been an example to me, she's a great listener, she is one of the most generous people I know.....she's everything I could ever ask for in a friend and more, and for that I am truly thankful.

• Kaleb~ What a great kid he is! Sunday as Primary began, we realized that our prayer, scripture and both our talks were missing. Our Primary president asked for a volunteer for the prayer and scripture and after filling those spots, asked jokingly for a talk....Kaleb's hand shot right up. Without stopping to think about it, my little man stood up and bore the most sweet and sincere testimony full of hope and faith. Of course he made me cry (I do that a lot). I'm so thankful to be his mom, he has the most mischievous grin and sweet spirit, and well, he truly is a bright spot in my life!
  
• A Clean Room~ I hate to admit this, but I am probably as bad or worse than my kids at keeping my room clean. In fact while Ann was here she practically begged to clean and organize my room (she enjoys it). No way was that happening! But, she motivated me (she says guilted me) to clean, and clean I did! Not only did I clean, I made a new lamp shade for Derrick's lamp. I've hated the shade on it, for well, as long as I've had it, I'm thinking 12 years?!?! Why did I not do something about it sooner? I'm not sure, but it looks MUCH better. Now I'm thinking I should maybe paint the gold black, or another color. What do you think?
  
• Preschool~ Yep, I'm really enjoying it! I'm thankful for all of your encouragement.... I don't know if I would have done it otherwise. I may be biased, but I have the cutest class ever. They each have the funnest personalities. Last week we got to go on a field trip the Fire station, and had so much fun. I felt bad that our only little boy was sick and didn't get to come, because they were adorable!

• The Library~ I ♥ the Library and the Bookmobile too. I love to read, and I could never afford to buy enough books to keep up with my little habit. In addition, I've spent much more time there lately, picking up books to use for preschool. What a great blessing that building full of books is!

And last but certainly not least.

• My Dad~ It's his birthday today and I want him to know how much I love and respect him. He's not only a wonderful Dad, but a great Papa to my kids. He's kind and generous, a great example, and just an all around great guy!
  

{A week of C's}

It's been a week full of things that start with C around our house. A good week, a busy week, a fun week, and an uplifting and motivating week.

#1 C.....Canning

My kids love bottled peaches. I canned a bushel last year and we ran out. This year, I ordered 3 bushels or 74 pounds of peaches.... I'm not sure that was a smart thing to do. But whatever, I had peaches coming out my ears and that meant work to do. I spent most of Saturday listening to LDS general Conference, blanching peaches, pealing peaches, cutting peaches and finally canning peaches. I took a break on Sunday and started again Monday. Things were going great, until we noticed there was a big puddle of water by our meter? Derrick ended up digging up the line to see why and there was a leak, so off went the water. Canning was officially done for the day.... you just can't can without water! We finally got the water back on Tuesday afternoon, and back to canning I was.
I ended up with 37 quarts of peaches, 4 pints of peach pit jelly, and 14 pints of peach raspberry jam! That was a lot of work, but it sure looks pretty on my shelves.

#2 C..... Canyons

We took a drive Sunday afternoon up the canyon. I have the best memories of Sunday drives and fall leaves and hopefully my kids will too. I'm always sad to see fall go, it's one of my favorite times of the year!

#3 C.....Conference

Conference.....it always seems to come around right when I need it the most. It's funny, I used to dread it when I was younger, now I look forward to it. I love to be spiritually fed, uplifted and motivated. What wonderful leaders we have who live by example, and who serve, not only the Lord, but each of us. I didn't get a chance to hear all the talks that were given, but I've set a goal to not only read each one, but to study them.

#4 C.....Crafts

It's been quite awhile since I've had either the time, or a clean work space to craft in. Well, I got motivated, why? I'm not sure, but my craft room/office got a good cleaning an organizing session. So good in fact, I didn't go to bed until almost 3 a.m. Anyhow, now I had a clean space, I was ready to craft. I added Halloween pictures to the ladder, but it had to have something cute at the top.

SO, I whipped up a cute something to go at the top!
I just got the Textured Impressions Manhattan Flower from Stampin' Up! and had to play with it a bit. I thought this card turned out cute!

And last but not least, didn't my flower pin turn out super cute? I'm gonna whip up a few more of these for my sisters booth at the craft fair. Some will have pins and others hair clips. I can't wait to see what other colors and combinations I can come up with! The best part, the flower is a die cut that I used with SU!'s Big Shot.... I'm in love! Too, bad it's Lisa's and not mine....oh well, she's a good sharer.