Something like this

The kids are very excited about Christmas...who am I kidding we are all very excited about Christmas. The other day they were a little distraught trying to figure out how Santa was going to get in our house since we do not have a chimney. A conversation went something like this:

Kids: Well how will he get in our house

Grant: He will just come in the front door

Me: We will just keep it unlocked for him if we need

Grant: I think he actually has a key to our house

Kids: Can you call him and make sure

Grant: Yeah I can do that

Kids: Do you know his number

Grant: I sure do

Kids: Can you call him right now and make she he has one

Grant: How about I just text him later

Kids: Okay

I love the wonder and excitement of the kids (it makes it so much fun for me) and I am amazed at their comfort and adeptness with technology...holy cow we are in for it!

(p.s. Santa's safety while traveling is never left out of Jamison's prayers...too cute!)

ABC's of grattitude

I am grateful for:

A-Asher, those squishy cheeks (both kinds) are irresistible
B-Butter, what does not taste better with butter
C-Caleb, whose smile brightens my world
D-Drive through, because it is so much easier to not have to take my four little ones out.
E-Elegance, A quality I do not possess but very much admire
F-Friends, life would be lonely without such great one!
G-Grant, who makes my life the greatest one ever!
H-Healing, which I have needed and accessed a lot lately
I-Ice Cream, which is the greatest contributor to my "problem area's" but my favorite treat with my hubby
J-Jamison, who is one of the bravest people I know
K-Kindness, I see examples of it around me constantly and am reminded what I need to do
L-Love, my life is filled with it and carries me through all
M-Miquelyn, who keeps me on my toes and melts me with the very occasional shows of affection
N-Nose spray, It has provided me with many nights sleep
O-Out of town, I love to travel and get out to see people and new places
P-Popcorn, one of my favorite snacks while playing games...I love popcorn.
Q-Quilts, To snuggle up in them means security and warmth
R-Reading, I love to do it and wish I had more time for it
S-Seasons, I love that we have all of them here in Farmington
T-Tahiti, heaven on earth as far as I am concerned
U-Under wire, not that I NEED it, but I won't go without it
V-Victory, over trials...somehow I come out stronger and better for them
W-Water, I love to drink it and play in it
X-X-mas, I love everything about it, the spirit, the music, the food, the giving and the constant remembrance of our Savior and his beginnings
Y-Youth, I was provided a fantastic youth thanks to my parents and siblings
Z-Zippers, how much easier are they than buttons

One of those days

It has been one of those days...the good/productive kind, and even though my legs already hurt I feel satisfied. I cleaned the house, did the kids laundry, worked out, got two visiting teaching appts done, about to be off the dance, then to Sams, pick up from dance, take kids home, get them bathed, make a salad and off to the parents house to enjoy Mikael before she is off again. Now I wish I could say that I could relax tomorrow, but I had to work so hard today because tomorrow is busy, but a good busy. It is Thanksgiving week, Grant and I are always discussing our plans for baking and cooking...and making ourselves even more excited. Yep, it is panning out to be a good week!

Her Eyes

Jamison had a conversation with my mom the other day, and we talked about it yesterday. She told us that people always ask her about her eye. I tried to find out what questions they were asking. She said mostly they ask her why her one eye shuts. She tells them because she is blind. They respond, "oh" and that is about it. She says mostly kids in other classes and other grades ask her, and sometimes adults. She does not know if the kids know what blind means, but she does tell me that she gets tired of people asking her that question. Though it might be a little sad for people to hear this (Grant sighed and got a look on his face when I told him) I am glad for one thing in particular. When asked this question she calmly gives a direct answer to a curious question. She is not hurt, offended, or upset...she just tells it like it is. This is what I always wanted for her. I wanted her to be able to explain it without feeling hurt or making others feel bad or stupid. Though it is a question she hears more than she wants, she is brave and mature about it, and I am insanely proud of her! She already has proven at age 6 that she faces her challenges head on.

Tell me again Why????

So, last night was Monday night, hence FHE. Grant closed, so as soon as he got home we ate dinner and cleaned up. It was time for a quick FHE before bed. We always start with a song and prayer and then Grant wanted to talk about faith. The whole time kids were squirming, Mique was screaming on purpose to make Asher laugh. Caleb kept wanting to talk about something else, James was actually kind of trying. I let Mique try and offer the opening prayer because when we ask whose turn she always throws both arms up in the air and yells. I thought it might be a good start. At first all was silent and she was mumbling something after I said the words. The boys kept laughing uncontrollably, which made Mique squeal with delight...I on the other hand was not delighted. By the end of our quick little "show" and still even today I am asking myself, so why do WE even try????

Halloween

Grant hates Halloween...for many reasons, but I think if he got to see how excited the kids were to dress up, it might not have bothered him so bad (he had to work that day.) We went to the trunk -or-treat, but after less than 10 cars the kids were done and ready to head home. It is kinda nice that they do not really care about the candy and just love the dressing up. (I know, I know, it will not last forever.) I could not get the kids to do a theme this year, so I guess we are done with that cute matching thing, but they were cute anyhow.

The ballerina

The SWAT guy

The fire fighter

The Lady bug.

31 for 21

I just read SuSu's post and I was reminded of an experience Grant and I had almost 7 years ago. It was the night before we were leaving to spend Thanksgiving with Grant's family. We got a call from the Dr's office saying that they got my blood tests back from some prenatal work and it indicated that our chances of having a down syndrome baby were significantly more likely than normal. I am not sure we knew how to react. I had grown up with two special DS children, so my exposure and love was great. Grant on the other hand had little exposure. Many things flashed through my mind...how the future I had envisioned for us might now have to be altered.

We were off the Utah only wanting to tell our parents about the experience so it was not the focus of the vacation. We had a wonderful time, and upon return we had an ultrasound and appt with a geneticist. It was quickly discovered that a mistake was made in the lab, and my due date was off, so our blood tests no longer indicated higher chances. I cannot recall if we felt relief, I am sure....but I am also sure I had a twinge of sadness not having the honor of having a extra special little one in our care.

After James was born and we settled into a normal routine for us, I kept having this feeling that our next little baby would be Down Syndrome. I never knew why I felt that way, but I know I felt it more than once and felt it strong. It was interesting to me when I learned that my feelings were for the next baby in the family, and not specifically my next baby. Eight months after James was born, little William surprised us all (especially his parents) by coming to the earth with a little something extra.

Though there is a a sadness in change of dreams and reality I am sure, there was a special tenderness I felt from the very beginning. Since that time I have learned a great from my family, esp the Easterlings. One of my first thoughts 7 years ago was that Grant and I would not be able to serve a mission together. How wrong I was and how I can picture Kimberly and Dave with William and Mary on a mission in Nauvoo, doing great things and touching many people.

I am grateful for the lessons I learn and for the unique challenges each of my family members on both side have had, I learn a d great deal and definitely admire my siblings and in laws for their strengths, perspectives and esp. their children!