White Christmas

I do believe that 17" of snow would qualify as a white Christmas. It is a great opportunity to snuggle with the kids, play with the new toys (and the 50 million little pieces of said toys), visit with family and nibble on Christmas goodies.
This has been a great Christmas and I am very grateful to be celebrating the Savior's birth, life and example.

Light it up

There's nothing like an Econoline van with the plushest seats ever (courtesy of my brother's boss), two kids snuggled in footie jammies, and THIS to make Trenton's local tour de lights a complete success.

I've seen video of these synchronized light shows and wanted to see one so bad. Trenton put together a tour for his girlfriend and our family. Elena's favorite part was the music from Charlie Brown's Christmas movie. My favorite part - you have to watch the video to appreciate (watch video by clicking on giant "THIS") - but the neighboring house had written in lights a big sign reading "DITTO" with an arrow pointing next door.

"Praise to the Man"

It has been a true blessing and privilege to study the Prophet Joseph Smith and his teachings over the past two years. In our Relief Society and Priesthood classes we have learned and been edified through the exemplary life and teachings of the man foreordained to restore the living gospel to this earth. A fourteen year-old boy had the faith and integrity necessary to go to his Heavenly Father asking for guidance as to which church to join. The heavens were opened, the Father and Son appeared and declared themselves to him. I was not there. I did not see it. Yet, I have no reason not to beleive it. The spirit has witnessed to me, as it can to all who want to know, that this man was a prophet called during the great coucil in heaven to bring the light of the gospel to a dark world.
He was asked to bare burdens beyond my comprehension. He was worthy of revelation necessary for the building and restoring of Christ's church, the same that was established during Christ's mission on earth. He lived and died in the service of God. He sealed his testimony with his life when mobs hunted him down while imprisoned in Carthage. He sacrificed all, so that we could have the fullness of the gospel here - today. This curch means more to me than anything. The knowledge of my Savior that I have attained through it's techings sustains me daily. Knowing that through the atonement, I can be forgiven of my transgressions and be reunited with my Savior and loved ones in the life to come is an invaluable blessing. Knowing that we have the privilage of recieving personal revelation and revelation through modern prophets and leaders is beyond comforting. Knowing we can go to the temple and seal our families and those who have gone before into a heavenly family brings me joy. These blessings would not be possible save it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I worship my Savior and Heavenly Father. I do not worship the prophet; instead, I honor him. I love him. I am grateful to him.

(Please visit lds.org or mormon.org if you would like to learn more about Joseph Smith or other LDS related topics.)

Hey, hey, hey - Goodbye!

Say good bye to this adorable sight. Not Lucas- just the binkie.

Monday, Dec. 7 marks the end of an era. No more binkie for the little addict. When he started talking like he had a wad of cotton in his mouth, we figured it was time to rip the proverbial band-aid off and send the pacifier to live with the "Binkie Fairy" (thanks J. for the idea).

Nightime and naptime have been a little rough, but since it was Drew's idea he has to get up with him at night.

Does not having any kids with binkies mean it's time for another one? Ha. You wish, Dad!

A hiking we will go...

One of the few things Drew and I actually have in common (besides basic core beliefs) is our enjoyment of hiking and the outdoors. The fall is a great time to take advantage of the great parks in our area, and as we have in years past, we load up the car and kids and head out for some great day trips.

Swallow Falls, Maryland
What better way to spend a cold rainy afternoon with a sick kid than to head out to see waterfalls? I can't think of any. (disclaimer: Lucas refused to wear a coat. We are not that neglectful!)

Seneca Rock, West Virginia

Last year we took the kids hiking around Elena's birthday and this year we did the same. She asked us if that is what she would be getting every year. I guess it's possible. We went down to Seneca Rocks this year and weren't quite ready for the hike ahead. In fact, it could have been a Sunday School object lesson. We didn't know how far the trail would actually go up the rock or how long it would take. With no snacks or kid-carriers or even good shoes, we headed up.up.up.

It is never a good sign when people measure the distance left by the number of switchbacks you have to go. We made it. I was convinced Lucas would hurl himself off the lookout, and in fact I had to leave him with his dad because I was a little too freaked out to watch. The view was gorgeous and well worth the hike. The kids did fantastic and earned the praises of all those who had to go around us because we weren't exactly leading the pack. A fun day all in all.

A view from the bottom
A view from the top

The best views of all!!

She's almost five

Elena has a hard time living in the moment. Soon after her fourth birthday (last Wednesday) she informed us that she is almost five and excited for her next birthday.

(Here is the birthday girl with her present)

Reconnection Accomplished

This month started out with a huge treat to myself with the encouragement of Drew and his paycheck. He had a paper to present in Sunny San Diego and this summer he invited me to come with him. I didn't give him a lot of choice in the matter. San Diego is my little heaven on earth and this was my 6th visit in 9 years. Thanks to Drew's very gracious mother who stayed with the kids for four days, this trip was amazing. My main goal - Reconnect. With Drew, with friends, with family and probably most importantly - myself.
Travel log alert! And my camera broke, so links will have to do.
Just flying alone was a huge treat. I looked at other mothers lugging car seats and strollers and toddlers with understanding and was so glad that for once I could be sympathetic instead of desparate. Once in San Diego I was able to spend a lot of time ALONE wandering the city, trying different restaurants and lounging in our gorgeous hotel. I used to be very brave and very independent and I was able to reconnect with that part of me a little. I toured the USS Midway just for fun and all alone, taking time to soak up the history rather than worrying about soaking diapers. A little ocean front time was also nice.
Drew and I did get plenty of time for ourselves. A couple of dinners out and a trip to the San Diego Temple really gave us a chance to spend quality time talking and just being together.
I also demonstrated my independence and bravery by making a solo trip up to Santa Monica to visit a Gorgeous Museum, The Getty, with one of my favorite friends in this whole huge world. She met me down in LA with her little boy and we had a fabulous afternoon talking and watching him be ridiculously well behaved. My friend mentioned driving in LA is kind of like a rite of passage. It is scary, but once you do it you feel like you've accomplished something. She was definitely right on both accounts.
After my afternoon at the museum I headed down to Newport to visit my aunt, who I love but rarely get to see. We had a blast. If you ever need a tattoo and are down that way, check her out!
Anyway, long story not so short. We had a great - much needed - vacation from reality. If it weren't for that pesky bank account we'd be game for another one soon!