Christmas in Grantsville

We've had a very laid back not busy Christmas season. I felt very holiday oriented when I had the chance to sing a song in sacrament meeting. I chose a song from the Children's Songbook and asked the Primary pianist to accompany me. The song is entitled "The Nativity Song" and I love that it tells the story of what we celebrate. We had a Christmas party with our ward with some nice music, jokes, stories and a quickly put together nativity by the Primary children. Ryan got to be a shepherd. Sadly, I didn't take a picture of him. He was very excited. There was a Christmas tree at the party with two different things to choose. You could place an ornament with your name on the tree and take an ornament off with someone else's name with the intention of giving them some sort of service or gift or something. The second was a candy cane with a description of a child's age and what the child would like or need for Christmas. We decided to participate in both.
After the party, we drove to Springville to spend the night and day with Grandma while Oliver participated in the Provo Christmas Bird Count. Not only did we get to see Grandma, we also saw Beth and Natalie.
The last day of classes was one whole week before Christmas day. We've been just enjoying our time as a family together with no responsibilities. Sleeping in, staying up late, playing games, not getting dressed. You know, those fun things. Ryan helped me choose a gift for a 3 year old boy. we wrapped it and took it over to the Relief Society President who was collecting the gifts.
I had ordered some Christmas books with the intent of having a new Christmas book each night for the month of December, but they didn't get in until the last day of school. So we've had a bit of a marathon of book reading in the last week. It's been fun to see Ryan's excitement of having a new book to read or even his acknowledgment that he's seen that book before at his preschool.
We were given a bounty of gifts from Oliver's parents because they would be spending Christmas in Florida and we haven't had a large amount of money this holiday season, so I thought it was plenty. "Santa" decided to make a run to find a few more treasures the Saturday before Christmas. That same night, we made covered pretzels in order to fulfill tradition. Have you ever wondered if something that you love is as good to others as it is to you? Well, my covered pretzels are one of those things. But I love them, so they will continue to be made and I will continue to give them away if I can.

On Sunday night, Ryan and I went to deliver some covered pretzels to a few families. This was seriously one of my favorite things to do this year. The joy of having someone invite you into their home and spend time talking with you about a variety of things is amazing. Its in fact ten times better than just dropping it by, saying Merry Christmas and leaving. One of the women I visit teach invited us in and she had her grandchildren over with whom Ryan quickly befriended. We stayed for more than half an hour. The next house was the family whose ornament we'd taken off the tree. A family we don't know very well and yet we were able to again sit and chat for quite a while. Ryan explored their home and quickly made friends again. Thank you Bevans and Paynes. You are truly wonderful families.
Christmas Eve morning, we got an unexpected visitor. The Phelps family gave us a beautiful gift. A framed print of Jesus Christ holding a child. I'm in awe of their kindness and thoughtfulness.
Christmas Eve night we gathered into the van and drove around town to see the Christmas lights. We found at least three different houses with their lights choreographed to music which you could listen to by finding the posted radio station. It was pretty cool and Ryan didn't want us to leave them as quickly as others. When we got home we were able to talk about the story of Jesus' birth and his childhood via the New Testament scripture stories for children. It was interesting to see Ryan's reaction to the fact that Herod wanted all of the children in Bethlehem to be killed. "Oh no! Jesus!"
Unfortunately, the rest of Christmas Eve night wasn't as peaceful. Ryan had trouble going to sleep & Evan REALLY had trouble going to sleep (2:30am is not a great bedtime). But they slept in until 8 and 9 and Daddy got to sleep in until 10.

"Mommy, you need to look in your stocking because  I got everything I always wanted in mine!"

Presents were brought out to the living room from under the tree that has been adorning Mommy and Daddy's bedroom.

Stockings were gone through, presents were excitedly opened and then contacting our loved ones began. Phone calls, text messages and video chats were a highlight of our Christmas day.

We were blessed by a handful of thoughtful gifts and have enjoyed seeing Evan play with a toy from Grandma Betty all day long.

Look at that grin!!

Our Christmas has been a bit on the lean side due to the biggest Christmas present we got ourselves: we're building a house! And we've already got basement walls!

Taken Friday, December 14th 

Taken Sunday, December 23rd

I can't end this without mentioning our food traditions. Sunday we had omelets, Christmas Eve morning I made Pop's Puffed Oven Pancake, Christmas morning we had orange rolls and a new tradition: Christmas steak for dinner.

We tried to make Christmas sugar cookies a week ago, but I have decided its too much effort. Oliver enjoys them without the icing which is good since we ran out of powdered sugar and never bought more.
And through this long rambly post I hope to let the reader know that we are as always, ever grateful for not only what the Lord has given us in our daily lives, but the gift of Jesus Christ born so long ago who would give purpose to our lives and hope to our souls. What a wonderful gift and what a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ability to return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and to have the chance to be with our families forever. Merry Christmas to all.

Inspiration

I've been having little moments of enjoyment that bring me happiness or thoughtfulness. I've been struggling to find motivation to do a lot in my life right now, but these little things are helping to move me forward one little inch at a time.

Some are just plain funny. Like this website that was extremely entertaining that a friend told me about. www.theuselessweb.com

I had to tell myself to stop pushing the button.

Another one is Studio C, a humorous show on BYUTV that is clean yet funny.  Along with that is Bored Shorts TV on youtube. They do all the Kid History and Kid Snippets. I would love to try and do this with my kids. I really love how something will make Oliver laugh which then makes it ten times funnier to me.
This is one example of the random humor that makes us laugh.

Beyond that are some of the movies I've seen lately. Since it's December I've been watching cheesy Christmas movies. You know, the ones that are just a chick flick but based around Christmas time which gives them the ability to be Christmas movies. Well, while watching these on Netflix, I've also found a few gems. A Christmas Angel and  The Heart of Christmas. Be warned, The Heart of Christmas is about a little boy with leukemia and if you aren't ready to cry throughout the whole movie, don't watch it.
On Saturday, we attended a Christmas party for the families in Utah with an Angelman child. It was a nice laid back few hours, but what makes it inspiring is that everything was donated for the party. Not just the food and the volunteers there who maintained it, or the woman who was taking pictures, but also a gift given not just to each child with Angelman Syndrome, but also to each sibling. There was a Santa Claus there and it was just so amazing to me the kindness offered by strangers as well as the genuine smiles and understanding given by fellow parents. And to see 10 to 15 different Angels with their beautiful smiles is always an inspiring thing. Evan was having so much fun just walking around and looking at everyone. It was fantastic.

Last but not least(for this moment in time), is The Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean. we have the video of the play and I finally pulled it out last night to watch. Its amazing how music and lyrics can be put together in such an amazing way. I felt so touched over multiple songs and am so grateful for the messages given there. It inspired me to pull out my collection of beautiful Christmas cards and hang them on our garland. I also pulled out our Fontanini nativity set(the least breakable set we own) and let the boys play with it. It turned in to a beautiful evening.

Reading

We try to read a book at bedtime around our house. Ryan gets to choose and either Daddy or Mommy will read it. In the last week, for the first time, Evan has shown interest in the books over multiple nights. He has sat and looked and even turned pages without tearing the book. It seems like a miracle. It makes me so happy. I've even shed a tear or two while watching my three boys sit together and look at a book together. It's amazing to see some of these changes that are so small yet so dramatic at the same time.

No Shave November

This is one months' worth of no shaving. Remember how he was clean shaven for Halloween?

Ten Christmases

Once upon a time, I shared a Thanksgiving with one of my roommates. It rocked.
That night we had a relaxing evening and Oliver came over after the family dinner he had gone to. We listened to the radio and the radio host announced: Tomorrow's Christmas!
We were so surprised and excited to know that Christmas had come so quickly. It became an inside joke. Although I don't think I would have remembered it except for what happened on "Christmas." Oliver granted me with our first kiss.
That was ten years ago.
Fast forward to a month ago where I was skimming through pinterest and found an idea of giving gifts to your spouse for the twelve days of Christmas. Clever, I thought, but I want to make it more meaningful. Thus began the surprises twelve days before our own "Christmas."
It was fun to offer little gifts to him to let him know how important and special he is, like making one dinner specifically for him (chile rellenos) or giving him a bottle of 7 hundred and 50 mL of sparkling grape juice. Some of them were a little odd like a serving of 3 Tbsps of hot chocolate or 4 on the floor(a little drive somewhere). He was supposed to get chapstick so his 2 lips weren't chappy, but I couldn't find the brand I was looking for. He got 6 socks and 8 mini pies. A DVD so he could watch the 9 Avengers. He was shocked on the first one and asked a few days in: So are you doing this until Christmas? Two of them were more intimate than actual gifts like a 5 minute kiss and a 10 minute massage.
On Thanksgiving I gave him 11 reasons why I'm thankful for him and then proceeded to give him slips of paper throughout the day that contained one reason each.
On "Christmas" morning, I rolled over, kissed him, and made him read his last one that reminded him of our special memory and to let him know that kissing him for the last 10 years has made me extremely happy.
And this record of it is to remind us both that we have been in love for a long time and should keep sharing special moments together.
Maybe I'll do it again...in ten years.

Leaves

Recently

These things have happened this week.

Don't worry, that's Tropical Punch Kool-Aid and hot chocolate mix. All over the chair...and floor...and Evan.

Sunday afternoon we went on an adventure to Timpie Springs Waterfowl Management Area.

On Tuesday we drove to Utah County. I just thought it was funny that these two teachers were kind of attached to this kids computer game at the Dinosaur Museum.

Ryan was very committed to playing on this side of the water and sand area.

Natalie and Rachel trying to build sand castles.

Natalie and Rachel being overrun by the hurricane monster. (Evan had so much fun-we bought him a shirt at the gift shop because the one he was wearing was soaked).

Ollie in front of a triceratops.

The reason for heading to Utah County-Mitchell was driving through (with cousin Rachel and friend) from California to Illinois. Ryan was thrilled.

The photo that resulted after they both zerberted my cheeks while trying to get a nice sibling shot. Punk kids. 

Happy Hansenoween

Also, I couldn't resist making this

Have a Happy Halloween & Feliz dia de los muertos!

Time for little things

I've taken seriously the role of providing meals to our family. I'm not perfect yet in any way, but we have food on the table at dinner time and I usually know what its going to be before Oliver gets home from work. Instead of what we'd fall back on in Provo-"what do you want for dinner?" "I don't know." "Let's go to the cafeteria." I've been enjoying making dinner for the most part and have a lot of days where I've been impressed by our meal. Like the lemon chicken mashed potatoes and corn on the cob the other night-sure Evan & Ryan ate chicken nuggets, but we're getting there. Or homemade pizza crust. Or the yummy pasta I made with homemade alfredo sauce. Not extremely healthy, but its feeding us and like I said, we're getting there.

I finally created a wreath for our door. I've always wanted to have such festive things. Ryan and I had a little craft morning while Evan was at school. And we watched Halloween shows on youtube. 

I should have thought about the fact that our front door is white...

Another Year Older

Evan's birthday came and was a wonderful day. The night before I hung green streamers from his bedroom door. He wasn't overly impressed by them,  but when Ryan woke up we had this short conversation:
Ryan-what are those green things?
Mom-IT'S EVAN'S BIRTHDAY!
Ryan-Oh, they're for Evan's birthday? That's a good idea!

I made him this shirt.

A story shared with me by his para(aide) at school when I picked him up:
Evan broke free as we were walking through the halls and ran straight into a 5th grade classroom. I ran in after him and the teacher said: "Look what his shirt says!" So as his aide held his hand, he looked around and smiled as the whole class sang Happy Birthday to him.
At home, we played and relaxed. Beth came down from Logan to spend time with us.

Daddy came home with 6 balloons for him.
5 of them popped within a few hours.
We made pizzas for dinner. Had chocolate zucchini cake and vanilla ice cream and then opened presents. New shoes, new shirts, a toy that he seems to really enjoy, a vibrating toothbrush, and some popups that he thought were hilarious!

Six years ago as we left the house to go to the hospital, it started to snow. This year it decided to snow too. Neither days did the snow stick around for awhile, but it was a nice memory for us.

Evan has been doing really well. He's growing and learning and still a joy to be around. I love that he is so loving and such a people person. He has a concept of things that are "his". He has claimed a very specific pillow and blanket. It is rather endearing.

He was snuggling the blanket right before I took this on our road trip last weekend. 

 We love him very much. We're so thankful for the chance to celebrate him and his life.

Una Vacacion Grande

As the school district's fall break started getting closer, Oliver really wanted to do something or go somewhere. For the last few years, the Grand Canyon has always been mentioned but never taken seriously. Even though Oliver's sister has usually been involved in the planning or thought process of visiting the Grand Canyon, we decided now was the time even though she couldn't come.

What a beautiful trip of sunshiny weather and exciting landscape. Oliver and I really enjoy taking the road less traveled. Or at least going on routes we've never taken before. We enjoy seeing new things, learning new things, and more than anything else, we LOVE to be together. And we got a lot of all of those things this weekend.

Wednesday afternoon after school was over, we started our road trip south toward Delta, UT. It was a route I hadn't taken before, but Oliver has traveled so much with different birding trips or mountain hiking that most of that route was familiar to him. It was a nice calm drive and I'm always happy about driving on less crowded roads. After a quick dinner in Delta, we continued down to Panguitch, UT. As we wound through the canyon to Panguitch after dark, you could see the Milky Way shining down. It was beautiful. The little motel we stayed at was nice, but the night didn't go so well as Evan woke up at 3am and wouldn't fall back asleep. Oliver finally took him for a drive.As he started driving, he didn't want to go the way we would be driving tomorrow, so he found his way to Panguitch Lakes and then to Brian Head-the Iron County highpoint. He said that it was so cold- but you can drive almost to the top and then he got out and ran the 100 yards or so to the marker. He went so early in the morning that the sun wasn't up yet and the moon had already set. I can only imagine how beautiful it was.

After he got back and we all got up for the day for real, we continued south on Route 89. We stopped in Glendale at a rest stop next to an orchard. Oliver was birdchasing and the boys were glad to run around for a little bit.

Our next stop was the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Definitely a fun place in my opinion. I think Ryan and I could have stayed and played for much longer than we did.

It was fun to travel south and to see the changing landscape. A short drive away from the sand dunes is Kanab, UT, where we stopped for a pizza buffet lunch. Then with three sleeping boys, I drove us across the border into Arizona and over the Glen Canyon Dam. We made it into Flagstaff, AZ, and picked a hotel to see if they had any openings(before leaving, we couldn't decide on a place so we just started driving and figured we'd get lucky). 

Friday, our only plan was to go to the Grand Canyon. So we did. I don't know what words to share. There's a pamphlet or maybe its on the national park website that says this is an awe-inspiring wonder of the world. And it is. Its like nothing you've ever seen before. Yes, the rocks and the formations are similar to some of the other parks in southern Utah, but it is vast. I am continually intrigued by the fact that this giant chasm can't be seen until you get right up next to it because it is surrounded by trees. Our first glimpse of it was at Mather Point which is just north of the main visitors center on the South Rim.

There was a woman painting the canyon as we went on our walk. I thought that was pretty cool. 

It was kind of as I expected-crowded, railings, awesome view. What I wasn't expecting was to walk along the Rim Trail and find multiple spots close to the edge with no railing at all. I loved it. I think there's something about not having that restriction to make it a little more real.

This is a picture taken as he was trying to pull away from me while standing on the edge of the canyon...he wants to give me a heart attack I just know it. :)

Proof that Evan was here too! And Safely strapped into the stroller next to the open edge.

We almost had to cut our Grand Canyon journey short due to a massive diaper blowout, but again, we got extremely lucky. I had to laugh at Ryan a little. We had been enjoying the scenery  and then had to return to the van to take care of Evan. Ryan found the "cramera" (Oliver's smart phone without the phone part) and then still had it as we headed back to the visitors center to decide where to go next. It was interesting to me that amid the many people we were surrounded by, Ryan was the only one with some sort of device to distract him. Sure there were cell phones and cameras out and about, but people were engaged in either their company or the surroundings. Ryan actually stood out a bit with his little game device. Oliver decided that we should go to the east end of the canyon to see the sunset so we drove that way. We stopped at Lipan Point which I thought was just as amazing, if not more so, than looking at the more visited Mather Point.

We continued on to Desert View for the actual setting of the sun and then drove through the remote and dark roads back to our hotel. 

Saturday, we drove just north of Flagstaff to the Snowbowl. Oliver decided he wanted to hike the Arizona State highpoint. The trail starts at this ski resort. We all got out and hiked together for the first half mile before Evan, Ryan and I said good bye and good luck to Daddy and turned around to find something else to do for the afternoon.

He had walked most of the way and then got tired. He was SO happy when he finally got on Oliver's shoulders.

This was the only way we were going to make it back to the van.

Oliver's hike to Humphrey's Peak was pretty uneventful(hooray!) and when he reached the top it was cold and windy.

I decided to go back down to Flagstaff and walk around the "historic downtown" area. As we had driven through it earlier that day to get to the mountain, we witnessed the lovely effects of a regular college town enjoying "Tequila Sunrise". Luckily, by the time we were walking around, that wasn't happening anymore. We found the visitors center inside the Train Depot and I learned a little bit about Route 66. We found a train. I thoroughly enjoyed walking along the small but busy streets. We found a candy shop-okay, I saw it on the map and decided that out of all the shops and places that I could venture inside, this might be the only one worth doing so. Then we just started walking around. Well, I walked, the boys rode.

We found our way to the campus of Northern Arizona University. I kind of liked it. While on the campus, Daddy called to say that he'd made it to the top and would probably make it back down in 2 hours.

 So we wound our way back to the van and found a park to play at before we HAD to leave for the trailhead. It was a beautiful drive up the mountain as the sun was setting and it was fun to see the people up there just to watch it set.

We finally got our Daddy back from the mountain and then had to decide what to do next. We could find another hotel in Flagstaff and then have to drive 10+ hours home the next day, we could drive north a few hours until we found another hotel, we could just drive and see how far we could make it, or we could head west and crash at Oliver's grandma's house in Vegas. We called Grandma who was home and more than willing to let us stay with her. I'm so glad we opted for that. Not only were we able to have at least one free night of room and board(she fed us breakfast and an awesome lunch) but it was so nice to just spend time with her. Then on the road again with no more detours and we finally got home just after bedtime.

A crazy trip, but one that I loved.
Random facts: Kanab, UT, is almost directly south of Granstville, UT. Route 66 was never one actual road but was just the way to get from Chicago to California through a variety of already built roads. We want to go back and explore more. We'd love to explore more of the Grand Canyon itself-hike down into if possible or I think it'd be fun to go find the glass walkway or rent bikes and bike along the rim trails. Oliver would like to explore Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the Meteor Crater site near Winslow, Arizona. Evan loved having his family together for four days straight. He was so huggy and lovey on Sunday. I'm sure I could keep writing, but I don't think I should. Hooray for family adventures.