New Glasses

McKenna got new glasses (mostly for reading, but she loves wearing them... so far.) The color is turtle-mint. How cute is she?!

52 Dates Tribute

We've been challenged many times before to have weekly dates as spouses for as long as I can remember. Last year we made a resolution to have a monthly date and that seemed pretty do-able. However, about half way through the year it fizzled to an every now and again commitment.

Well, this being something important to both of us (not only because we are SUPPOSED to do it but because we actually ENJOY being together as a couple) we thought we'd try again this year.

One day I stumbled across an awesome idea on a blog. http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/12/project-52-date-nights/

52 dates project. It sounded simple, do-able, and fun. It has a print out pledge you and your spouse can sign with rules that apply. (Again, simple. No kids, no frumpy clothes, etc.) One thing I love about it is it gave us a place to start. It is also things you can do at home - appetizer night, game night. There is plenty of flexibility for those of us that are last minute planners, like I said it just gave us a place to start.

We're going to take the challenge and I'll try to remember to post fun things we've come up with once a month or so. So, like she asks on her blog... are you in?

How to eat a "bapple"

You can hold it with two hands ...

or no hands ...

or use the table ...

Make sure it knows who is boss!

And always love your food!

Fun Week

Dee had gotten both McKenna and I tickets to "Wicked" the Broadway. Now if you haven't seen Wicked but have the opportunity, GO SEE WICKED! It is an amazing story with amazing acting and everything that goes with a great show. We went with my best friend and her daughter, none of which had ever seen a Broadway. Fantastic time! We took the BART (top picture) and the girls loved the adventure.

The day after we got back Dee and I went to see Brian Regan the comedian and laughed for 2 1/2 hours straight. My abs and cheeks hurt the next morning it was so fantastic.

Tyler's teacher the next day asked him if he had watched the game with his dad. Ty said, "No they went to Brian Regan." His teacher didn't know who he was and asked if he was a friend. Ty laughed and said, "No - you know, Brian Regan the Canadian?" He was laughing so hard while telling me and kept saying, "She was so confused! I guess she doesn't know who he is." Did I mention my cheeks hurt?!

Christmas loot

Christmas Eve jammies... These still make me laugh when they wear them. I wish they had them in the big kid sizes too but I'm kind of glad they aren't in my size. I would have probably bought them in a moment of weakness. Cute on kids, frightening on mom's.

All Ellie kept asking for was "Princess crafts" which for a while I thought was "Princess Crap". Glad we got that one worked out before Santa came...

Ty got a red rider BB Gun from Santa. Still has both eyes I'm glad to report.

McKenna got an MP3 player and a ticket to Wicked next week. Yes!

Carter was funny this year. He didn't know what was happening but he figured out the ripping the paper part pretty quick. Love his hair in this picture!

Getting Ready ...

To say this Christmas season has come with nothing but delight and joy would be untrue. Those of you who know me know I LOVE Christmas. I love pretty much everything about it. However, this year was precluded with those I love deeply hurting or stressed or in situations I want to change but unfortunately have no control over. It has affected me more than I expected with moments of extreme sadness or most frustrating for me helplessness. I'm a fixer.

With that in mind it has taken extra effort this year to jump whole-heartidly into the Christmas spirit. Instead of the entire time being wonderful in general, I have really tried to focus on the moments. You know the moments. The ones where you realize people are being kinder to each other. Where you realize, again, the man you married is the one. The ones you realize you're healthy and your kids are healthy and warm with full bellies. The ones where you know the present you got for someone is PERFECT and it will make them happy. The ones where you have time to ponder the star over Christ's manger and you realize that you, too are in orbit for a purpose even if it isn't always obvious what it is.

I still can't listen to "I'll be home for Christmas" without getting emotional, but I've realized that sometimes the moments are what make the seasons possible. I hope you are able to find the hope in the moments. I hope Christmas is filled with magic and possibilities and love!

At the Christmas parade. You know you're in a small town when your daughter helps decorate the fire truck AND you know at least 10 people in the parade.

Decorating the tree includes putting the star on top...

and looking for presents underneath. There are no decorations on the bottom 1/3 of the tree - I'll bet you can guess why!

Santa at the Ward Christmas dinner. You can tell by her face how excited she was to see him!
The kids in their Christmas outfits for church. They're not really happy since this is probably the 20th picture I took. Let's just say Carter is super fast and does not like his picture taken.
This is my favorite picture of the season. Truly sums up the wonder of Christmas for all ages.

Merry Christmas!

Thankful times

There are many things I am thankful for but being with family is top of my list. Not to mention good food. And a snow day. Or not catching H1N1 while we were there. Or having Dad's 60th birthday party. But mostly being with family. Did I mention pie?

I only had my camera out two days so here is a brief glimpse of our awesome Thanksgiving holiday. We got to see Greg after his mission of two years (believe it or not he's even better than he was before. Watch out girls.) The Powell's were together for the first time in a LONG time (2 Christmas' ago?) and for the last time in at least a year. It went by fast but it was fabulous!

Again, there are many things I am thankful for...