New Year's Eve

I have a really hard time making New Year's Resolutions.

I tend to make too many & too big of goals. Then I have to live with the shame of dumping the whole lot of them.

Every year for family night about this time of year we write down our individual goals, family goals, & update our list of 100 things we want to do in our lifetime- we made those lists years ago. I am so glad we did.

It's really fun to check off something on your 100 list. Especially watching the kids realize they have accomplished a life time goal. My husband is way into setting and achieving his goals. He's really good at it. He has set up a system on spreadsheet to track his goals & progress. Once in a while he makes a spreadsheet for me...

It's not that I'm lazy, or too busy-(my favorite excuse of the past), I just have little motivation for change I guess. I like me- I accept most of my faults- although I beat myself up regularly about not taking care of myself. I am not a perfectionist- the real problem I guess. I learned a long time ago that having six children (accept for the really big stuff)I needed to be flexible & not too picky about things, or I would just go crazy.

So I am thinking of what goals I really feel like tackling.

I would love some feedback.

Any thoughts?

Sunday Thoughts

Today we went to a sacrament meeting service where the missionary's good friend Jordan was speaking. Jordan is going on a mission for our church to New Hampshire. He leaves for the Missionary Training Center on January 9th. He will stay for 2 weeks then off he goes. (Brian is staying for 9 weeks because he is learning Spanish since he is going to Chile.) Whenever a young man, young woman or older couple gets close to their missionary departure date they usually speak in sacrament meeting services. Besides the sacredness of partaking in the sacrament (the most important thing,) it is a very special time for a missionary & his family- you can read about my missionary's "farewell speaking day" here if you missed it.

{Brian & Jordan graduation June 2007- Jordan= valedictorian}

There are two good things that immediately come to my mind when I think of Jordan leaving for the MTC. First- Brian will be so happy to see him there. Second- Brian is leaving for Chile one week after Jordan gets there, so time is flying.

It was great to go today. We saw many of the missionary's high school buddies whom I love & hearing Jordan speak of his testimony was inspirational. This is truly an amazing generation. I cannot help but reflect on my own testimony & the sacrifice it has been to send my son off on a mission to teach others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am absolutely sure I didn't have the courage or conviction to do such a thing at their age. Today I am back to feeling that it isn't a sacrifice after all but a privilege. (However I will make sure that if Jack goes on a mission he WILL NOT leave just before the holidays- that wasn't a very good idea for this mother.)

Tonight for our Sunday devotional we are writing Christmas thank you notes as a family.

* do you go to church?

* do you make your kids write thank you notes after Christmas or other times?

Day Of Discovery At The Discovery Children's Museum

Today I took Trent & Chloe to the children's museum while Brett took Jack & Hailey to the movies. Both at the Gateway in Salt Lake City. It really was so much fun. I am so glad we got the house clean & all the Christmas stuff put away so I can just relax.

Trent & Chloe showed me all around.The construction sight was a big hit with Trent. So was the robot exhibit.
Chloe found this lovely ball in the gift shop.

Before

After Chloe had a ball pretending to host a radio show. She's good.

And hullahooping.

But Trent's all time favorite was the TV news weather station. Notice the TV screen in the top right corner. He practiced giving the weather. Well, not really. He mainly looked at himself in the monitor & every now I then said- it's darn cold outside.

Trent decided after getting home from his cement truck driving job he will go in & do the evening weather report when he grows up.

Chloe took it all much more seriously- in a fun way.

Trent went shopping...

Then checked himself out at the cash register. I would've loved this when I was a kid.

Afterwards we went to the food court & had McDonald's. Then we met up the rest of the fam at the movie theatre. They thought the movie was awesome.

I am so glad we went. I've been trying to get out for a couple of days- it's been so busy.

What a fun day.

* what are you doing for your Christmas vacation?

* have you seen National Treasure or National Treasure II?

Game Night

Last night 3 of our favorite families came over to play.

We had loads of yummy food, the kids played hide & seek & watched Hairspray, while the adults played Apples to Apples. It was so much fun.

We (I) love Hairspray. So do these gals, don't you think? Brett & I saw it on Broadway 3 years ago. One of them got it for Christmas but hadn't watched it yet, she's hooked now!

The Johnson's came. We love the Johnson's. But after making the most delicious treats, Karen stayed home with a fever.

Brett is very proud & happy to say that he did this while he played. He has a real talent for getting babies to sleep. Which was especially tough when our kids were little, it was nap time, & he was at work. I tried to copy his techniques with little success.
Looks like Brett may have had too much fun by this picture. Or maybe a little too much soda?
I swear it was only soda people - really- we are not that kind of family!

* do you like to play games?
* can you magically get babies to sleep?
* have you ever played Apples to Apples?
* do you like Hairspray?

The Ultimate Great Gift Idea

Do yourself a favor...

write this down...

burn it into your memory...

trust me this advice is a keeper!

(trent asleep in his dishwasher box)

Next year for Christmas DON'T leave after the kids go to school and scout every store in town for the latest gaming system. DON'T wait in line with dozens of other suckers for the UPS man to maybe deliver hottest gift in town.

Just go down to your local appliance store & pick up one of these.

An Appliance Box

That is if you can talk them out of one. They are a hot item.

At least with 8 year olds.

Look Who Came To My House Today!

The -Not So Fussy Peanut!He came & didn't cry the whole time- yep that's right-

he's learning to accept his fate-

living outside the womb.

Between getting a little older & some new reflux meds he's finally starting to get better. He still has his moments but hey- there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

He brought his sister with him- (she got a new cell phone for Christmas.)He brought his two big brothers- who also got technology for Christmas.He didn't forget his other sister- who is one of Chloe's favorite friends.And he learned that his momma is a real rocker! Rock on mom!

Don't they look great?! I don't know why I didn't get a picture of his Daddy- he was here though.

For Christmas we gave them this picture framed

They brought us 4 of these... I love them. I can't wait to use them!

(Click on the photo to find out what they are)

One of my favorite places to eat serves these for dessert & they are our families all time favorite. I never thought of making them at home. It's a great gift.

This is Trent with his new favorite Christmas gift of the year.

Yep we got a dishwasher yesterday & this morning Brett came in from the garage & said- Trent we have one more present for you- a dishwasher box!!

He has played with it nearly ALL DAY.

This year 12 days before Christmas we picked a family in our neighborhood & did the 12 days of Christmas. It was great. (Someone did us last year.) Starting 12 days before Christmas we dropped off a piece of a nativity set with a scripture. The night before Christmas Eve we sent over a book and then on Christmas Eve the baby Jesus.

It was so much fun. Our kids loved it. We would set the piece on their porch (wrapped with the scripture) then ring the bell & run. We could hear them giggle & scream thank you into the darkness. This is a tradition we want to always continue.

It's Been A Guitar Hero Kind Of Day

We have never had a game system at our house before- wait- Brian & Jack saved up their money for a Nintendo 64 years ago then one night when Brett was out of town, I couldn't get Brian off of it & threw it across the room. It was a bad moment for me & it broke. If you didn't guess, I'm not a big fan of what I call mindless time waisters.Well, this Christmas I really wanted the kids to be surprised & I love the concept of the new Nintendo Wii. It's totally interactive. Instead of sitting in a chair with a controller in a daze you actually have to get up & "play" whatever game you have on. Such as, in golf you swing the controller to hit the ball... etc.

Even though none of the kids had ever asked for a Wii & Jack had never uttered the words Guitar Hero to me I just knew he would love it. Unfortunately I put in my request to Santa a little late & he had a tough time coming up with them both but he came through in the end. It was so worth going to many stores every morning & waiting for the UPS truck by the looks on their faces this morning & the fun we have had today.

Everyone is a Guitar Hero around here. Everyone but Chloe that is. She's the sweet one. She has gotten the chance maybe three times she says... oh the drawbacks of being in a large family.
Hailey & Megan both rock!!

Sorry I can't get the film to turn. It's so funny though. We've been laughing all day.

*do you have a wii?

* have you ever seen/played guitar hero?

Christmas 2007

My side of the family has a Christmas Eve tradition. We always have hoagies & floats for dinner. Wherever we are, even if we are not together we are eating hoagies & floats. My parents started it years ago. So to start off our Christmas Eve- of course we had hoagies & floats.

After eating - well we let Trent go early- the kids opened their traditional gift of pajamas from Grandma & Grandpa Messer. Trent was just a little excited.

The boys got Superman pj's even Brian. I sent him a package last Friday with a present that said on it- open Christmas Eve. Inside the box were a pair of Superman pj's that match Jacks. I put a note in that said even though you are not with your brothers this Christmas Eve you will all have on matching pajamas.

Trent was so excited. His pajamas came with a bright red cape. Trent says he's the REAL superman because he has the cape. It was so funny I would say - will the REAL superman stand up & Trent would stand up all serious & make Jack sit down. Then Trent would say will the second Superman stand up- then Jack had to stand up.

Traditional New Pajamas Photo

I couldn't sleep last night. Right before we got into bed at 11:45-ish Brett reminded me that today would be Tuesday & the missionary would be sending an email. Knowing he wasn't going to the temple today I was so worried he would get up & check his email. Finally at 4:00 AM I just got up and wrote. I didn't want him to wake up to no emails, he probably won't check it until this afternoon- but I just couldn't stand it just in case. I don't know if it was me being up or what, but just as I finished Trent woke up ready to GO.

Trent must have been really good this year!

Jack too!

Every year the kids make Brett & I a Christmas book. This year was seriously the best. Megan started it when she was little - I love it. I have books from the past 10-11 years they are darling & my very favorite gift every year.

More on Christmas to come.

Such as everyone's favorite Christmas memory & our new tradition- the 12 days of Christmas.

For journaling purposes I am writing this post.
Today Megan & Tony are here for a special Christmas dinner. We had ham & potatoes, carrots & green bean bake. For dessert we had this banana pudding- it's so easy to make & amazing.My sister Johnna made it for us last summer & we love it.
Afterward we played games & visited. It is so nice to have them here, but I am feeling lousy. I went to the instacare this morning right when it opened. They gave me a decongestant & a prescription for a sinus infection. It's working I can feel my sinuses lightening up already. I missed our primary Christmas sing a long & singing in the choir. I am so glad I got to stay home & rest though. My head felt like a big weight.
I can't believe I forgot to take pictures today @#$%*! but at least - with Megan's help- I got dinner done. Chloe cleaned up most of the house organized my office & the pantry! That girl is amazing. Jack & Hailey did the dishes (by hand- the dishwasher repair man comes tomorrow.) Tony is spending the night & we are up late watching movies.
Loads of people have been coming by with treats all day. It is so sweet! Best of all two of the missionaries- Brian's- best friends Laura & Whitney came by with cookies. Laura said Brian had written and said- go visit my mom for me. It was so sweet of them to come by. Brian has so many great friends. It was great to see them & get the chance to visit for a bit.
I feel blessed to be feeling better tonight that last night & happy to have my kids home.

Today has been a really hard day for me. Mostly because I am sick with a really bad cold, sore throat & running off my face nose.

We had to go to Provo because Megan's car wouldn't start so we drove by the MTC. There were missionaries walking outside & I don't know what I was thinking but I was at least curious. Of course we didn't see Brian & as we drove away Trent started to cry. We had brought his friend Lily with us & he said, "I wish Brian still lived at our house." My heart was breaking. I told him that Brian's friend Jordan was going into the MTC right after Christmas and that we could send a special package with Jordan to give to Brian from him. Lily asked, "who's Jordan?" Trent said, "Jordan is Brian's friend who has a swimming pool. Me & Jack & Brian used to go swimming there but now it's just me & Jack." Then he started to cry again.
I am glad Brian is on a mission I really am. It's just hard because we miss him & it's Christmas. Here is a quote from his last email

"the christmas spirit is different here. my district and i had a talk the otherday about how it doesnt feel like christmas. a sister in my district made thecomment that its because we feel that happy christmas spirit all the time here.i thought that was really cool! we are living the happy christmas season hereeveryday no matter the season. the reason for the season is christ and i guessshe is right because that is all we talk about. everything is related to him. mybranch president said in sacrament on sunday that christmas wouldn't be what itis without easter. i thought that was so cool and so true. without the atonementof our savior nothing would have the same significance that it has. i am sograteful for him and for his life. i know he lives and loves each of us so so somuch and wants us to live with him someday and because of that love he providedthe way for us to do so."

I am so happy he is doing well.

(I think his english teacher would just about croak reading this though.)

White Christmas

It's gonna be a white Christmas!
Happy Birthday Ruthie :)

Today I was driving out on a very snowy morning to take Hailey to school early for a test she missed while she was sick. I noticed my neighbor out shoveling her sidewalk. She had also shoveled all the way around the block where the guy behind her never shovels. (It's where all the kids have to walk on their way to school - just across the street.) I thought it was so kind of her ... I am going to surprise her with a Hot Carmel Apple Cider from Starbucks!

I went through the drive thru behind 3 other cars. When I got up to pay the worker at the window told me the lady 3 cars in front of me had paid for all the cars in line behind her! I just couldn't believe it. I asked if she had paid for the car behind me & she said no that car wasn't here then. So guess what? I paid for hers! What a way to start the morning.

Hey don't think my life is perfect. Next I went to the 6th grade party but couldn't find the stuff I had bought that I needed to take & had to go to the store & buy more @##%*!! Yesterday I stayed home & cleaned ALL day then went to bed early with a cold coming on & a headache. I woke up this morning & the whole house is dirty again....aaaaaaaaaargh!

And... my dishwasher broke last night.

I am so glad that lady paid for my cider, it made my day, & I really needed that.

Twelve Christmas Things About Me Hoopla- UPDATED

I've been tagged by Janae... so here goes!

1. Most of my family lives out of state.

I love sending packages & good mail- it's a good thing.

2. This could be horrifying for some of you... but Christmas isn't my favorite holiday.

Too much pressure for me to make magic happen. I think I have accomplished some magic but I guess I will never really know. I want everyone to get exactly what they want & more. (It's all in my mind, I know- but I can't help it)

3. When my kids were little I was prepared really early like right after Thanksgiving. That's gone now but it was good while it lasted. I have to admit in some crazy way I like the thrill of the hunt- if I can get it.

4. I love treats - all year, but Christmas treats- wow!

5. Christmas makes me feel overwhelmed & guilty for all my blessings. I hate that about myself.

6. For Christmas I want a toaster that's a toaster oven too. A red one, Hamilton Beach at target for $35.00. I'm pretty sure I will buy it for myself after Christmas if there is any money left. Brett doesn't read my blog & feels bad buying appliances for Christmas- I say... bring on the appliances I love them.

7. I cry when I think about my kids not being home for Christmas as they get older. I am so happy brian is the district leader for his district at the MTC. Not because I think it's cool he's the district leader- because now I know for sure he really is doing great- which means he will be okay on Christmas. I will still really really miss him. Oh no... here come the tears again. Can you believe I almost never cried before this?

8. Christmas morning makes being the parents of six kids soooooo much fun.

9. One year when Megan & the missionary were really little & brett was still in college, we didn't have a lot of money. I stressed about getting just the right Christmas presents. On Christmas morning they opened their stockings they were so happy, they could care less about the gifts under the tree. They played all day with the boxes the candy came in from their stockings.

I learned a lot that Christmas- about Christmas & about kids.

10. I love singing in the choir at church at Christmas time. It's so fun to actually sing Christmas music not just listen to it- which I love too.

11. I love the Christmas program the Sunday before Christmas at church. Mostly music & the Christmas story. It's always beautiful.

12. Temple Square at Christmas. One of the biggest benefits of living in Utah is the beauty & reverence of Temple Square at Christmas time. We always wait for a "warm" night to go. It is stunning & all of the nativities from around the world are beautiful to see. I love how they play out he Christmas story by the tabernacle. It's amazing.