Open Again

I made the blog private for a few weeks because I was trying to figure out how and where to write other stuff that mattered to me that I didn't want so public. I've got it all worked out... My own private journal on my computer and my blog here to share pictures and stories and whatever else I feel like for the few friends who are interested in looking. Sometimes I get a little distracted knowing that other people read this, but know that in the end it is for me and my family.

Here's to keeping record in 2012!

Cabin Fever

We've been inside for the past few weeks. A few reasons, really. Mostly I'm working on dejunking the house. This takes lots of time, especially when I have cute little helpers. The kitchen alone has taken two weeks. Also, I find that I spend less money when I'm at home and not out on the town.

I was laughing so hard tonight we couldn't even finish prayers. Gavin said, "Thank you that men will be punished for their own sins." Followed by "Help that we will have transgression." Oh my. Articles of Faith gone bad.

Scriptures

Church today was awesome. I'm getting a new plan for scripture reading, which is one of my major renovations of myself for 2012. I really want it to be a habit. I learned more about the first five chapters of 1 Nephi in 40 minutes than I have in my life. That's what I need - people to talk about it with me and show me different perspectives and connect it to my life. I'm going to start a scripture journal and spend time doing that every day. Studying the scriptures is not a new concept, but I think I have found a way that speaks to me. Check out the scripture study tips on www.redheadedhostess.com for some awesome ideas.

Another new plan is telling Gavin scripture stories at night instead of made up ones. I heard that last week in Sunday School and it stood out to me. "The world can teach him the fairytales. I will teach him the scriptures." He fell asleep on our bed because he was so tired from a long church day with no nap. He jumped up and wanted to grab "his book" (the picture Book of Mormon) so I could tell him a story. I love that he is interested and already invested. Reading it to him in his language is helping me out too. Why didn't I buy the three-year-old version years ago? :) I feel embarrassed to admit how not smart I am at the scriptures...but it's time to stop hiding. I want to know the stories. I want to know the people. I want to find connections with my life. This year, I will find something from the scriptures to add to my life. I will find something in the scriptures that I learn I need to subtract from my life. I will find something that I can multiply and learn more about as well as divide and share with others.

Jump on it

Our final hurrah before Brian had to go back to work. The boys loved it. They got bounced. They were sweaty. I wet my pants a little - but that's nothing new.

It did not take long to realize that Brian and I are much too old for this kind of thing. Trying to relive my back-flipping glory days were hard on the back. But so worth it. Totally going back!

Landmarks

Look who can write his name!
And build tracks (with Dad's help)
And take pictures
That's one big boy.

Thoughts on a New Year

I love fresh starts. Sundays are good that way. So are Mondays. The beginning of a new school year. New Year's is no different. I crave new beginnings. That's probably because I screw up so much and need to start over again and again. A new plan. A new list. It's how I operate, really.

This year I look forward to developing myself in new ways. I'm not sure I totally found the balance I was looking for in 2011, but I was certainly more aware. I have a feeling I'll be trying to figure out that balance my entire life, since I feel like so many things are pulling at me in so many directions. And since I'm a slow learner. Does anyone ever get it all right?

As far as goals or resolutions, my main one is to make time for myself spiritually. Am I the only one that has a hard time with that? Sometimes I feel like it. It really bothers me that I find 800 other things to take up my time that don't really matter. I know that it will help me find more of the balance, calmness, and happiness that I am always looking for.

January cleaning is in full force and the kids and I haven't left the house for days. Brian comes home from work and we are all still in pajamas with teeth unbrushed. Yikes. It is, however, better on the budget (to not be out spending money we don't have) and I love getting things in order once again.

Bring on 2012.

Christmas

This was the first time in years I struggled to sleep on Christmas. I was so excited! Gavin and McKay are at such good ages and I knew they would have a great time. They slept well and McKay woke up first. I popped my head into Gavin's room and he was on his tummy looking at the wall and when he heard me, he whipped his head around and asked, "Is Santa here?"

This year was especially wonderful to have just us in our home. It was simple and the boys just did their thing. We could open each present and look at it and play with it and then move on when they were ready. I love, love, loved it. It really was perfection.

The first signs of Christmas.
Santa came through with the one thing Gavin asked for: a Batman toy.
McKay just ate the treats all morning.

They helped each other open gifts. This is great, since everything was pretty much for everyone anyway...
A firetruck from Grandma & Grandpa Woolf.
Santa was super cool and brought a super hero to ALL of us. Gavin got Batman, McKay got Robin (fitting), I got Catwoman, and Brian got Superman.
Breakfast was a bust, but it's not that I didn't try. I attempted a breakfast casserole that was pretty much gross. Brian humored me, but the kids weren't falling for it. The cinnamon rolls were the one redeeming part and we threw in some omlets for good measure. Even after my extensive planning, I can see we will have to revisit this area next year.

After breakfast we were sitting around and Gavin wondered, "Can I start at the beginning?" "At the beginning of what?" I asked. "The part where Santa comes to my house." So, so sweet. He was so appreciative and happy. He seriously would have been just as happy with one present as he was with them all. It was the best. day.

Perhaps one of our favorite parts of the vacation happened after Christmas. We went to church at 11:30, had some lunch, put McKay down and packed the car. We headed to St. George and stayed there for three days. Just us. Although I don't have one picture to show for our time there, it was relaxing and so nice to have a change of scenery. We took new toys and games with us, went to the park, swam, watched new movies, and truly enjoyed one another's company.

The jury is still out on whether or not we will do Christmas elsewhere come next year, but we can figure that out later. For now, we will pack up the tree and be glad that it was low key, low stress and all sorts of good. Just how Christmas should be.

Now to get Brian home with me all the time and still be able to pay the bills...