2010 Review

2010 has been awfully good to us in the House of J. Even though I suspect only the grandmas will watch this all the way through, our year was worth documenting. Thanks for being a part of it.

And 2011? Bring it. We're ready.

On Why Santa Rocks

Four years ago my husband pulled the greatest surprise ever with my Christmas gift.

And ever since then, he has joked that he never has to buy me anything again because that one gift covers every birthday, every Mother's day, every Valentine's day, etc, for the rest of my life.

He is pretty much right.

But he still finds ways to spoil and surprise me at every turn.

This year, as the kids started divvying up the presents, I found a stack of five large boxes in front of me, each of them numbered.

The first one contained...wait for it. HANGERS. (Insert inside joke here) Not just any hangers either, mind you, but the ones with the smooth sides so when you tug your shirt off it doesn't get stuck in the don't-slide-off-the-hanger divet. Very important to The Rizz.

My next present? A new toilet paper fixture for our bathroom. I know, swoon central, right? The one in our bathroom makes him batty because it's rattles around so when I visit the ladies room at 5:20 each morning, it wakes him up.

(Sidenote: are you seeing a trend here? How my first two presents were really for him? Stinker.)

Present #3: A double boiler. I've been asking for one for quite some time and my sweet husband, not knowing a thing about them, promptly searched the internets and bought the top rated one as quick as he could. The top rated CAMPING double boiler, as the case may be. I am now the proud owner of a very small, dark blue enamel double boiler. It's the thought, right?

The fourth big box contained a beautiful decorative pillow that I happened upon last week at Target. The colors are perfect for our bedroom and I was tickled that something I mentioned in passing found it's way under the tree.

We were having a good laugh throughout all of this because while it was sort of in jest and sort of not, these lovely items were all things that we have talked about and that he was thoughtful enough to remember. But I knew he had something up his sleeve.

The fifth box found it's way to my lap and ended up being the last present opened on our Christmas morning. The box was lighter than air and I was sure there was nothing in it, but I dug in anyway. The box was filled with tissue paper and there was a single sheet of paper inside. With a picture of us smack dab in the middle of it. And the New York City skyline behind us.

EEEEEEEEK!

Yep, we are headed to New York City for Spring Break AND my 36th birthday and I couldn't be more excited. We've been talking about it for months as Brad's little sister lives there but, just like with the house, we decided against it for now and put it on the back burner. But my husband, that sweet, sweet man who knows me so well, went ahead and bought our tickets, arranged for the care of our kids and knocked my socks off once again. I've been daydreaming about it ever since. It's going to be fantastic.

To top it all off, our fellow travel partners in crime, who also have family in the big city, will be heading out with us, making it all that much better. They'll be staying in Manhattan at his brother's; we'll be staying in Harlem with Brad's sister. And the entire city will be ours for the taking.

Thanks Bug. I don't know how you always manage to do it, but you continue to make my dreams come true. I can't wait to see it all with you.

Merry Christmas!

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Grandma coming. Making fudge. Santa Tracker.

Wrapping a few last things. The Wizard of Oz.

Christmas Eve naps.

Watching the Nativity. Breath of Heaven.

Celery for the reindeer.

It's a Wonderful Life. Children waking at 4:45 am.

Two last minute purchases that were the biggest hit of the day.

Santa being so good to us. Surprised kids. Kinect. Rip-Sticks.

Easy Bake Oven. Digital Camera. Everything Buzz/Woody.

Cinnamon Rolls and Hot Chocolate. Ham and Swarties Potatoes. Good friends.

Great family. Blessings everywhere.

No Ba-Humbugging Here

As we sat down for dinner last night, I looked at my kids and said "ok guys, why are people coming over tonight?"

There may have been some eye rolling, as I've pretty much drilled this into their heads, but they said "we're collecting things we don't need anymore to give to people who do need them."

Righty-o.

I don't know why I get so crazy about this, but it's incredibly important to me that my kids understand how important it is to serve those around them. Their schools, their communities, their neighbors. And not just their church service; in our faith, we are asked to actively take part in tending the flock, so to speak, and I have yet to know someone who has turned down a request for service. And I LOVE that about church, but I also know that it's an incredibly small slice of the pie. I want my kids to know that you have to go beyond yourself and do whatever you can to help those around you. It's why I was PTO president. It's why I captain a Relay For Life Team. It's why I do things like this during the busiest time of year. No matter what your station is in life, there is always someone who can benefit from your generosity.

We started opening the door at 6:45 and had a steady stream of friends up until 8:15. I'm happy to report that we had our biggest turn out yet and I'm already excited to see what we can do next year. There's just something about seeing your friends take time out of their busy days, weeks, months, to gather their family up and come knocking on your door with their arms full of things to offer. It makes me glow inside, makes me smile with my whole face and my eyes well up to see those I love support me and help me teach my children. The feeling, the real feeling of Christmas was palpable and I am so thankful.

And I know my kids are getting it, which is the best present I'll be getting this Christmas. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we made the effort to take care of one another?

(The offerings of nine generous families)

It's left me feeling very merry indeed. Thanks everyone!

Give Big Or Go Home (Not Really, But Kinda)

In case you need a reminder....

Third Annual Christmas Give-Back

TONIGHT!

6:30-8:30

(open house style)

Our House

Treats Provided!

Please bring either canned food, gently used clothing, or a donation for The American Cancer Society (or all of the above!) What better way to teach your kids that it's better to GIVE this Holiday season than RECEIVE. See you here!

+

+

+

(All dressed up for the Nutcracker Friday Night with them)

My Perfect Wednesday

For the boy who offered his jacket to his little sister the other day when she found herself out in the cold without one.

For the boy who helps me through each morning by helping the other kids with their breakfasts, by putting their shoes on, packing their lunches, etc.

For the boy who hovers around his baby brother, getting him anything he might need and playing with him earnestly.

For the boy whose kind smile instantly calms me down.

For the boy who lights up this house and never has to be asked twice.

For the boy who always stands up for the underdog.

For the boy who broke me into mothering as gently as possible by being the best kid around.

An impromptu date with Mama.

His pick? Lunch at the Olive Garden.

Three breadsticks, dipped in Alfredo sauce. One-half of a portion of Fettucine Alfredo. Four Zeppoli's dipped in chocolate. Two refills of Sprite.

I think my boy is growing.

The food was great, the conversation fantastic, and the company the best around.

I love you Spence.

Full Steam Ahead

Where in the world did today go? Or last weekend for that matter? Life is busy as always here at the House of J and I can't seem to keep up as well as I'd like.

Oh well. I'm over it.

Our weekend was jam packed with girls in costumes and auditoriums and we loved every minute of it. We spent the first part of Saturday evening watching Hannah as she performed in her TaVaci Program. Yeah, if you have a son or daughter who shows ANY interest in music/public speaking/dance/drama etc, get them enrolled for the winter semester ASAP. Classes are extremely reasonable and worth every penny. The growth in Hannah, in her self-confidence, in her posture, in her self-esteem is tangible and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. It was a wonderful show put on by a very pregnant TaVaci director, Katee and her amazing assistant Christy. I was so impressed with everything they've been teaching these sweet kids. Hannah BEAMED as she took the stage and loved every second of it.

We did too.

After Hannah finished up, we raced over for Sienna's ballet recital. She was a bit nervous to be up in front of all those people, but loved getting to dance on "the real Nutcracker stage." She looks every part ballerina and I was tickled watching her. Brings back a lot of great memories for me.

Other noteworthy things? My uuber talented friend Jenn has FINALLY opened up her own little shop and is selling her sweet little creations. I'm thinking every stocking needs one of these popping out of it. They look fantastic pinned on a shirt, tied in a scarf of pulled back in your hair.

And did you see the burlap wreath? Seriously. Adorable.

Also! Next Monday, the 13th, will be our Third Annual Christmas-Give-Back-FHE-Extravaganza! (maybe I should think of a shorter name...) Two years ago, my little family and her gorgeous family came together and donated blankets we weren't using anymore to a local shelter in need. Last year, her family came again, along with a few others (yay!) and we collected canned food to donate. This year, I'm hoping to fill my house to the brim with do-gooders. Want to join us? You can give one of three ways: 1) bring us gently used winter clothing. It's freezing here and we need to keep people safely warm, if nothing else. 2) Bring us some non-perishable food. Food bank donations are DOWN and I know we can help. Last year we donated 12 shopping bags FULL of food! And finally 3) bring us a donation for my Relay for Life Team. I know, I know, it's the holidays and money is tight, but this year's relay theme is Seasons of Hope and I know so many holiday seasons could be a lot brighter without cancer looming over head. I will have treats as always and I promise you, you'll be glad you came. It's a great chance to see old friends and new and fill up on holiday spirit.

Third Annual Christmas Give Back

Monday, December 13th

6:30-8:30 pm

J House

Hope you're surviving the busyness of this holiday time. It may be chaos, but I'm loving it.

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

Last Saturday was a special day in our little neck of the woods. Our Miss Hannah was baptized and we celebrated with family and friends. The entire group from Boise (minus Grandpa Paul who was busy working) were able to be here despite the horrid road conditions and our dear friends that live here locally all braved the weather to come and celebrate Hannah and her choice to be baptized. It was an emotional day for me as I watched my little girl take an important step in her spiritual journey.

I loved seeing her face.

I loved seeing the faces of those who love her.

I loved the beautiful song her Aunt Jen and cousin Rachael sang to her, accompanied by her grandma.

I loved the tight hug she gave her dad as she came out of the water.

I loved the sweet prayer offered up by her cousin Nathan.

But my favorite part? The part that I keep remembering and holding onto? The feeling. That palpable feeling of a higher being, that, regardless of your religious preferences, couldn't be denied. I loved knowing that our Heavenly Father was there, that He was proud of Hannah and that He made his presence known. It was tangible and true and I will remember it always.

Everyone returned to our house after the program and feasted as we always tend to do. While everyone finished their meal, I showed a video I had made to commemorate the special day. I had made one for Spencer's baptism and Hannah has been not-so-patiently waiting for hers ever since.

I think it captures her perfectly.

Congratulations Hannah. We are so proud of you.

Free Sounds Good To Me

I've been mulling around the Christmas card thing for quite awhile now. Last year's brilliant idea COULD.NOT. come to fruition no matter how hard I tried and it nearly drove me batty. I had already decided to take an easier route this year and have been browsing some sites for inspiration.

Enter Shutterfly.

Have you seen their stuff? It's so fantastic and right now, Shutterfly is offering 50 free cards to mommy bloggers like us just for writing up a brief post about their stuff. Normally, this wouldn't be my cup of tea but these cards are adorable, their site is incredibly easy to use and the relief I feel in handing this project over to someone else is dreamy.

Go check out their stuff and see what you'd like to create with this year. I'm loving this, this and this.

Want to find out what I chose? Email me your address so I can drop some holiday cheer in the mailbox for you. lfestgirl1@hotmail.com.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

How doody, December 1st!

I'd like to say you sneaked up on me like usual but I've actually been waiting for you for some time now. My tree is up, my halls are decked and I'm soaking up every ounce of Christmas cheer I can muster. Sure, the Mister of the house is already tired of the Christmas music that's been playing on continuous loop for a week now, but I am loving this time of year, the magic in the air and the anticipation that fuels each and every one of us in this house of ours.

And I was going to write today about Hannah's baptism over the weekend, which was beautiful and will be reported on in full tomorrow, but something lovely happened at Costco today. And it's kicked off my December in just the right way.

After gathering all of my goodies and with my Austin and Sienna in tow, I made my way to the loooooooooooog food line for a piece of cheese pizza for the kids and a diet Pepsi for me. Both kids were being remarkably well behaved which is a bit of a feat for Austin these last few months and when we finally made our way up to order, the smiley cashier told me to put my money away because the person ahead of me had paid for our meal.

I know, right?

I'm a little bit embarrassed to say but not really that tears sprung to my eyes at this wonderfully sweet gesture. I gathered our food, made our way to a table and sought out this kind and unassuming woman. She was sitting at a table with her husband and grown sons and I thanked her for her kind deed. She responded with a heartfelt "you're welcome," touching my hand as I placed it on her shoulder. She wished me a happy holiday and returned to her meal.

I returned to our table with the warmest feeling of good will towards men and found myself thinking of things I could do that would brighten someone else's day like she had brightened mine. And isn't that what the holidays, what the beautiful and magical and spiritual month of December is all about?

I'm on a mission now, a mission brought about by a sweet mother in Costco in a beautiful purple shirt who reminded me of what matters this holiday season. To serve others. To look for ways to bring cheer to someone else. To take hold of the magic of the season and share all that I've been blessed with. To teach my children that little things, when done with love and happiness, can make the biggest difference.

A chocolate-faced Austin and me

Welcome December. I'm so glad you're here.