Christmas Break & Stuff

So to keep up with my awesome mom title so graciously given by my incredible son I decided to fill up our Christmas break with things to do everyday. But before I embark on that long winded and exhausting blog I thought I would catch up on the things we have done already and I have neglected to blog about. A little glitch in my awesomeness. We love being in Utah for many reasons but one being that there is so much for families to do here (hmmm, wonder why). We haven't experienced Temple Square during Christmas in a long time and we couldn't wait to get there and see the lights. Let's just say it was absolutely beautiful but FREEZING!!! What a great place to go and learn of Christ during the holiday season. It was a great way to start the season off and although we walked away with mild frost bite I am glad we went!

As school was letting out we were greatly entertained with an array of song and dance by our children and their friends... First, we got to listen to Carson sing his heart out and wear an adorable bow tie! Love it! And especially love the girl sitting next to him, she is the epitome of the Christmas Spirit . I hope that I am never on the receiving end of a glare like that, Oh wait, I think I am!

Then we got to watch Rylie dance, hear Rylie sing, and catch her defensive moves during her preschool Christmas performance.

As the performances came to a close the Christmas break came to a beginning. And so far, what a fun break it has been...details to come as soon as I can locate the techie hubby and upload the photos from his phone. Love this season and love having the kids home with nothing pressing on the agenda. Fun times to be had by all. We are grateful for the fun we can provide our children but also that we are healthy enough to have it. We are richly blessed in countless ways.

Thanksgiving

I can't even remember the last time I was home for Thanksgiving. Although I miss my home in Virginia everyday, there is nothing in this world that can compete with being around family during the holidays. This year we were able to bring some of our own family traditions we have acquired over the years of doing Thanksgiving on our own and combine them with extended family traditions. Harvey deep fried the turkey, something we learned how to do with our Southern friends the Manning's...

Mom cooked her little heart out all day in the kitchen.

And afterwards, we were able to play with cousins and Papa, and snuggle with Grandma. Play board games, do some midnight black Friday shopping, and do some pretty fantastic acrobatics with Harv. The best thing of all, is we got to have it at the family cabin.

Not a baby anymore...

We are officially out of the baby zone in this house. Although I am ready for the next phase of life, I am finding it hard to let go. Emma unfortunately will always be my baby no matter how big she gets but she is resisting. She wants to be big and has started to prove it.

We went to a 3-D movie, "Puss in Boots" and it was cute. She, for the very first time, sat through it and wore her glasses for about 50% of it, well more like 25%.

She is also becoming quite the little rascal. No longer is she that sweet baby that coos and smiles all day. She no longer sits around contently watching her siblings,... wait, let's get real. I have never had a baby that contently sits around and watches. She cried a lot, fussed a lot, but now she can at least voice why. She loves the bathroom where she can get into prescription pills, hair gels, suck on toothpaste and nearly commit some fatal mishap. But most of all she loves mommy's makeup. I had no idea she could twist off lids until she came out of the bathroom looking like this: (Waterproof mind you)

She can now tell me when she's "pooped." She can play along with her siblings, imagination and all. She loves to dress up in tutus and high heels. And as I find myself mourning the baby years, I do look forward with excitement for the approaching toddler years. I love the toddler years because they experiment, investigate and discover the world around them but they still take the time for the snuggles, the kisses and the loves. As the day comes to an end they too long for the baby years and take a few steps back in time for only a moment to be a "baby"once again. To rock in the chair, read a book, sing the lullaby's and snuggle with mommy.

Emma will always be my baby no matter how big she gets. And my how I love this baby!

Day 27,28,29 30

Hey, I have been getting better at being consistent just not in my blog, but that doesn't mean I am not thinking of my gratitudes as I go throughout my day. In fact, I find that I am thinking of my gratitudes as often as I am thinking of quotes for my facebook status! Isn't it silly how often something happens and I think in "facebook." Immediately a phrase comes to my mind "Lindsay is..." It is a self confession I hate to admit and I actually post those quotes that run through my mind about as often as I blog but they still run through my mind and thankfully now so does my gratitude list.

So for Day 27: I am grateful that we can provide our children with a decent Christmas. My kids have never really wanted for anything, well other than a horse, a four wheeler, a boat, and a water slide for the awesome pool in the backyard that we dont have. But other than that they have everything they NEED and it is a great thing to be able to provide 5 children with that. So I guess another shout out to the hubby for being an awesome provider. I'm so grateful he works diligently and hard to be successful in his career and provide for the NEEDS of our family.

Day 28: I am grateful for my parents. It can't be easy in any way whatsoever to relinquish your home over to a family of 7. Their quiet solitude as been ambushed by screaming, fighting children and I am so grateful for their unselfishness. They are awesomely patient and I hope my promises of and end in sight and the hugs and laughter of their grandkids keep them happy during the chaotic mayhem.

Day 29: I am grateful for online shopping. I HATE shopping more than anything during this holiday season. I can't stand the crowds, the attitude of the consumers, and the commercialized christmas scene that lay before me each and every time I go out the door. Don't get me wrong I LOVE christmas but I HATE what it does to people who forget what it is truly all about. And I feel when I go out shopping is when it is most evident. So I will sit at my computer and search for the best deals, the free shipping, I don't have to make any rash decisions, I don't have to feel the pressure of a good buy and then I anxiously get to wait for that fun little brown package to end up at my door. It is like receiving a present everyday. There is much fun to be had in that!

Day 30: I am grateful for the month of November. Not only does it host the birthday of my first born...but it provides us with a chance to reconnect with family. November opens up the window of gratitude as we contemplate the things that truly matter most. Thanksgiving is a holiday that is unique to Americans. It is our special holiday and what an amazing holiday it is. A day to be thankful, oh and a day to stuff our faces full of fattening but delicious food and not feel guilty about it!

Day 24, 25, and 26!

Okay so I am a bit bad at consistency. I fail in all areas of consistency in my life. But hey, at least I try and now I have a great New Years resolution to make come January. But since it isn't January I am going to relax and let it go for another month.

Gratitude 24: Since it was actually Thanksgiving Day I have to say I am grateful that I got to spend it with family. It has been 11 years since I have been able to spend a Thanksgiving with family and it was lovely!

Gratitude 25: I have amazing outdoor loving kids. I love that they choose to spend their time outside rather than inside. I wish I could provide them with all their outdoorsy toys but alas it is one of many things Virginia still lays claim on.

Gratitude 26: I am grateful for the opportunity to work outside with my family. Harvey, the kids and I all went outside to rake leaves today and it was awesome! I can't remember the last time I raked leaves, oops, wait a minute, I do...It was in Ohio! Good times!

Day Twenty One, Twenty Two and Twenty Three!

So I guess for Day Twenty Three I am going to say I am grateful for the internet. I haven't had it these last couple of days, obviously! Because I am totally NOT a slacker in my gratitude lists! Ha! What would I do without my internet and my mad dash to it to diagnose my family's ailments, to purchase ALL my christmas, to write my awesome blog on, and to research anything and everything. So grateful!

Day Twenty Two, I am grateful for my car. Utah is full of crazy drivers, fast drivers, impatient drivers and although I get into the car with fear everyday (yes I would rather drive in Tokyo than here!) I am grateful that I have a car that is now trustworthy and dependable to get me around. I think I live half my life in my car. So I am grateful to have one even if it means I am putting my life at risk!

Day Twenty One, I am grateful for the gym. I know this sounds superficial but I don't care because I am grateful I have a place that gets me out of the cold temps and allows me to work my butt off, literally (just wish it would go away a bit faster!). I am grateful I have a place that allows me to have some "ME" time!

Day Twenty:

I am grateful for an uplifting Sabbath Day. I love when I can walk away from church nourished and revived and ready for another week of the hum drum, day-to-day stuff. I can't express this without being grateful for a husband who takes care of the baby so I can enjoy my day at church. Emma is struggling with nursery and it has been quite the job trying to get her to stay in there. Harvey willingly stays with her to help me and her enjoy our Sunday's all the more. I guess it has been awhile since I have been able to have his help at church. So I am going to enjoy his "availability!"

Day Nineteen:

Today I am grateful for one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. My Savannah.

Why?

1) Because its her birthday and I have been blessed to have her for 12 beautiful years.

2) Because she has confidence. And being 5'6" and in the 6th grade doesn't make that easy but she has managed to successfully plow through.

3) Because she is unique and loves it. She is different in so many ways from the life she has lived to her taste in clothing.

4) Because she has one of the most hearty and sincere laughs. I love that laugh and it doesn't take much to hear it.

5) Because her heart is pure. She has a heart for the downtrodden and she is always there to uplift them.

6) Because she is a devoted and sincere friend. She has lots of friends but few can hold her devotion. Once they win it she is the most devoted friend you can ever ask for.

7) Because she sings ALL the time. Whether she is being goofy or truly trying she sings everyday.

8) Because she is a good listener. I have been blessed to have many conversations with this girl. And I love that she "gets" it. Each and every time we have to pull out one of those serious conversations she makes it easy for me and I love her for it.

9) Because she is hilarious. She has developed such a witty sense of humor and I love when she can nail daddy with a good one. She is dishing it back!

10) Because she accepts her fate and trusts the Lord. She has moved 11 times in 12 years and as soon as she knows its from the Lord she willingly goes where He wants her to go.

11) Because she has an innate desire to be good. She doesn't want to disappoint her parents and I love that. As she enters the teens she is pushing her boundaries once again but I know ultimately she wants to do good and be good.

12) Because she may look just like her daddy but she is her mommy through and through. Although it may not all be the traits I hope to pass on I have no doubts that she will take my weaknesses and make them strengths (especially that darn chocolate one, although I am not sure how you can turn that into a strength!) and she will take my strengths and become unstoppable.

Happy Birthday my sweet Savannah. I love you so much. You are amazing and I am blessed to have you as my daughter.

Day Eighteen:

I am grateful for temples. I am so grateful that they are so close. That the only thing I need to arrange in order to go is 2 hours of babysitting. I love that because of the beautiful covenants made within we will have eternal families. What a beautiful blessing.

Click to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and our Temples.

Day Seventeen:

I am grateful for Rylisms. Each and every day I anxiously wait for what cute things are going to come out of Rylie's mouth. She is adorable and every day she says something fantastic. She is over the top dramatic. She is outrageously intelligent. And when you put those two things together you get something hilariously funny flying out of her mouth. I need to write a book on Rylisms and get the world laughing with me. I love this girl!

Day Sixteen:

I am grateful that I can walk out of the grocery store with a cart full of groceries. What a blessing it is that my children have amples of food whenever they need it or want it. So far we have never known hunger and I pray we never do. Time to give to those that suffer with it everyday, not just during the holidays but all year long.

Day Fifteen:

I am grateful for my health. As I sit home a bit under the weather today I reflect on the times I have been to the doctor and as I am filling out the questionnaire in regards to my health I mainly check no. No as in no health problems. I am truly blessed. I feel the same way towards my children. As I return from the pediatricians having filled out the same forms on their behalf I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my children are overall very healthy. What a blessing our healthy bodies are.

Day Fourteen:

I am grateful for beautiful sunny fall days. It wasn't warm but the radiant sun and the blue sky helps with the winter blues. I was able to pull out the jogger again and take the baby for a short run. I was so beautiful!

Day twelve & Day thirteen

So I have an excuse this time for not keeping up on my gratitude list. I was out of town. So Gratitude Twelve is for a warm cozy fire. There is something so nostalgic in a fireplace. It oozes holiday and comfort and I love it.

Gratitude Thirteen is for a good book. I may neglect the entire family but I love a good book. Everything gets put on hold as I am totally engrossed in a good read. I have a pretty vivid imagination and when a writer can captivate and make me for that time a different person in a different place in a different circumstance it becomes simply fun!

Day Eleven

I am grateful for our family cabin. It is an amazing and cheap way to escape the city and be with nature. I love feeling warm with the fire going and family surrounding. It is rich with memories of my childhood and I am so happy that it will be a memory for my children as well. I love the smells, the scenery, the solitude. Love, love, love!

Day Ten:

Today I am grateful for an ordinary day. One of the greatest blessings is that I can lie down at night and have all my children in their beds safe and sound. At any moment our lives can change disastrously, it is so fragile. I will gladly take an ordinary day.

Day Nine:

Today I am grateful the my big girls. I don't know what I would do without them. Their attitudes and positive outlooks affect the rest of the kids so powerfully. And today I am grateful that they were in good helpful moods. Savannah got up this morning, made all the kids breakfast, put together lunch boxes and gently loved each one of the kids. Madison quickly followed suit. Their kindness boosts the younger ones self esteem. I wish every morning could be like this morning but I will relish in this moment and be grateful that I have the most amazing daughters.

Day Eight:

This morning as I walked outside with my heavy coat, hat and gloves, and saw frost on the car window and my warm breath circulate through the air; I realized that my morning runs with the baby in her stroller are coming to a close. What makes me smile is that I am not sure who is more disappointed she or I? She loves "runnin" with mom. So today I pay tribute to her. My gratitude moment for the day is for all the hours spent with her in my jogging stroller. She has been the best little running companion. I am grateful for her excitement towards our times running, the horses that caused the distraction and for afterwards when I lift her out of the stroller and that little bear hug she gives me right before I stick her back in her car seat to drive home. It makes my heart burst just thinking about the love I have for my sweet Emma. Early mornings at the gym here I come! Yuck!

Day six and seven

Already I am letting my month of gratitude slip but I am sure this isn't the first time I have attempted to do something like this and failed so I am just going to keep trucking along doing my best.

1) I am grateful for facetime...I can see those familiar faces of friends. It is one thing to hear their voice but when you can see their smiles and watch them laugh it makes the conversation that much sweeter!

2) I am grateful for errands. I know it sounds silly but I hate to sit at home and when I have some where to go it gets me out! And to tag onto that I am grateful for my errand running companion. Emma is so cute and likes to take part in all the shopping fun!

Day Five:

I'm grateful for lazy saturdays. I feel we have been so busy on our weekends and it is so nice to have nothing planned, nothing scheduled and no obligations. Just hanging out together, kids going on outside "adventures", reading books, playing video games, watching movies. Pure Laziness, it's fun for one day!

Day Four:

I am grateful for Fridays! For many reasons but the main reason is I get my mom all to myself! It is her day off and although it may not be her ideal to hang out with me on her day off, it is certainly mine! She cracks me up and to all the people that enjoy my impersonation of my mom I have so much more material! Can't wait to share it!

I love you mom; like you said today, this time with you is precious and I value every second of it. And although many claim they have the best mom in the world, I think you beat them all, hands down!

Halloween!

This is my little punk...I hope this isn't a depiction of the future!

Who knew Alex Morgan would be spending her Halloween in Utah. She is even prettier than I thought she was!

It's Indy! All roughed up and dirty after retrieving his latest ancient treasure from a tomb in Northern Utah, I had no idea there were tombs in Northern Utah!

Is there anything more beautiful than a Rylie Fairy? I seriously love this fairy.

What do you make the roundest baby in the world be for Halloween? The roundest little bumblebee complete with stinger and antenna's!

Pumpkin Patch

Going to the local pumpkin patches have always been a highlight for me around the fall. It isn't quite officially halloween until we do! Since we have been neglected of a good pumpkin patch since Ohio 6 years ago, it was so fun to find a good one here in Utah! And lucky for us it was just right down the road. So we decided to not only spend the morning there but Carson, Savannah and Aunt Michelle and I returned that night to enjoy the Haunted Hay Ride!

I love this season so much and I am so happy to be spending it here with family and not having to hear about our family traditions being fulfilled over the phone. And you never know maybe the Scott family can help the "whole" family start new traditions!

Love their depiction of what a scary face is, especially Carson and Madison. I think they nailed it!

This little goat would have eaten Carson's whole hand to get the food in it. His aggressiveness made Carson a little more careful. Open that hand buddy!

Savannah could have spent the whole day in there. I have to admit she is like me in many ways but this one not quite so much. I chose to sit on the bench outside the gate breathing through my mouth! Yucky!

Nothing gets Emma more excited than when she sees an animal. However, up close and personal she is a little less excited. Now this one might be more like her Mama!

A tractor pull!

I love these little faces!

A little tether ball to warm us up!

Corn Babies!

Making Corn Angels!

The awesome slide! Every kids goal was to beat mommy down. I pretty much schooled them all!

Day Three:

Today it was so easy for me to find something to be grateful for. Before I went out to run errands I had an hour to really pick up the house and get things straightened up. So when I walked through the door after errand running I walked into a clean house. It was so nice. So today I am grateful for a clean house! Now if only it could stay clean after all the kids get home from school!

Day Two:

I am grateful for these two cute girls!

For years now I have had to only hear about all their fun adventures together, I am so grateful that now I get to be a part of them! I love my sisters with all my heart. I feel so blessed that I get to hang out with them whenever we can! Just a phone call away and I am arranging play dates with one and zumba classes with the other! So grateful for the laughs, the venting sessions and Angie's all consuming bear hugs! Family is everything and I am grateful to be right beside them once again, right where I belong!

Month of Gratitude: Day One

I thought I would join in with other friends in expressing my Gratitude daily during this Thanksgiving Month!

I am really finding it hard to be grateful lately. And no fault to anyone but my own. I go through this cycle when we move. I start to mourn the friendships I have had to say goodbye to which unfortunately leads me to putting up a illogical wall so it wont hurt so bad the next time we move. This irrational behavior never lasts long for I thrive on friendship but I go through a few months of struggle before I allow that wall to break down. I am going to go ahead and consider this healthy since I am completely aware of the cycle and it's irrationality. So now I am entering the sad phase of thinking of past friendships lost. Oh how I miss the friend that I can call up at any time and have over for dinner or a play date or just a meeting at the local park. The friend I can meet for book clubs or dinner or late night/ last minute yogurt binges just so we can chat and laugh.

And just before anyone starts to feel sorry for me my gratitude moment of the day comes from the theme of friendship. Although I have had to endure the painful goodbyes I am still so incredibly grateful for the friends I have met in my journey through life. Those sweet friends in Virginia, New York, China, Japan, England, Canada and Ohio; what a blessed life I have to have met you wonderful people. My friends, my examples, my confidants. I am grateful for you!

A trip to AZ

So Harvey insisted on going to his 20 year High School reunion. There really isn't much to say about that. Everyone was older, fatter, and hopefully wiser! But the highlight and my main purpose for going was to see his family.
We love our AZ family. Carson was able to be reunited with Jasher his cousin, but really I wonder if Jasher is his long lost brother. Savannah smothered the animals with love and Maddie got to be the leader of the band, taking the kids on wild adventures outside in the dirt! Emma was fascinated with her new baby cousin Bella, not sure if it was her overwhelming cuteness or the fact this is the only baby in the family that tapped her out in size! Bigger than Emma? With Bella it is possible!

I was able to hang out with one of my most favorite people, Harvey's sister Mandi, and my most other favorite people, his parents and niece Macey. Whenever we visit it is all laughs but I love the serious heartfelt moments too.

So to conclude, is the 13 hour- one way drive worth it? Absolutely!

Sundance

We took a ride on the Sundance Ski Lift to see Fall at its fullest. And I must say, we have lived MANY places and Utah is pretty hard to beat in the beauty department. So come for a visit friends! We would love to have you!