Here batter, batter, batter...

Kyle got a bazillion things for Christmas this year. So much, in fact, that we returned one of his big-ticket items, having decided not to add to the overabundance of gifts.

But nevermind the train set and camping tent that he absolutely adores. Or the "Grinch" paraphanelia, games, or movies. He has decidedly pronounced another winner. Ask him what he received for Christmas and he'll reply:

"My baseball bat! It is big with lots of gum!"

Yes folks, a plastic bat filled with gum. A $2.50 stocking stuffer. If only we all had a child's perspective on what makes a great gift.

Grinchy

Kyle received all things "Grinchy" from his Grandpa & Grandma Russell this year: a movie, book, tree ornament, and stuffed animals. It's safe to say he loved the gifts. It's also safe to say he's officially OBSESSED.

Christmas Eve

We got matching PJ's again this year. And true to form, the were finished on Christmas Eve Day. Thank you, mom!

Russell Family Photo - Minus one VIP

Turner Family : Division of Russell

Something stinks

I've come to accept it: mine is a family of boys that DO NOT like clothes. Oh sure, they'll wear them. Just don't ask them to like it or be excited about getting new ones.

Take Christmas for instance. Uncle Paul & Aunt Karie bought Kyle a darling little peacoat that I, personally, was excited about. Kyle, on the other hand, barely took a look at it before flinging it aside, adamantly refusing to try it on.

At one point, Kyle opened four presents in a row, all of the clothing variety and each receiving the same nonchalant fling-over-the-shoulder. But the fifth one put him over the edge. Upon opening one more shirt, he threw the gift down, furrowed his brow, and angrily declared:

"I don't like clothes! I only like toys!"

California, here we come!

We waited for months, but the long awaited phone call has arrived. The call that determines our future. The call that tells us where we'll be living for the next 3 years. The call that has made us nauseous with nervousness and anticipation.

Strangely enough, after eons of waiting, the call came during the 4 hours we were on an airplane, hitching a ride to the east coast. The only 4 hours we've been unavailable in the last 2 months. I could barely breathe as my shaking finger dialed my voice mail. And then the voice:

"Edwards Air Force Base, here we come!"

Initial reaction: disappointment. Afterall, we were hoping for Virginia, near family.

Next reaction: Excitement. Afterall, CALIFORNIA! Disneyland, SeaWorld, the beach!!!

And finally, a mixture of both. Because, although it's California, it's also in the desert, in the middle of nowhere. What am I to do without my beloved Target, Old Navy, Famous Footwear? Drive an hour to the nearest city, I suppose.

One thing's for sure, it'll be an adventure. A 3-year-long adventure that we can't wait to get started on.

The Conversation Box

Every year we try to think of some way to show our friends and neighbors how much we love and appreciate them. In avoidance of the overused "plate of goodies" (which we often do), I've tried to come up with something that's "never been done before." It's usually easier said than done.

This year we were the recipients of one such gift. We arrived home one evening to find a "Conversation Box" sitting on our doorstep. Upon opening the tin box, we found literally hundreds of little pieces of paper, each printed with a question. We were instructed to draw a piece of paper out each day and answer the question. It also came with a guarantee that we would cry, laugh, and just plain get-to-know-each-other better.

I have to say that the conversation box is a hit. Already it's sparked conversations, debates, and laughter. One of our favorites: If you had to lose one of your five senses, which would it be?

How grateful we are for good friends and thoughtful gifts.

Defiance

I might be the mom in this household, but we all know which 3-year-old is the boss. Kyle might let me think I am, but he has this nasty little habit of keeping me in check.

For instance, if I happen to be driving in the car and talking on the cell phone at the same time, I hear, "Mom, that's not safe!" I hear the same thing if I don't have two hands on the wheel.

But my favorite reminder happens every night as we brush his teeth before bed. We have a system: I brush first, then he brushes, then he slurps water to his heart's content. After what seems like 20 minutes of slurping, I say, "Last one!" and shut the water off. He slurps, looks straight at me, turns the water back on, and slurps one more time. Just to show me who's boss.

It's almost as if he can't end his day without thumbing his nose at my authority, or lack thereof.

Superstar

In an attempt at some last-minute brother bonding before he leaves on a mission, Kevin's little brother, Chad, recently spent the night. The brothers stayed up playing games, hanging out, and made a midnight run to Training Table.

The next morning, they joined the fellas at the church for a pick-up game of basketball. Each brother was probably a little eager to outshine the other, and I about all of the highlights (or lowlights) of the game.

Kevin: Chad couldn't make a rebound for the life of him!
Chad:Well, if your shots hadn't bounced straight out from the rim, maybe I could've hit one. If you were going to miss, you could've at least hit the backboard!
Kevin: (unable to laugh because of laughter)

But the best highlight of all came from Kevin.

Kevin: Oh man, I made this awesome shot. I ran under the basket, spun around, picked my guy off another, ran right out and made the shot...I looked and felt like JC Carroll!

I'm sure my man looked every bit as good as USU's star player.

Utah State - Hey! Aggies all the way...

For any of you who might question where our true loyalties lie, having attended both Utah State University and the University of Utah, I'm here to set you straight.

Today our beloved Aggies played the Utes up in Logan on our home court. And although we couldn't be there in person, we were in spirit. We cheered Jaycee Carroll (27 points!) and the rest of the Aggies on, right there in front of our television.

And decked out in his USU shirt, Kyle sang:

"Utah State - hey! Aggies all the way!
Go Aggies, Go Aggies! Hey, hey, hey!"

It must've worked - the Aggies emerged victorious, with a score of 60-57.

Go Aggies!

AggiesdownUtah

Literally, not figuratively

I sometimes forget how literal a 3-year-old's world is. We invited some friends over for games last night and Kevin was killing us, about to take the game. Unable to do anything to stop him, I exclaimed, "Kev, you're on fire!"

Kyle: "What, mom? Dad's on fire?"
Ruth: "Yeah, that means he's winning."
Kyle: "But mom, why you say fire?"
Ruth: "It just means he's doing really well."

And so on and so forth for the next 10 minutes until we had it all straightened out. Or so I thought. Apparently, he doesn't quite understand.

As we were playing "Sorry" today, Kyle exclaimed, "Mom, I'm a fire!"

Ruth: "You mean, you're on fire?"
Kyle: "Yeah, I'm on fire. But don't worry mom, I'll put you on fire soon!"

You're on a diet!

Everyone in America, or at least anyone who has any association with kids, is familiar with "Finding Nemo." Our favorite part is after Dorothy and Marlin have escaped the clutches of a shark and in celebration, chant:

"Oh yeah, yeah, yeah! No eating here tonight! No eating here tonight! No eating here tonight -you're on a DIET!"

Kyle has a bit of a competitive streak and celebrates with a song or dance each time he wins. But I had to laugh extra hard after he beat me at a boardgame today and gleefully sang out:

"Oh yeah! You're not eating here tonight, baby!"

Find a penny, pick it up...

It's sad that my 3-year-old has more cash laying around the house than I do.

It's really sad that I resort to sticking I.O.U.'s in his piggy bank when I need a few dollars for a trip to the swimming pool, grocery store, or post office (I honestly do pay him back).

But most sad is the fact that as I'm doing laundry, I have to check his pockets for dollar bills and actually find them on a regular basis, while I'm lucky to find a quarter instead of a penny in my own pockets.

I'd say that my little boy is spoiled by his grandparents.