December 4th: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

One of my favorite Christmas memories is from my teenage years--my friend's mom read us the Best Christmas Pageant Ever while we were sitting around the Christmas tree.  You are never too old to be read to!    

I wanted to start giving my kids the same memories.  We started reading it over several nights and Samara thought all the Herdmans' antics were pretty hilarious.  I think it's a great read and one kids can relate to. 

The book has a wonderful message.  I think we are all imperfect like the Herdmans, though our imperfections may not be as obvious as theirs.  We all need the Savior as much as the next guy.  It's a great reminder not to be judgmental.  I love these last pages that talk about how the Herdmans are so touched by the Christmas story when all the other kids, who've heard it their whole lives, aren't affected by it or don't understand it.  They've heard it so many times that they just go through the motions when reenacting the pageant.  I am too complacent/casual about important things sometimes.  So this story is a great reminder for me to slow down and really appreciate why we celebrate Christmas.

I love Christmas stories.  What are some of your favorites?

December 3rd: Banana Splits and Bells

Samara's homework this week was about words that end in "it".  She had to make a banana split out of paper and write a recipe.  It seemed like a perfect excuse to have banana splits for family home evening, which are basically our excuse to make a treat on Monday nights. wink. wink.

Afterwards, Samara and I headed to a handbell concert at the library.

When we picked Samara up from school one day last week, she was so sad that Lizzie and I had been at the library (we'd been to story time) without her.  She requested a mommy date at the library, so when I saw they were having a Handbell concert, it seemed like the perfect outing.

Here are some videos from their site.  The concert was unique, free,  and geared towards kids.  They even let kids participate and had sing-a-long songs.  I'd definitely recommend it!   

December 2nd: Temple Lights & Children's Choir

 We got up to the lights and my camera battery was dead. :(  It used to shut off (go to sleep like a computer) when turned "on" but I realized after going to use it a handful of times and having a dead battery that it doesn't do that anymore.  Sometimes though it is just nice to enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about photos.  

We got there right as they turned on the lights.  I have always loved the Temple Square lights and think they are magical.  I love the nativity they do as well.  The 1st Presidency Devotional was taking place while we were there so it wasn't crowded or cold--bonus!  Ben left the next day for a conference in Austria so it was just nice to spend the evening all together.

But can I just say first that phone pictures make me cringe and then remember how lovely the evening was?!

Image found here

Afterwards, Ben took the girls home to bed and I attended my friend's daughter's concert at the Cathedral of the Madeline.  She is in the SLC Children's Choir.  The venue was stunning and the sound magnificent.  The children sounded like angels.  I'm so glad I was able to attend.

December 1st: Christmas Around the World

My intent this month was to post something we did, a thought about this time of year, a song, etc. every day until Christmas.  The 13th is sort of like the 1st, right?  I'm hoping to still catch up.  

Today (you know the 1st of December), we went to Christmas Around the World.  I hope we can make it a tradition every year.  It's such a fun performance.  I went last year but before that hadn't been since I was a kid.  I know I've really assimilated because last year when I saw the dance from India I giggled and thought, how funny to see white kids dance like they think they are part of Bollywood.  This year my thought was, It's so fun to see Indian dancing again!  This is so authentic. 

Of course, we needed photos of the girls in their Christmas dresses.

Elizabeth's reaction when she hears "time for a picture!"

Samara's reaction when she hears "time for a picture!"

Their reaction when Ben says to me, "you are in a parking stall and a car is trying to pull in."  And  I reply, "Bah Hum Bug!  There are other parking spots.  I'm using this one."

 I'm biased but I sure think they are darling!

I scored their dresses at Old Navy--$11 for both of them!  It was the "buy one get one 75% off" sale and then the holiday dresses were on some additional sale.  I was very pleasantly surprised at the register.

Afterwards, we hit the creamery for delicious ice cream.  Then Ben and I got to go on a date that evening.  A perfect way to start the magical month of December!

Thanksgiving

It was my first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner and no one got food poisoning.  So I'll consider it a success!  Does this qualify me for official grown-up status?!  Even though cooking everything made for a busy day, the day was actually more relaxing than other years.  We've always traveled cross-country/world for the holidays so not having to travel and being in our own place was wonderful!  

Crafts

We aren't too fancy/formal (we opted for paper plates) and setting up the kitchen has been a long process.  I never know what accessory/ utensil I don't have until I need it and then never remember to buy it.  Our serving dishes are a bit hodge podge but we did use real utensils and make these cute burlap utensil holders.  They were easy and fun to make.  Samara helped me paint and stamp.

These photo placemats were a hit and great way to occupy the kids as we finished up dinner preparations.   Lizzie somehow managed to open hers and make the dry erase marker permanent.  

The girls enjoyed painting pumpkin turkeys.  Ben was in charge of that...not sure he was much enamored with it.  These  m&m turkey templates were fun and easy.  How did people find crafts and recipes before the internet?!

  

The Food

My mom was going to assist me with the turkey but ended up doing everything but seasoning it.  Hopefully, that doesn't take away my grown-up status.

Some of my favorite recipes were this apple pie--so easy but better than most apple pie I've had. 

And the cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.  They were both sweetened with honey or maple syrup (the good kind).  The cranberry sauce was my favorite thing to make.

Kasha or buckwheat grouts are a Bikman staple.  Ben can eat his body weight in Kasha.  You'll notice his I-am-not-in-the-mood-for-pictures expression is similar in both photos.

The Guests

My older siblings

My little turkey and niece

My sweet mom, brother-in-law, and nephew

My other little turkey

My little sister and her family were able to join us for pies.  These are all the grandkids on my side minus the newest addition, who was born earlier this month.

Holding my new nephew in the hospital made me both excited and nervous to have a newborn again.   Not too much longer and our little guy will be here.

My brother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer this summer.   As anyone knows who has had a love one go through cancer, it's awful.  Add many additional medical complications on top of the cancer and it has been a very tough year for them.   We worried he might not make it past this summer.  We are most thankful that he is here to celebrate with us and that he was able to be a wonderful support to my sister during his son's birth.  Seeing him hold their baby was so special and fills my heart with gratitude. 

Settled at Last

For way too long life felt like this picture--stuck between two seasons.  Even if both are lovely seasons to be stuck between not feeling settled is frankly unsettling.

Life finally feels stable.  Sure the boxes in the basement that I vowed would be cleared out by summer, are still there and the pantry isn't organized/stocked.  They probably won't be for a while and I'm ok with that.   But day-to-day life no longer feels like I'm living out of suitcases or am on a treadmill.  I never imagined it would take so long to settle in but it has and has been a learning experience.  I finally feel content with where we are and happy to be living here.   The jet lag is gone at last.  Now, that's not to say I don't miss the adventures and am not looking forward to a sabbatical abroad someday.  But for now I'm glad to stay put and am very grateful for our home, car, being near family and friends and for this particular season we are in.

Photo found here.
I hope Thanksgiving finds you grateful for whatever season you find yourself in--a lesson that I am find I have to learn and re-learn. :)

A Trip to India and a Campout

When Samara was an only child and I'd see kids fighting with their siblings, I'd think to myself, "when I have two kids, they are never going to fight."  Ha ha!  That was funny and so naive of me.  Sometimes they drive each other crazy but other times they get along swimmingly and nothing makes me happier than that.  I think 'playing nice' with your siblings is one of the best presents you can give your parents.

When we are in the car, Lizzie will often call out, "hand, jei jei.  HAND!"

 It's so fun to see their imaginations develop.   One day they were exotic Indian princesses and we went on a little journey to the other side of the world.  

It may not be quite as exciting as an actual trip but the lack of jet lag definitely makes up for that.

 They love to pack up and go on campouts.  

We take only the essentials.

 

Lizzie is not always a fan of pictures.

 But if you say the right things, you'll get a smile that melts your heart.

Samara is always ready for a picture.

Then we go to the landing, where we can make it really dark, tell spooky stories, and 'sleep'.  

I am so loving this season of having a 5 and 2 year old.  Samara is learning to read and write and Lizzie is learning to talk--such amazing processes that their bright little minds are figuring out.