Buchanan Maine-ia

Lately...

2012-02-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on a few of the things we've been up to lately:

SNOW!

Though we have had several feet of snow so far this winter, (and have enjoyed lots of skating and sledding!) none of it has been wet enough to build snowmen! Our children received a snowman kit from out neighbor for Christmas this year and have been jumping at the chance to use it - so finally, after the third 'dry' snow in a row, we decided to just give it our best shot.

After trying for quite awhile to get a normal sized (and then small, and then miniature...) snowman, we finally just came to terms with the fact that the snow was not snowman snow, and did the best we could - which was a little blog (about 4 inches high - even shorter than he looks in the pictures!). We dressed him up and named him Shorty. Quite the adventure - but at least we finally got to put that kit to use!

Note how dark it is - because we spent SO long trying to build a snowman!!

My birthday was wonderful! The children surprised me with breakfast in bed! (Not sure why Angel looks so sad...) Then later, the Mr. surprised me by having our wonderful neighbor come tend the children while he took me to dinner - a VERY rare treat indeed! Our sweet neighbor Nancy helped the children make some cards for me, and helped them make me an ice cream cake which we all enjoyed together! The children had a wonderful time with her - and the Mr. and I enjoyed ourselves too! :)

I'm only posting this horrible picture of me for the memory - it's the only picture I have of our wonderful neighbor Nancy!

Angel the Artist: Angel LOVES beautifying everything she can. When she sets the table, she sets full place settings, folds the napkins in a fancy manner, and most often makes name place cards (decorated and written in cursive, of course!) When putting her toys away, she must place them just so. And, when making a meal, proper food presentation is a must! We got this idea from pinterest and she did a marvelous job!

Grins loves his sword. It is often in it's 'time out' place on top of the fridge, since it regularly gets confiscated for misuse (sword fighting with his sisters, chopping 'dragons' which results in knocking things over, etc.). But when he earns his sword back, it is his constant companion! He has now taken to 'wearing' it by sticking it (pointy end down) down the neck of the back side of his shirt (I guess I don't have a picture of this). One night when I went to check on him in bed, I found it in the back neck of his pjs, with him sleeping on it! Naturally, I removed it, because it looked so uncomfortable! The next morning, as soon as he awoke, he reached back and, feeling it was gone, asked me, "Where's my sword?!" I explained that I'd removed it so he could sleep comfortably, and he insisted that it wasn't bothering him, and that he had needed it last night! That night, when I went to check on him, this is what I saw:

Hugging his sword....but look at his wrist

He had attached the sword to his wrist with a silly band!

I decided I had to leave it, since he had obviously taken precautions to keep his sword all night! When I questioned his motive the next morning, he explained that he feels MUCH safer at night when his sword is nearby. I tried not to laugh, but then remembered doing similar things as a child - I actually remember holding my 'walkman' (yes - I'm that old!) over my chest at night to 'protect my heart' - and even my bike helmet once or twice to 'protect my brain'! I'm not sure what invoked such fear in my mind at the time - but I do remember feeling safe with the perceived protection. I suppose such antics are the "security blankets" of older children.

This weekend the Mr. was actually home on a Saturday!!! For the first time since I can remember. So, we made crepes AND waffles for breakfast, just to celebrate. I love these four:

Sick in bed: A NASTY stomach bug landed these three and I in bed for several days. We had a joyous time reading LOTS of books and magazines, playing games, doing puzzles, making cards, writing letters, writing in our journals, and creating pages for our church quiet book. Oh, and of course, snuggling, tickling, and giggling. I love these precious moments with my children! Life is good!

Having Fun

2012-02-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Now that the older 2 are in school and I only have one child (Wiggles) at home during the day, I'm often tempted to just be super productive and get lots done (it's amazing how much easier things are with just one child!) I've been trying really hard to spend some special time with her each day, and we do fun age-appropriate things like preschool storytime and playdates too! But a lot of times, she 'helps' me or keeps busy while I'm working. She's getting very good at this!

The other day, I managed to get quite a bit done, and realized that she had been very focused on something for quite a while. I looked over to see what she was up to, and this is what I found:

Twin babies tucked in, each with their own pear.

"They're ready for lunch, Mama!" Wiggles tells me.

Then, of course, I had to take a break from my work to play, when Wiggles came out dressed like this and said "Mommy! I'm the doctor and I need to check you up!

I don't know why she sticks her tongue out whenever I photograph her! It's hilarious!

I sat down while she 'checked me up' with all her (as she says) 'tethoscopes', 'blood pusher arm huggers' (blood pressure cuffs), etc, and then 'shotted' me (gave me a shot, followed by a bandaid). I said "You are a great doctor!" And she asked (pointing to her outfit) "Are these real doctor clothes? Is this really what doctors wear?" To which I replied, "Yes - Daddy wears those a lot when he works at the hospital, remember?" She said, "But Daddy's not a doctor - he just goes to work. At the hospital. Doctors LIVE at the DOCTOR. Like Dr. Howe (our family doctor). She always lives at the doctor office." We then had a conversation about how doctors were people just like everyone, with lives of their own outside of work. When I explained that Dr. Howe is also a mommy with children of her own, Wiggles was flabbergasted. I love our little conversations, and seeing her mind at work! How refreshing it is to get a glimpse of a child's view of life and the world!

How lucky am I to have this little helper around all day??!! I love my life!

Pinterest and Priorities

2012-02-11T20:08:00.001-07:00

(Warning: this post is just me rambling...more of a journal entry than a blog post...and is certainly not intended to demean anyone else in any way. Just a collection of my random thoughts looking inward at myself, not out...)

Lately....OK, maybe not lately, maybe, since I can remember, I've been feeling stretched to the limit. I'm a 'list' type of a girl, and my To-Do list is never even CLOSE to done - in fact, I add things much faster than I'm able to check them off. Not because I waste time - just because life is very busy. Serving in the community, in the church (as YW President and a visiting teacher), on the PTO and trying to keep politically active, in addition to exercise, personal meditation and scripture study, a part-time job, medical education and simply keeping the children clean, clothed, fed, read to, homework done, piano lessons and practice and the house in order (loosely speaking), leaves very little time for anything else. I can't remember the last time I read a book for leisure (aside from with the children, of course), watched television or a movie, or did anything else 'unneccessary' (unless you count pinterest or blogging. oops). I can't go to bed later or get up earlier without paying for it throughout the day (if I don't get at least 6 hours of sleep a night, no one's happy!)

I grew up in a very busy home, and vowed I would raise a 'simpler' family. So, with my children still young and things already feeling out of control, I know I need to scale back. But I'm having a hard time knowing what to cut out. I certainly can't cut out church. I should probably continue feeding the children. And I have already kept the children out of extracurricular activities such as dance/sports/etc. So it's been a very difficult decision. But, after a lot of thought and careful consideration, I have decided/discovered one - no, TWO things I can - and will - let go. Namely, 1) a perfect and beautiful house and 2) my concern with how others (outside my family) view/perceive/think of me.

I don't think I'm overly concerned or preoccupied with number 2. I don't obsess about what people think of me at all. But I started realizing that many of the things that take SO much of my time do boil down to 'keeping up appearances'. I spend a LOT of time trying to keep my house spotless. (I'm not saying it IS spotless - ever! But that is my constant goal and I spend a LOT of time each day cleaning! And a lot more of my energy worrying about the parts that aren't spotless.)

I truly believe that an orderly home is important in maintaining the Spirit, keeping the peace, etc. But my children certainly don't care whether or not the windows are smudge-free or the walls and baseboards are freshly wiped down. Actually - they DISlike it, because it means I'm more likely to nag them to keep their fingers off. They don't care that I have the latest cute, homemade Valentine wreath on my door or a picture-perfect collage of photos on the wall or display on my bookshelf. Again - they don't like it when I've recently arranged the bookshelf, because it's often less functional/harder for them to put away. What they need and want from me far more than cute home decor or cleanliness is time. Time SITTING with them reading, playing, talking, and listening. Looking into their eyes while they speak, rather than nodding and saying "uh-huh" as I'm focused on scrubbing or cooking.

Lately, I've found myself discovering all sorts of incredible/clever/thrifty/neat ideas on pinterest and other blogs, and have seen pictures of so many immaculate and beautifully decorated homes, and I've been constantly adding things to my never-ending 'to-do' list, spending lots of time and energy thinking of ideas, and even sacrificing precious time with my children to do so. (for the few minutes that they'll allow me to sit at the computer uninterrupted...so, not too much time.)

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE a clean house, and I ADORE beautifully decorated homes! And I want one. Badly. But this is where I realize that I'm starting to sacrifice what I want MOST for what I want now. "Most" being a happy family, time with my precious children while they are young, strong relationships with them that will carry through the teenage years....etc. "Now" being a beautiful, perfect home. And other people thinking my home is beautiful and perfect.

Soooooo, I guess what I am saying is this: If you happen to come over and see fingerprints on my windows / no pictures hung on my wall (even though I've lived in this house nearly 2 years) / spots in my microwave / toys on the floor / pictures on my refrigerator / etc. it's because I'm too busy loving on my children to notice or care. If it bothers you, feel free to pick up a sponge - or look the other way. Because I know that in a few short years, my 'nest will be empty' and I'll be hanging pictures, making Valentine's wreaths and cleaning/decorating to my little heart's content. But right now, I've got more important things to do.

Cracking me up...

2012-02-07T06:53:00.001-07:00

I missed posting last night due to a horrid bout with the stomach flu...The Mr. was working all weekend and Grins and I literally could not get out of bed, so Angel cared for Wiggles the entire day. What a little treasure she is. Of course, I came upstairs this morning shocked at the mess the two of them managed to make...but it was certainly a blessing to have her help yesterday!

I believe I post more about my children when they are 3 than at any other age; particularly the funny things they say! This age is such a delight! Tonight at dinner, Wiggles looked at me with big eyes and asked, "Mommy, when I grow up, who am I going to be?"

It sounded funny and I chuckled a little, but she was very serious. And so I answered her seriously. "Well, you will be an adult (Wiggles). You'll be a lady. You will probably be a wife and a mommy. And you can be whatever else you want to be - a doctor, a dancer, a singer, an actress, an artist, a violinist, a cook.....whatever you want to be, and whomever you want to be, you can be it!"

She thought about for a moment (I could see the 'wheels turning' through her eyes) and suddenly she gasped and said "Ahh! If I am a mommy, then I'll have kids!"

It was adorable, seeing her put it all together. She lit up at the prospect of having children. She is definitely a born nurturer and is in the phase of caring for whomever/whatever she can!

It started me thinking who she really will become someday. I know it will be someone strong, someone passionate, and someone very determined. Those traits have already manifested themselves clearly, even at her young age! She is a girl who knows exactly what she wants - and exactly how/where/when and why she wants it, and will settle for nothing less! But she is also very compassionate and loving. Hopefully these virtues will serve her well in life - and I'm sure she'll pick up some patience somewhere along the line. :)

Other funny Wiggles-isms lately:

Last week we took Angel to the doctor for her 7 year old 'check up'. When Wiggles learned that we were going for Angel and not Wiggles herself, she exclaimed, "Well, I want the doctor to check ME up too!"

This evening, she helped me saute the asparagus for dinner. She has never really been able to say asparagus, but tonight when the Mr. came home, she really wanted to tell him she had cooked the asparagus. She said "Daddy! I stirred the casmearigus all by myself! No, the spagherigus. No, the.....Mommy, what is that stuff in the pan called?!"

We also had (homemade) croutons on our soup this evening - probably a first, since I never buy croutons, but had some dry bread I needed to use....so at dinner she said, "Please pass the perfumes!"

Angel

2012-01-30T17:25:00.001-07:00

Dear Angel,

Happy Birthday! It literally seems like yesterday that I was writing you a letter on your 6th birthday! It truly seems that the years fly by with increasing speed with each year that passes! Oh, how I long for time to stand still, so that I may enjoy you as you are at this moment! You are spectacular!

1 year old

I heard a quote once that always reminds me of you: "A girl is innocence playing in the mud, beauty standing on its head, and motherhood dragging a doll by the foot." You are precocious and wise beyond your years, yet innocent and naive. You are beautiful on the outside and inside, yet completely unaware of it, and unconcerned with keeping up appearances. You are confident yet unassuming, strong and brave yet sensitive.

Age 2 (with a 6 month old Grins)

Earlier this year, you told me that someone in your class said to you, "You talk quiet." I couldn't believe this! I don't think I've ever heard you speak softly unless you were specifically trying to whisper. It surprised me so much, because at home, you are bold, outspoken, and determined to make your opinions and voice heard by all, particularly if you perceive the least bit of injustice. We are constantly reminding you to 'calm down', take a breath, and try to see things from someone else's view. Your father and I often think you will be a lawyer or a judge - your need for justice and equality and your ability to argue your case are that strong!

Age 3

You excel in learning. You are an excellent reader, writer, speller, and mathematician. You love learning - you asked for a science kit for Christmas! You enjoy playing the piano, dancing (you LOVED the ballet class you recently finished), singing, and crafting. But I think that, if it were up to you, you would spend all of your time reading or drawing. In fact, we often have to remove your books from you to help you focus on things like getting dressed or doing chores. Your books and art supplies are your constant companions. You especially like to draw pictures to portray how you are feeling. If you are angry, you often will draw an angry person acting out or saying angry words, and then by the time you get it all out, you feel better and cross out the picture, and draw a happy one. Your art truly is your therapy.

Age 4

You are fire and ice. Incredibly dramatic. When you are happy, you will do anything to obey and please me. You are as sweet as can be. It's as though you are floating on clouds, and you walk around smiling and singing. When you are angry, there is no talking you out of it. I must simply give you time to cool down, and let you come around on your own time, in your own way, on your own terms. But fortunately your anger usually leaves just as quickly as it came, and you are back to your sweet, angel self. :) One surefire way to dissipate your anger, though, is if someone is crying. Your nurturing compassion simply can't stand to watch someone suffer or hurt, and you are always the first in line to comfort and console anyone in need!

Age 5

You are snuggly and cuddly, with the biggest heart I've ever known. You treat all of your dollies and stuffed animals as if they were delicate newborn babies, and you can't bear to part with even the dirtiest, most ragged of them - as if they were living members of your family. We've had to limit you to 2 at night - we would find your bed FULL of them, with scarcely enough room for you. I asked you once why you insisted on having so many toys in bed, to which you responded, "They aren't toys. They are people and animals. They have feelings too, and they feel lonely and left out when they're just in the bin all night." I remember thinking this too, as a young girl, and I love how you keep the magic alive in your heart. We are working at channeling your creativity just a little, as you tend to get lost in your own thoughts. But when your creativity is focused, it is intense and inspiring!

Age 6

You are smart, creative, artistic, and compassionate. You are talented, loving, and strong. You have many emerging strengths and characteristics which will serve you well in life. I couldn't be more honored or grateful for the privilege and opportunity of being your mother. You've taught me more in these past 7 years than I learned in the 23 years before your birth! It is a joy to know you, and a blessing to love you!

Age 7 (almost)

Love, Mommy

Angel turns 7!!

2012-01-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that our Angel is 7 years old! Where has the time gone? And yet, I can't even fathom life without her!

Her birthday morning started out with a little snow storm and school cancellation (you can see the start of the snow on the back deck - I always keep the deck clean, so this was all fresh, and we got a few more inches throughout the day). She was disappointed not to be able to go to school, but we managed to have a very fun day at home together, preparing for her puppy party!

Our 3-generation birthday tradition is choosing a breakfast cereal on your special day. Not the healthiest tradition but at least it's only once a year! She chose Lucky Charms! Yummmmy!

After breakfast, we got to work setting up for the party which would take place later that night! Angel, the party-planner, was thrilled to be able to help (I would have done most of it during the day while she was at school).

I constructed a dog house out of a large box, and it proved to be time well spent! The birthday girl and all of her guests enjoyed it immensely! We are still enjoying it today, more than a week later!

Of course, assembling the 'doggie bags' was a lot of fun! Grins and Angel love this sort of thing

Silly Angel wanted a picture of what went in the bags - dog bone necklaces, 'puppymint' BARK, puppy chow, loli pup, dog stickers, and doggie bookmarks.

After setting up for the party, Angel opened some gifts, we enjoyed some stories and games together, plus a lot of play time, and anxiously awaited the upcoming party!

Finally, the blessed moment came and guests began arriving. (As a side note: Our family rule is that the birthday child may invite as many friends as years of age - so Angel was allowed 7 guests. Of course, the decision making process was very difficult on her - there were several close friends she was sad to 'leave out' (though of course they didn't know about it) - but I was proud of her for making a little 'list', writing everyone she'd like to invite, and then systematically narrowing down the list. She made special little notes to give to the friends she didn't invite to her party, inviting them for a playdate, or telling them she was glad they were her friend, since she felt badly about 'excluding' them...completely her idea. She is so thoughtful and concerned with the feelings of others.)

First, guests were transformed into 'puppies'. They glued spots onto puppy ear headbands, and then the Mr. painted their faces. It was adorable to see how they all chose different colors/styles, and all looked so cute and unique!

Here they all are with their ears and painted faces!

We also took pictures of all the 'puppies'. They were adorable! Of course, my children's pictures didn't turn out well....I may have to do theirs over (they wouldn't mind, since they are sporting the ears almost daily still.)

Next, we played "Puppy Pile-up" (similar to "Twister"), and then "Give the dog a Bone" (Similar to pin the tail on the donkey - on a poster Angel drew herself!)

Since many of our guests were excited and full of energy, towards the beginning of the party, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to handle the group. Fortunately, I realized very quickly that these little puppies were very eager to please. So, whenever it got loud or rambunctious, I would simply hold up my hand and say "Puppies, quiet!" and immediately, it was silent. It was unbelievably effective, and so much fun!

After our delicious (ha!) dinner of hot dogs, etc, we played, "Doggy, Doggy, Where's your bone?" We should have played this first - it was the highlight of the evening! No one wanted to stop, and we must have played 20 rounds at least! I was finally able to end it only with the promise of refreshments and gift opening, otherwise, I think it would have lasted all night! :)

Finally, we ate cake and ice cream, and Angel opened her gifts. Of course Wiggles wanted to play the role of puppy and stick her tongue out, showing the blue frosting (which I got against my better judgment...) Angel had wanted a cheesecake topped with 'puppy chow' (cocoa crispies), but I was worried not all of the guests would enjoy cheesecake, so we had a cake/cupcakes as well (she would have taken the cupcakes to school were it not for the snow day).

I didn't get any pictures of the gifts - I was too busy barking out commands "Puppies, sit! Puppies, stay! Puppies, one gift at a time!" and writing notes on who gifted what....but Angel was much to enthralled in the gift opening process to have looked up anyhow. :)

All in all, it was a memorable and fun party, and enjoyed by all!

Kid Giddy Giveaway

2012-01-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

I don't usually promote giveaways on our little family blog, but I did want to take a moment to give a shout out to my friend over at Kid Giddy who is hosting an AWESOME giveaway right now! Check it out... http://kidgiddy.blogspot.com/2012/01/busy-monday-cha-celebration-giveaway.html?showComment=1327362872130#c7497358035921704527

Sunday

2012-01-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

On our way out the door to church I snapped a couple of quick shots...

No naps....

2012-01-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Mean that this girl usually falls asleep during dinner, and is out like a light! (Naps = she's up until 10pm or later! So we try to avoid them when possible!)

Keeping us laughing

2012-01-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

Last night while reading the story of Abraham and Isaac from the Bible, we were discussing the sacrifices anciently made in fulfilling the Law of Moses. Grins asked, "Why does Heavenly Father like dead bodies so much?"

Then tonight, after we reminded him to include "GG and GGPa" in our evening prayers, he asked, "Please bless GG and GGPa to have a good life, for the rest of their life." That pretty much covers it...

Last Year's Goals......

2012-01-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

About a year ago, I posted the following list of things I wanted to do last year. Unfortunately, I never actually posted the list on paper anywhere in my house/planner/etc.....so I essentially forgot about it.....or so I thought, until I went through the list and found that I actually HAD completed quite a few of the listed tasks! This was actually quite a liberating/positive little exercise, because I realized that I actually HAVE accomplished a few things in the past year.....you know, BESIDES the day to day laundry/dishes/cleaning/packing lunches/making meals/visiting teaching/bathing and dressing children/changing diapers/reading scriptures/helping with homework/kissing owies/being Young Womens president/volunteering in classrooms/breaking up fights/PTO/driving children around/having playdates/paying bills/taping together books that a 3 year old has torn to shreds...and those sorts of everyday things. Who knew I had it in me to be a (tiny bit) productive at times? I MAY actually post pictures to prove it sometime soon. But no promises....it wasn't on the list. :)

101 in 365

I saw this on another blog and thought it was a great idea. The list I saw was 101 in 1001, but I don't think I can wait 3 years to get to these....so I'm shooting for a year! That should still give me plenty of time....so here I go! I will return and change the color of the items I complete - and add a post for the 'tangible'/visible projects (if I'm feeling extra motivated.)

1. Potty train Wiggles - have taught her many times. The rest is up to her...

~~2. Paint my computer armoire black and add hardware~~

3. Hang pictures on my walls. wow. still haven't. sad.

~~4. Finish painting the front room~~

~~5. Paint the great room~~

~~6. Rearrange the front room furniture~~

~~7. Build a shelf for my entry~~

~~8. Create an art supplies storage system~~

9. Not raise my voice at my children for an entire week - working on it!!!

~~10. Teach Grins to read~~

~~11. Clean out the storage shed~~

12. Have another baby - want to! Need my husband home for this one...

~~13. Teach Angel some basic piano lessons~~

14. Teach Wiggles to read - working on it

~~15. Get rid of things I haven't used in 6 months~~

16. Get rid of the antique bottles I dug up in the yard

~~17. Organize my garage~~

~~18. Make the kids job boards~~

~~19. Create a better storage system for the coat closet~~

~~20. Rake all the leaves in my yard (not that I haven't already done it, but I think the leaves are finally finished falling so this might be the last time this season?)~~

~~21. Organize the kids' closet~~

22. Install mirrors

~~23. Clean off the bar~~

~~24. Organize and label the food storage~~

25. Organize my recipes

~~26. Organize my magazine clippings~~

~~27. Organize my filing cabinet~~ I did this but it could probably use it again...

~~28. Set up my new ipod touch :)~~

~~29. Vacuum the car~~

~~30. Get a shop vac so I can vacuum my car from home!~~

31. Set up a good 'drop zone' for the Mr.

32. Get on a better shopping/meal planning schedule

33. Stick to a 'computer time' budget for at least 1 week

34. Run a race

35. Go without after-dinner snacks for at least 1 week

36. Put hooks in the kids closet

~~37. Organize the hair accessories~~ - have done this several times. Need a better system that will stick!

38. Find a cute way to organize my jewelry

~~39. Organize the desk~~

40. Implement a good system for dealing with 'hot spots'

41. Implement a good deep cleaning schedule

42. Implement a good scrapbooking schedule

~~43. Get curtains back up in the front room (must finish painting first....)~~

44. Put a valance in my kitchen window

~~45. Hang curtains in the dining room~~

46. Hang curtains in the kitchen

47. Sew or alter at least one item

48. Make bread

49. Write in my journal every day for a month

50. Set up Sunday stations again

51. Set up a Family Home Evening lesson file

52. Set up our Family Home Evening board

~~53. Involve the children in Family Home Evening more~~

54. Organize a "paper" system

55. Change the oil in the car by myself (I always wait for the Mr. but it is something I could do on my own!)

~~56. Set up my new bookshelf!~~

~~57. Sort through my scrapbook things~~

~~58. Come up with a system for preserving the childrens' creations~~

60. Make a book of Family Traditions we enjoy and others we would like to implement

~~61. Catch up on Christmas ornaments (I've sort of gotten out of the habit the last 2 years....)~~

~~62. Organize my 'misc' closet~~

~~63. Organize my armoire~~

~~64. Organize my cedar chest~~

65. Set up a 'mud room' in the basement before the snow starts

~~66. Move my armoire to make room for the wood stove~~

~~67. Toast marshmallows in our fireplace!~~

~~68. Have a yard sale and DECLUTTER (this will obviously have to wait until Spring!)~~

~~69. Carol and deliver holiday goodies to everyone on our street~~

~~70. Get our Christmas Cards out the day after Thanksgiving~~

71. Exercise 5 days/week for at least a month

~~72. Make a new yule log for our family tradition~~

73. Set up a "Gift Shop" where my children can spend their chore bucks on gifts for family members and friends

74. Host a Christmas Caroling (or other sort of) party in our neighborhood

~~75. Update our 72 hour kits with warm clothing~~

76. Do a Fall Cleaning of our house (Deep cleaning)

~~77. Organize my laundry room closet~~

78. Be completely prepared for the sabbath on Sat night for a consecutive month

79. Have a "yes" day for my children

~~80. Go on a date with the Mr.~~

~~81. Go to the temple at least 4 times before June 2011~~

~~82. Get my Maine Physician Assistant Licensure~~

~~83. Take pictures (and blog them) of my children every Sunday for a month. (I can do this now that I have a new camera!!!!! THANK YOU Mom and Dad B!!!!)~~

84. Implement a good photo organization/sharing system.

85. Implement a new 'responsibility' motivation system for the children.

86. Stay home at least 1 weekday/week for a month.

87. Do a good, thorough cleaning of my house each week for a month.

88. Do a family service project at least once a month for 6 consecutive months.

89. Put on a family play.

~~90. Perform a song as a family.~~

~~91. Visit family in Utah and/or Oregon.~~

~~92. Get Angel's camera hooked up and teach her to use it.~~

93. Host a family sock hop

~~94. Implement a better recycling system~~

~~95. Smooth out and lay rocks in the driveway~~

~~96. Finish our gratitude chain (taller than the house)~~

~~97. Blog every Sunday for 2 months~~

98. Remember and call/send a card to every family member on their birthday for an entire year

99. Keep a New Year's Resolution for a least the entire month of January

100. Leave the Mr. a love note every day for a week.

101. Not complain about how much the Mr. is gone (aloud OR to myself) for an entire week! (NOT counting the week he is off....)

102. (OK, I keep thinking of more; why stop at 101?) Dance with my children every day for at least a week.

103. Have a freezer cooking day.

Piano Lessons

2012-01-15T15:14:00.001-07:00

I read a story in the Friend magazine a couple of weeks ago about some young children (ages 8 to 11) who played the piano for their church music program! The article said their ward (church congregation) lacked a piano player, at least for the Primary (children's organization), so one of the adult leaders came up with the idea to have some of the children each learn to play one or two songs. Each child told of how they practiced and practiced, and were able to perform it for their musical program at the end of the year!

It really inspired me to get my children started on piano lessons! Of course we have always planned to put all of our children in piano lessons in a few years when we have the financial means. We had initially decided to start them when they were 8 years old. But reading the article just sort of inspired me and helped me realize that I have the knowledge I need to teach them the basics to get started. So I decided to start now and see where it took us. So we did!

Of course, we are still in the very early stages, so it's still very thrilling and exciting for the children. But we are enjoying it immensely!

Grins was SO excited after his first lesson that he begged me to let him stay and listen to Angel's lesson too, so he could 'help teach her' and hear it all again. He was literally jumping up and down listening to her lesson, he was so excited! Every day they've asked if they could practice (I've never had to remind them!), and they have both already learned and mastered a song (right hand only so far...but good nonetheless!) I LOVE watching them work together on it as I prepare dinner (and Wiggles sits in her little chair and reads)! I keep thinking to myself, "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

Fun in the snow!

2012-01-15T14:49:00.001-07:00

What do you do with 12 inches of fresh, powdery snow? Why go sledding, of course! So we did!

Last year, Angel and Grins' sledding adventures were severely limited by Wiggles' inability to withstand the cold temperatures for very long. I was constantly torn between Wiggles crying to go home and the older two begging and pleading to stay and play. So imagine my surprise and delight when, after 10 minutes or so, I looked around to find Wiggles and saw her hiking (all by herself, amid countless school children) to the top of the hill, then sledding down, laughing. And then repeating the process, over and over and over again. Heaven on earth, I tell you. It was true bliss.

I didn't get any great shots of her sledding, but she could really get moving on that little slope slider!

Making a train with friends!

Of course, the boys wanted to try it standing up, and backwards, and head first....

Grins started trying 'tricks' where he would spin/twist/turn/jump.

Angel and her friend had a lot of fun too!

I seriously have the most adorable kids on the planet!

Doesn't Wiggles look like a little pink marshmallow? When she's in her snow suit I want to just eat her up!!!

We are truly enjoying living here! How incredible to have sledding hills and skating ponds at our fingertips! Winter sure is fun!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

2012-01-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful! (12 inches in 12 hours! We were EVER so grateful for the Snow Blower extraordinaire we were given this past summer and tried it out for the first time. The Mr. was very excited that he got to be home for a bit near the end of the storm to break the snow blower in - and I was thrilled to not be the one clearing our driveway for a change! :)

Zeo Sleep Manager

2012-01-12T17:49:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about the Zeo Sleep Manager? Neither had I until today...but now that I have, I must admit, I'm intrigued, and I even want one. Though, I realize that I don't NEED one - since I KNOW that I don't get enough sleep, and I know WHY (my 3 little sweethearts wake me up at least twice a night...usually more). Still, check it out here: doesn't it sound cool? (And you can even enter to win a free one here or here:!)

Ice Skating

2012-01-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

As a child, it never occurred to me that people still actually skate on ponds. Growing up in Oregon, I never experienced a winter cold enough to freeze a pond, so I assumed it was something the pioneers did 'way back when'. So last year, our first New England winter, I was shocked to see the pond near our house frozen SOLID! How exciting and novel! So, we collected some hand-me-down ice skates and hit the pond.

Last year, Wiggles only lasted about 10 seconds before she'd decided she had had enough skating. Ever. And wouldn't even allow us to put her skates back on her. This year, though, she was right out there with the rest of them. It was a bit 'warm' (in the 30s) so the ice was a bit soft, but we will had a lot of fun - and stayed for 4 HOURS!!! This may very well be the ONLY benefit to sub-freezing temperatures but hey, we've got to take whatever advantage we can get! :)

I loathe pictures of myself but am including this one 1- so my children will know I do things with them! and 2 - because I love Wiggles' expression!

This girl didn't stop! She just kept going and going, despite several face plants (as evidenced by the wet legs)

Grins doesn't skate - he RUNS on the ice. It's so much fun to watch!

Angel takes her time but was certainly more adventurous than last year!

Of course, everyone prefers skating with Daddy, because he goes much faster than Mom! :)

Boston

2012-01-08T19:36:00.001-07:00

The week after Christmas, the Mr. and I decided we were long overdue for a visit to the Temple, so we decided to take a day trip down to Boston! We and every other person in New England! Wow, was it crowded!! But oh, so fun!

I drove the Mr. and children to the T station, then headed back to the temple. The Mr. and children took the T to the Boston Children's Museum (pretty much the happiest / most stimulating place on earth, in my opinion! Disneyland has got nothing on the Boston Children's Museum! Truly.) They arrived just as it opened. The downside: There were probably more people there than live in the entire state of Maine - standing room only, and lots of lines. The upside: the kids still had a GREAT time!

Her smile cracks me up!

I had an beautiful time at the temple (much longer than we had originally planned but you just can't put a time limit on your visit - especially when we only make it down once a month!), and then took the T out to them at the Children's Museum. Together, we walked across town (over a mile!) to the Science museum (to 'see the city' but also to save the $3.40 train fare - that's how frugal we are! :) ). It was a fun, but COLD and long, walk, and we were thrilled to finally arrive at the Boston Museum of Science around 3pm. (The second happiest place on earth. Really.) We had a little sack lunch dinner and then made our way through the crowds to some of our favorite exhibits. We were able to see an incredible lightning show which thrilled us all (except Wiggles, who kept her hands over her ears and kept asking if it was over....though she quietly sat through the whole 20 min nevertheless!) The children had fun putting a 'body' together, looking at baby chicks hatching from eggs, doing science experiments, flying space shuttles....we had a blast! Of course, when the museum closed and we had to leave, the children insisted that the past 4 hours had not been NEARLY long enough and, of course, they are right. You could probably spend a week there and not see everything. But we will return soon.

Angel is trying to create an image of herself, carrying the earth.

All in all, a very successful day. I'm SO grateful for the days the Mr. has off, because I just haven't had the courage yet to brave Boston (and the long drive and the T travel) by myself with all 3 children. Maybe someday. But it was wonderful to have a family day! We really enjoy living so near to such a neat city!

Photographs

2012-01-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

At a recent PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) meeting, I learned something new: Posting (anywhere online - including a private blog) or email photographs of a minor without their parents' express permission is unlawful and prohibited. Meaning, if Angel has a birthday party and I take pictures, I can only post pictures of Angel - none of she and her friends. If I take a picture of Grins at school, I must be sure there are no other students visible if I want to email it to anyone. I suppose it makes sense....but this will change my blogging habits in the future. :( Which is a pity, because I had some adorable ones of Angel and her friends at a recent playdate.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Christmas morning, Angel awoke first, around 7:00. She desperately wanted to awaken Grins and go upstairs, but the Mr. asked if she would mind waiting until he'd had a chance to shower. So she cozied up next to me in bed and waited very patiently, not even asking once when she could go upstairs. The Mr. finally finished showering and dressing around 7:30, at which point she said, "Can I wake up Grins and go upstairs now?!" We laughed and obliged, and the two of them ran upstairs excitedly, with us following close behind.

Angel was delighted to find the Science kit she'd ask Santa for, and Grins was thrilled with his spy kit. They were equally delighted with the nuts, oranges, cough drops and vitamins (plus a few chocolates) in their stockings! They kept plenty busy until after 8 when we finally allowed them to awaken Wiggles, as we needed to leave for church at 8:30.

Wiggles got a quick peek at her gift from Santa, and we then got everyone dressed and out the door in record time.

Not the best photo but we had to run off to church! :)

After church, we returned home and got back into our PJs. (It's tradition) The Buchanan Family traditional Christmas morning breakfast is ebel skeevers but we don't have an ebel skeever pan. The Stout Family traditional Christmas morning breakfast is sausage breakfast casserole and Cinnabons but there is no cinnabon near us and last year's breakfast casserole was a disaster. So, we decided to start our own family tradition. It was fun....but probably just a one year event (you'll see why:)

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I asked the children what they wanted for Christmas morning breakfast. They had recently decorated a Gingerbread house (long story short: they decorated it in the church nursery one Tuesday night while I was working with the Young Women. After Young Women, I admired their beautiful job, carried the gingerbread house out to the car and set it on top of the car. You can guess where this is going. After loading up all of the very tired children and a young woman I was driving home.....I forgot about the house. Until I heard a huge crash a moment down the road. Not wanting to litter, I returned and picked up whatever gingerbread and platter fragments I could, but it devastated the children. And we didn't have the time or means to replace all of the ingredients necessary to make more houses....)

Naturally, the children asked if we could make Gingerbread houses for Christmas breakfast. I suggested that, since they would likely have sweets in their stockings, we select a more nutritious and substantial breakfast. That is when Angel came up with the "Waffle house" idea. I doubted it would work but the Mr. insisted we could make the waffles extra crispy and give it a try. So we did:

Waffle walls and roof with whipped cream 'glue' and blueberry syrup 'snow'.

Wiggles chose to decorate hers with strawberries, nuts, and cereal bits.

Grins went crazy with whip cream and sprinkles.

Angel was determined to make hers work, and disappointed when it didn't hold together.

In the end, though, they were all delicious! And we had fun!

After breakfast (which was technically brunch) we finished opening presents. Most of the pictures look the same: the children smiling as they open, or holding up their gift, so I'll simply post the year's favorites:

Grins - Lego Star Wars from Grandma and Grandpa Stout

Wiggles - candy. She literally would not even open other presents until she was done with her candy (I finally took it away!) as is evidenced by the following shot of her surrounded by unopened gifts as she sports a candy-covered face. Of course Angel and Grins willingly helped her unwrap, kind older siblings that they are! The doll from Santa came in second.

Angel - the porcelain ballerina doll from the Mr. and I

My favorite - this beautiful hawaiian blanket, gifted to the children's great-grandmother in Tahiti many years ago, and hand stitched by our very own Oma for our family. Beautiful and so meaningful with such an incredible story behind it!

After opening gifts we were able to Skype with both sets of grandparents, have a simple Christmas dinner as a family, and speak again of our gifts to the Savior for the coming year. It was a simple, quiet, and beautiful day with our little family, and we loved every minute of it!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

While we missed our extended families terribly this Christmas, I must say, it was nice having some quiet time with just our own little family; especially since the Mr. was able to be home for it!

After finishing the Yule Log on Christmas Eve, we donned hats/scarves/gloves and our little candles and went caroling to deliver some simple treats to our friends and neighbors. We were graciously received and had a LOT of fun! After 10 houses, the children, though freezing, still wanted to continue! But we reminded them that there were still more Christmas Eve activities waiting at home!

As soon as we returned home, we began dressing in our Nativity "costumes". Angel wanted to be the angel, Grins, the innkeeper, shepherd and wiseman, and Wiggles chose to be Baby Jesus. That is, until she learned that her part involved simply lying in the manger; at which point she decided to play the part of Mary, "if Daddy is 'Thoseph' ". I was the narrator and photographer. We read Luke 2 and acted along, pausing for hymns in the appropriate places.

Tell me that's not the cutest little Mary you've ever seen - with the Baby Jesus in her tummy poking out the top of her shirt.

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all ^athe world should be ^btaxed.

2 (And this ^ataxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called^aBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his ^aespoused wife, being great with child.

Mary rides the donkey to Bethlehem.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with ^ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and ^apondered them in her heart.

Matthew 2: 9 When (the wise men) had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 ¶And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and ^afrankincense, and myrrh.

After completing our little Nativity performance, we enjoyed a delicious Bethlehem feast seated on the ground, with our hands, the way Mary and Joseph would have eaten. We enjoyed lamb, couscous, pear and goat cheese salad, and some figs for dessert.

After finishing our feast, we changed into our pajamas, quickly sprinkled "Reindeer Food" on the front lawn, left some cookies and notes for Santa Claus, and were off to bed!

Christmas Yule Log

2011-12-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Christmas traditions, passed down from my mother, is the Yule Log. I'm sure there are a multitude of ways in which this tradition is celebrated, but in our home, it goes something like this:

Five nights before Christmas, the Mr. and I light the first candle on the log and talk about our first meeting, our courtship, engagement, and marriage. We speak of how we fell in love and made the decision to be married, and of our wedding and early years of marriage. We then present each of the children with a gift we've selected or made specifically for them. Everyone in the family then says something they love about us (so fun to hear what the children come up with!), and then we sing our favorite Christmas song. We then present the family with an ornament we've chosen for the year, by which we will remember 2011. This year we selected a Santa Clause, since we visited Santa's Village this year.

Four nights before Christmas is Angel's night. Angel lights her candle with the light from ours, symbolizing how our love increased with her arrival. We tell the story of how we longed for a baby, how we learned that we were expecting Angel and how we announced it to the world. We tell of my pregnancy with her, her birth story, and her personality as a baby. Each family member then takes a turn sharing something they love about Angel. Grins said he loves how silly Angel is with him. And Wiggles loved how Angel helps her get dressed. Angel then presents each family member with a gift she has made or selected for them, and we then give her an ornament representing her year. This year she was given a ballerina, in memory of her first ballet lessons. She then led us in "Oh Christmas Tree", her (current) favorite Christmas carol.

The following night we celebrate Grins. We repeat the process with Grins, and this year, he was given an apple, symbolizing his beginning school this year.

The night before Christmas Eve is Wiggles' night. I had wanted to get her a "Yoda" ornament, since that was her Halloween costume this year, and she enjoyed it immensely. But since I couldn't find one, she was given a teddy bear, symbolizing the fact that (as I've mentioned previously) her stuffed animals and toys have become her dearest friends since Grins and Angel are both in school.

This is not the best picture - but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to document Angel dressing up her puppy (note the snowflake barrettes) and setting her comfortably in the yule log circle.

Christmas eve, our final night of the Yule Log, we light a white candle for Jesus. We read scriptures of His life, speak of the many miracles He performed, His teachings, and His sacrifice. Then we each offer up a gift to Him for the coming year; mostly a way in which we will follow His example and improve ourselves. This year, Wiggles offered sharing, Grins promised to be obedient, Angel promised kindness, I offered patience and the Mr, devotion.

As you can tell - we are all very tired in this picture! Don't worry - we went straight to bed after this photo was taken!

I will say, the ornaments are the most difficult part of this tradition, as it's often hard to find ornaments I'm looking for (such as Yoda). But, looking back at the 30 ornaments I've collected over the years and reminiscing on my first year playing the violin, my first car, and first time to Disneyland, etc, makes me want to carry this tradition on with my own children, and makes the hours of ornament shopping all worth it in the end!

Santa's Village

2011-12-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas came a couple of weeks early for us this year! Grandma and Grandpa surprised us with a little vacation - a trip to Santa's Village! I don't think they could have spoiled us more! We started by pulling the kids out of school early on Friday and heading to The Royalty Inn. There, we spent the evening swimming (for 5 hours!), playing games, watching a Christmas movie, and enjoyed a "room service" dinner in our room. (I've never really ordered room service, but I always pack picnic dinners for us to enjoy in our hotel room. Room service on a budget!) :)

Our new GPS - also a Christmas present - showed us the way!!

This picture is horrible - but the view on the drive up through the White Mountains was INCREDIBLE! I must have taken 20 or more pictures trying to capture it....and couldn't. But it truly was amazing.

Little snow flurries as we drove created the perfect "Christmas" drive through the mountains!

Watching our new Christmas movie from Aunt Rachel and cousin Ryan!

Grins' face = That gust of wind was FREEZING! Wiggles' hair = just woke up from a car nap.

The Royalty Inn

Room Service :)

We love to swim!!!

The next morning, we were the first ones at the pool again! Angel and Grins kept jumping back and forth between the hot tub and large pool - a feat much to difficult for their parents because of the wide temperature gap! We swam from 7 to 10, and were only able to finally convince the children to get out of the pool with the promise of Santa's Village which awaited them.

Our room at the Royalty Inn came complete with a scrumptious breakfast at Welch's Restaurant. So we stopped by on the way to Santa's Village, and we certainly ate like Kings! Wiggles' Mickey Mouse pancake was larger than her head! And all of our food was delicious!

Wiggles was so starving while we waited for our food that she opened up a jam container and dug right in!

Sipping hot cocoa....

....and dribbling down her chin. Nice!

We finally made it to Santa's Village just after they had opened at 11am. We had no idea we would have to wait half an hour in line just to get in! Mr. and Wiggles dropped us off to stand in line, and then went to park. Knowing we each had a cell phone, we figured it would be easy to meet up. But unfortunately, the Mr. made it into the wrong line and they wouldn't let him in (since I had his ticket, and had given it to the woman in the OTHER line). When we tried to call each other, we discovered that the Mr's cell phone was out of range! So, finally, after an hour of looking for him, the kids and I went to the front entrance and found he and Wiggles waiting outside. :( A bit of a rocky start - but things only got better from then on!

We started with a treasure hunt. There are 26 elves hidden around the village, each with a particular stamp. So the children had a lot of fun finding the elves and stamping their 'passport'. I think it was one of their favorite activities of the day!

Elfabet University. I love Wiggles' hat! :)

Then, to the childrens' great delight, Grins and Angel got to drive their 'own' cars! I remember this being my favorite ride at Disneyland as a child, and they loved it (especially Grins!)

The reindeer carousel was a big hit as well!

Wiggles kept saying "Look! I'm riding Rudolph!"

The bumper cars did NOT go so well....at least, the first time around. The Mr. took Grins, Wiggles went with Mommy, and Angel went on her own. But after a time or two around the ring, I couldn't find Angel anywhere. I finally saw her spinning circles, crying. She couldn't figure out how to steer- and apparently if you turn the steering wheel to quickly it spins you in circles. So there she stayed, spinning circles, crying, while other cars bumped into her. It was just about the saddest thing I've ever seen. Of course, for safety reasons, neither the Mr. nor I could get out to help her, but we surrounded her and managed to sort of push her car off to the side of the ring where we sat with her until our time was up. She insisted that she NEVER wanted to go on bumper cars again. But the Mr. and I wanted her to try again for a more positive experience...so finally, at the end of the day, we convinced her to give it another chance. This time, we had Wiggles sit out (the worker graciously let her sit on his bench where she miraculously stayed the whole time!) Grins and I went, while the Mr. took Angel. And our plan worked.....she ended up liking the bumper cars after all!

Of course there were several fun photo-ops that the children simply couldn't resist. For example, some cupcake chairs:

Yes, Wiggles is wearing a PINK coat with RED snow pants. She refused to wear her black coat.

It was bright and sunny, as Grins' wink shows.

These two weren't sure about the Chimney Drop, but they gave it a try:

And we had to check out the life sized Nativity, of course!

The kids especially enjoyed the "Bah Humbug" ride, in which they each got a lazer gun with which to shoot the various bugs throughout the 'haunted house'. Wiggles got 1 point, Grins got 2 points, and Angel got 3.

The ride we rode first, last, and many times in between (it was Angel's favorite ride in the whole park!) was the "Pixie Mix". The children simply sit and spin while the ride rotates around. They loved trying to give me a 'high 5' when it came around near me. Oddly enough, though Wiggles was the only one brave (or clueless) enough to join me on the roller coaster (she didn't even cry!!), this, one of the mildest rides, was her least favorite. Perhaps she prefers the adrenaline rush brought on by the more exciting rides.

Angel trying to 'high 5' me.

One of the highlights of our visit by far was interacting with Santa's reindeer. I think it was a first for all of us, and it was truly magical! We were able to feed them some treats, pet them, and try tossing rings on reindeer antlers.

Of course, our trip to Santa's Village wouldn't be complete without a visit with Santa! We didn't even mind the hour long wait, since most of it was in his warm house by the cozy fire, sipping on apple cider!

Santa called each child by name and asked if they would like him to bring them a surprise on Christmas Eve. Grins just couldn't believe that he gave each child THREE candy canes!

After enjoying a fun 3D Christmas movie (neat and WARM!), some dinner, and some additional rides (Ferris Wheel, Drummer Boy, Peppermint Twist, etc) we finished up with a Skyway Sleigh ride, on which we went around the park and were able to see the thousands of beautiful Christmas lights throughout the park and beyond. It was an incredible view, and a fantastic way to end a very fun-filled day! (None of the dozen plus shots I took did the lights justice, but these 3 always look cute:)

When the park closed at 7, we (some of us, tearfully) left the park, and after nearly 20 minutes in the warm car we finally got some feeling back in our toes. :) The children slept peacefully for most of the 2 1/2 hour drive home, and the Mr. and I enjoyed some lovely conversation. A perfect end to a practically perfect little getaway. Thank you, Mom and Dad!!!

Wiggles' pout is because she was cold and tired and did NOT want to stop for a quick picture. :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Since not much has changed since our 2010 Christmas letter, this promises to be a pretty boring letter.…so we decided to let Wiggles (who just turned 3) write this year’s message, in an effort to ‘spruce things up’ a bit:

Dear Everybody,

Merry Christmas! Jesus is born! Christmas is the birth of the Newborn King, baby Jesus. It’s Christmastime right now!!

We live in Maine in our house. Our Daddy works at his work. At the hospital. He takes care of sick people. He lives at the hospital too sometimes because he sleeps there. Mommy stays home and cleans up. And wraps presents. And cooks dinner. Angel (6) works at school. And she takes ballet at her dance class. And she does her jobs. Grins (5) goes to school at Kindergarten. And he kicks soccer balls. And he messes things up. I am Wiggles. I stay home with Mommy and help her clean up all the messes that I make. And I sing. And I play games with Mommy. And toys.

I love Christmastime. I love presents. And I like wrapping presents. And I love writing this letter. And remember about Christmas. It’s about Jesus’ birthday. So we should be nice. And be good. And give some cake to Jesus.

I love you! All of you guys!

Love,

Wiggles (and the rest of the Buchanan family)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

We've had a quiet day here, with the Mr. sleeping (since he worked all last night and goes back to work another overnight shift in a couple of hours), me keeping an eye on the turkey, and a nice, cozy fire in our new wood stove. The children begged for a "jammie day" (meaning they don't have to get dressed all day long!) and so far, we have enjoyed some Thanksgiving crafts, stories, and games of Boggle Jr, UNO Moo, Barrel of Monkeys, and Settlers of Zarahemla (well, OK, only half of a game of Settlers - they tired of it after about an hour). Though the turkey's been in for over 8 hours now, the timer is still not popped, and I'm hoping it pops in the next hour or the Mr. will miss it all together! Other than that, though, it's been a peaceful, quiet, and relaxing day! I haven't accomplished a single thing other than keeping the children dressed and preparing our simple meal (Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, rolls, cranberry sauce, fresh beet salad, steamed green beans, and a pumpkin pie...much simpler than either of our extended families, but all I was willing to do on my own. :) )

The kids helped me make some little napkin 'turkeys' for our place settings:

Family Pictures

2011-11-20T15:22:00.002-07:00

I am lucky enough to know one of the most amazing photographers EVER! She did an incredible job on our family pictures this year! I wanted to capture our family in the beautiful New England fall colors - and she did just that! I can't decide on a favorite....so here are a few of my top choices! (Oh, and just so you know - Wiggles had an ear infection that day {we didn't know it at the time} so she was not very smiley or cooperative...usually she is full of smiles!) I posted the color ones so you can see the fall colors, but the black and white ones are incredible too!

Isn't this the most precious little girl you've ever laid eyes on?

Jessica, thanks for all of your great work!!! And Maine (and Utah) friends, if you want me to hook you up with her awesome photography skills, let me know! She does amazing work! :)

Walking to school

2011-11-17T12:22:00.001-07:00

We have the most BEAUTIFUL path to the kids' school each morning! Sometimes we walk, sometimes we bike - but either way, we make our way through our quiet neighborhood, through a small forest/grove of trees, and then up to school together. Right now we are really enjoying all of the incredible fall foliage. I am loving the crisp, fall air that is cool, but not too cold! But this is my favorite part of our walk:

Happy Birthday Wiggles!

2011-11-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Wiggles,

Happy Birthday, my little firecracker! Has it really been 3 years? You seem to grow fastest of all of my children. And yet, I can't even remember my life before you! You've always been there - in my arms, or on my hip. Practically inseparable, you and I!

You are one of life's greatest pleasures. You are the happiest happiness I've ever known. The loudest laugh, the biggest smile, the tightest hug, the shrillest shriek of delight. You live life to it's fullest - there is no 'middle of the road' with you. You are either on top of the world....or you are most certainly not. Fortunately, though, you are mostly on top! :)

You are very social. You've had somewhat of a difficult time with Grins and Angel both going to school, because you crave the play time and constant interactions you have when they are home. Lately, you are getting very good at playing independently while I work around the house (cleaning, cooking, etc.). I wondered what helped you progress to an independent player, until one day, you clued me into your secret. I said, "Wiggles, it's time to get in the car! We need to go shopping!" You were in your room playing with your dollhouse and said, "OK! I'm coming! I just need to get my friends!" You then emerged from the room with your arms full of stuffed animals, dollhouse dolls, and your little caterpillar toy. You said, "Can you please help me carry my friends to the car?" I responded, "No, sweetheart, we can't bring all those toys with us. Toys need to stay home." To which you insisted, "These aren't toys! They are my friends! They have to come with me or they'll get lonely and I'll get lonely!" I finally realized that, since you no longer have your best friend Grins around, you had developed friendships with your toys. I must admit, it made me a little sad, realizing you were having to resort to inanimate objects...but I was also very pleased with your imagination and inventiveness! (is that a word?) So, I agreed to let you take one 'friend' with you. The decision of whom to take was easy for you. You instantly said, "OK I'll take Elmo." I didn't see any Elmos in your arms (the red, furry monster), but you explained that your plastic toy caterpillar's name was Elmo. You brought him along, and since then, he's been your best friend. You take him everywhere (except church), and even sleep with him! It's comical really, since he's not snuggly at all, but you love him, and that's what matters. When you love, you love with all of your heart. As I said, you don't do anything part way!

Lately you've been having a hard time listening or obeying. And you've been talking NONSTOP. I mean, literally, chatting for hours on end, quiet only when you are eating or sleeping. I was becoming incredibly frustrated with your seeming rebellion and was at my wit's end. Until one day, when we were reading scriptures during our morning devotional. Usually, for your turn reading a verse, I read a sentence and you repeat it after me. On this particular morning, however, you were having a difficult time repeating me. You kept asking "What?" or repeating nonsensical words - which is very unlike you, since you can usually pronounce even long and difficult words with ease. I finally realized that you were not hearing me. I began talking much louder and, lo and behold, you began listening and obeying immediately!!! It was amazing the difference that it made, and I felt horrible for having been frustrated at your seeming disobedience, when really, you simply couldn't hear! It has truly made me appreciate what a sweet girl you are! I'm hoping the hearing loss is simply due to your congestion (you've had an upper respiratory infection for quite a while!) But if the hearing deficit persists we will pursue other causes. In the meantime, though, speaking clearly has made all the difference.

You are so loving. You are constantly asking, "Are you happy?" or "Are you nice?" You are our little happiness guru and it is wonderful. You truly are our family's, and my own, little ray of hope and sunshine. How did we ever get along without you, my love? You are Heaven on earth.

Thank you for letting me be your Mommy. I consider it the greatest honor and privilege I could imagine. I cherish and love you more than you'll ever know. I love you, Wiggles!

Love,
Mommy

Wiggles, 3 hours old

Wiggles, 1 week old

Wiggles, 1 year old

Wiggles, 2 years old

Wiggles, 3 years old. She put 3 pairs of pajamas on and then said, "Look at me! I'm fat!"

I just realized while posting this that I don't have one single picture of Wiggles on her 3rd birthday. :( :( :( It was either due to a camera malfunction or my brain malfunction (I took my national recertification exam 2 days after her birthday, so I was slightly preoccupied!)....but fortunately, it was a very happy day and she was a very happy three year old. I'll make up for the lack of photos at Christmas time! :)

Biker Chic

2011-11-13T14:12:00.001-07:00

This girl has been going to town on her "big girl" bike! Well, ok, not all the way to TOWN, but she has ridden all the way to the kids' school and back (a little more than a mile) all by herself a few times!

The Point Lookout

2011-11-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

Last month, the Mr. had an ACP (American College of Physicians) Conference up in Northport, Maine, at the Point Lookout Resort. Not wanting to give up his rare and precious weekend with the family, he opted not to go....until he noticed that they actually had family activities planned on the itinerary! The ACP (Maine chapter, at least), has figured out that the best way to ensure high attendance is to include families....and it worked for us! So, we booked a cottage (courtesy of the ACP), and we were off....

(NOTE: Please forgive the yucky cell phone photos. Although I packed the camera - and new batteries- it still refused to work. Thank goodness for my cell phone or we would have been completely out of luck!)

A view of our cottage (and the beautiful New England fall colors!)

A couple of views of the resort:

The first night, we went bowling. I think it's been at least a year since the last time we went - and the kids were in heaven!

I love how her little hand is still stiff even after rolling the ball....as she watches with eager anticipation!

Trying to figure out who won...

The final scores! (In case you're wondering, the 3rd one (2nd "M") is Mommy!!! Just in case you were wondering....)

Then a little foosball...

The next day started out rainy, so we hit the 'rec' center for some pool and table tennis.

Wiggles was not really "into" the games - so she decided to fill up a cup of water for everyone in the family. And then 10 more. And then 8 more. I can't find the picture to prove it, but she had a line of 23 cups, all of which she had filled to the brim. Good thing we had worked up a sweat during our energetic games of table tennis!

Of course, once the kids (and the Mr.) realized there was an entire ROOM devoted to a Wii game (!), they didn't want to do anything else.....

When the rain and clouds finally lifted, it was a BEAUTIFUL day, and we decided to hike up the mountain to the summit. A long hike, but definitely worth it! The pictures don't do it justice, of course! (What do you expect from a cell phone?)

It was a short and simple getaway - but having the Mr. there was vacation enough for all of us! It just doesn't get any better! :)

Menu Plan Monday

2011-11-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here's what's cooking at our house this week (since a couple people have asked - most recipes can be found on my recipe blog).

Monday: Butternut Squash pasta, crusty bread, tossed green salad, honeydew melon
Tuesday: Chicken curry with rice, steamed green beans, steamed cabbage
Wednesday: Buttercup squash soup, wheat rolls, craisin-goat cheese salad, mixed fresh fruit
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: homemade pizza, strawberry spinach salad, watermelon

Grins the helper!

2011-11-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

Grins brought home a note from church today, which said:

I helped a friend at school feel better.
I helped my Mom by making my bed and picking up my toys.
I helped at church by listening.
I helped my Dad by making my Mom happy.

The last one made me laugh! I guess he's picked up on the age old saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Apple Picking

2011-11-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Apparently, you haven't truly experienced a New England autumn until you've gone apple picking! So, the kids and I decided to give it a try one weekend (while the Mr. was at work)! It was definitely a hit, and probably the start of an annual tradition (while we are in Maine, at least!) Hopefully the Mr. will be able to join us next time!

Grins thought the 'apple picker' was the perfect little home for puppy!

Wiggles was ready to go! She insisted on pulling the apple cart that weighed at least twice as much as she did!

Please forgive the millions of pictures of the orchard - it was just so beautiful, I kept snapping photos!

And, we're off to find some apples!

Angel is smelling to make sure they are good!

Why bother with smelling when you can taste it? There was a sign that said "If you taste, don't waste!" So Grins went to town making sure nothing was wasted! :)

Angel loved picking apples so much - I think she got 20 in the first minute that we were there! I had to tell her to stop- I didn't think we would be able to eat as many apples as she was picking! Next year, I'm going to plan ahead and be prepared to make applesauce - then I'll let the kids pick to their little hearts' content! :)

Hanging out in the orchard!

And, of course, if Grins is around, "hanging out" will invariably turn to wrestling!

And, if Angel is around, wrestling will turn into hugs and kisses!

This is such a sad picture of Wiggles - apparently she is needing to go to the bathroom - but I love how it captures each of my children so perfectly! Grins off in the background, playing with puppy, Angel smiling for the camera, and Wiggles making sure her needs are known. I love how each of my children have their own unique personalities! They are so much fun!!!

And apparently, now Grins needs to use the bathroom....I think it's hilarious I didn't notice these things while I was taking pictures...

Once we finally got the kids out of the orchard, we went and purchased the apples (and some fresh donuts - YUM!), put our faces in the cutouts, and each picked out a pumpkin! All in all, a great trip to the Orchard!

LOVE THESE CUDDLE BUGS!!!!

New Gloucester Fair

2011-11-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

This past month, the kids and I (and some friends) took a trip up to visit the New Gloucester Fair. Despite being somewhat cold and windy, the kids didn't seem to mind, and we had a lot of fun!

Frugal family that we are (by necessity), I splurged and allowed each child to choose one ride (from the bouncy house, bungee jump, pony rides and lazer tag). They very graciously each chose their favorite - and I was very proud of them for their positive attitudes and gratitude, despite knowing they longed to do more. Sometimes as a parent, I long to be able to give my child everything they want, and this was no exception. I saw their eyes light up at the myriad of options available, and the disappointment in their eyes when they realized they could only choose one was unmistakable. But, though at times it's difficult and I would love to be in a better financial position, I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach them about self-restraint, sacrifice, gratitude, and that money/entertainment/things aren't everything. And it was great to see how well they responded in this situation.

Wiggles chose the pony rides. At first, she was thrilled. Not one bit of fear - she was just enjoying the ride. Until the pony in front of her stopped to do his business. She watched with the most horrified look on her face, and said "Ugh! Mommy! That horse is going poop right in front of me! Gross!!!!" The horse finally completed his task and resumed walking - only to stop after another go around to do some more business. This time Wiggles was even more disgusted. "Now he's going potty! On the GROUND! Ewww!" The look on her face - disgust and horror mixed with a bit of intrigue - was priceless! I wish I had captured it on camera! But, despite the 'pit stops', she enjoyed the ride!

Each child got to select and decorate a pumpkin. This was definitely a hit, and enjoyed by all 3 of them! Lots of hair, stickers, feathers, paint and glue were employed, resulting in 3 of the world's most adorable pumpkin faces....and their 3 adorable creators! :)

Wiggles loves stickers!

It was so sunny that Grins couldn't look at the camera without squinting! :)

And Angel, the artist, went all-out, of course!

Angel and Grins both chose the Bungee Jump. I thought one - or both- of them would chicken out....but they LOVED it!

We all took a ride on the very tall Fire Truck! We had to climb a ladder just to get on - it had quite the lift! (The tires were taller than the children...) I was terrified of the height (no railing or anything - it seemed so dangerous for young children!) so it wasn't the most comfortable ride I've ever taken, but the kids enjoyed it which made it all worth it!

The hula hoops and bean bag toss kept us busy for awhile!

Finally, for lunch, we decided to take our picnic down to the edge of a pond/stream. With the fall colors and the crystal clear water, it was a picture perfect sight! I am truly loving New England in the Fall!

We are (as the locals say) Maine-ahs!

2011-11-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

One day, because he is such an amazing doctor, (or simply because he is fortunate enough to have awesome patients), a very kind fisherman-patient of the Mr. gave us 2 fresh caught Maine lobsters. The Mr. brought them home and said, "Look! I brought home dinner!" to which I replied, "Great! As long as YOU cook them!" (While I do love lobster meat, I have never been able to do the dirty deed of making something living into a meal....) Fortunately, the Mr. obliged, and we enjoyed a delightful treat.

Grins' first day of Kindergarten!

2011-11-06T16:49:00.001-07:00

I was very nervous about sending Grins to school this year! Even though he meets the cutoff in the Maine school system by a few months, since he had just barely turned 5, I hesitated. I seriously considered keeping him home another year. But he wanted so badly to go, that I decided we would give it a try, and see how it went. And he has LOVED it so far!

He was supposed to start school Thurs, 2 days after Angel started. But Thurs morning, he was complaining of a stomach ache. Assuming it was nerves, I recommended he just get ready for school, go as planned, and that, as school started, he would probably feel better. The Mr. took the morning off, and Grins asked that the Mr. accompany him on his first bus ride to school (as he did with Angel last year). So, we got him all ready and, aside from not touching his breakfast, he seemed to be doing OK, so we headed for the bus stop. Three steps out the door, though, poor little Grins' tummy could be silent no longer, and he got sick all over the front lawn. Poor little guy! So, the Mr. took Angel to school, and Grins stayed home another day. He felt perfectly fine after that, though, and started school the next day, without further incident:

Unlike Angel's first day of school, Grins' first day was beautifully sunny!

(A little too sunny for great picture taking!)

Angel was happy to walk him in (I love seeing my kids holding hands - is there anything better? I hope they continue this tradition for a long, long time!)

I hesitated to leave, but he sat right down at his table, took out his play-doh, and started to play, as if he'd been doing this for years. Then he looked up, realized I was still there, and said, "Bye, Mommy. You can leave now!"

Of course, after we dropped the kids off, Wiggles wanted to have her own photo shoot:

And she insisted on carrying Grins' backpack

Wiggles was so funny! When we first dropped both kids off at school and started back home, she gasped and said, "Mommy! We forgot (Angel) and (Grins)! We need to go back and get them, hurry!" I laughed, and told her that, now that they were in school, it would just be Mommy and Wiggles together during the day, and that we would have some special time alone together. She kept asking, "Just me and Mommy?" and I worried that she would miss them terribly. I asked, "What would you like to do, with just you and Mommy?" So, during our walk home, she planned out our entire day. "First, we're going to play blocks. Then, we're going to play the elephant game. Then, we're going to play the Old McDonald game (Uno-Moo). Then, we'll play blocks again." It was adorable to see how excited she was about finally being in charge of things, for a change!

Angel's First Day of School

2011-11-06T15:19:00.001-07:00

How has my little Angel grown into a first grader already?! Time seems to speed more quickly with each passing day!

Angel was SO excited to start school this year! She enjoyed getting her hair cut, shopping for some new school clothes, and was so excited to meet her teacher and new friends!

First day of school:

(For some reason, she wanted me to take a 'back' shot....)

It was a rainy morning - so everyone was crammed inside. But Angel paused for a quick photo shoot!

In front of her classroom:

Sitting at her desk:

And, after we dropped her off, I looked to see how she was adjusting....and she didn't even look back!

Finding her way through the crowd, after school:

When I asked how her first day of school went, she said "Great! I made 5 new friends! And my teacher is really nice! It's going to be a great year!"

Back to school Haircuts!

2011-11-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Just before school started, I decided some haircuts were in order! Believe it or not, at nearly 3 years old, this was Wiggles' FIRST haircut ever! (I just can't chop those curls off!) So, of course, I had to take pictures! It's all I can do to keep Grin sitting (relatively) still during the quick haircut, so I didn't get a picture of him...but here are the girls.

Angel wanted a bob and she loved the outcome so much, she kept running into the bathroom and looking in the mirror, every few minutes, throughout the rest of the day:

Wiggles:

BEFORE

AFTER (I didn't take much off - just evened it out!)

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have NO idea how Grins first heard/learned about "Darth Vader" (the obsession began just before his 5th birthday - before he had started school!), since we've never seen/read/watched/discussed anything Star Wars related. But somehow, he did, and it was not a passing fancy! Grins wanted a "Darth Vader" birthday party, then Star Wars legos....and when neither of those requests were met, he insisted on being Darth Vader for Halloween this year. So, I finally gave in and we checked out a "Star Wars ABCs" board book from the library. (Really?! Who in their right mind thinks Star Wars is appropriate for any child who reads board books? But I figured that it would be the most benign of all Star Wars books, so I allowed it....)

Before I knew it, the children had decided on a Star Wars theme for Halloween this year. One friend offered to loan us their Darth Vader costume, another chimed in with Yoda, and it just seemed too easy to refuse. I even managed to transform an old sheet and a $2 clearance belt into a Princess Leia costume. The Mr. decided to join in the fun as Han Solo ("because Harrison Ford is way better looking than whomever played Luke...."). Since I was too busy studying for my national recertification exam on and before Halloween, I sat out this year. :( And, since I'm the family photographer, we didn't get many good shots....but here are a few! :)

Trick or Treat!

We Love Boston!

2011-10-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

It is so fun living near a big city! And because our nearest Temple is located in Boston, we head down every month or so! This summer, we went down to visit some friends before they moved West, and we decided to make a whole day of it - and we could have spent many more days there - there is so much to see and do!

This was the first time we took the train down - and I don't think we'll ever drive down again, now that we know how easy and convenient the train is! It was fun, fast, and so much better than trying to navigate our way through the city! :)

We spent hours at the Boston Common's Frog Pond! (And check out that playground across the walkway!)

(From a distance, it looks like Angel is nude - but she is, in fact, wearing a bathing suit...don't you worry!)

Although I had planned ahead and packed a bag with a picnic lunch and drinks, I had tried to pack light (since I was carrying the bag on my shoulders!), and I didn't anticipate how MUCH we would drink, given the heat of the day and the amount of walking we did....so we had to 'splurge' and get a drink at a small stand. Given the ridiculous price ($6 for a small lemonade!!!), we only got one for our whole family. We stuck 3 straws in and told the kids to share - but they were all so thirsty no one could stand to wait, so they all dug in at the same time. The Mr. and I laughed, took a picture, and then told them to save some for us....and in that small amount of time it was already gone! The poor little dears were SO thirsty!

The bright, noonday sun does not lend itself well to picture taking, but I had to document these odd-looking plants we found in the Public Garden. I've never seen anything like them before. Don't they look just like something out of a Dr. Seuss book?

While strolling through the Public Garden, we found a goose nest with 7 eggs in it!

We also happened upon a one-man band (think "Bert" from Mary Poppins). The children were simply captivated by him, so of course we stopped to enjoy the show.

He had so thoughtfully set up some instruments, and encouraged any interested children to come join in the fun! Ours were the only ones brave enough to take the leap...

...until at last, another small friend joined in.

Mr. Music Man in all his get-up:

From the back:

And what trip to the Public Garden would be complete without a ride on the Swan Boats? (If you've never read "Make Way For Ducklings", you simply must! It's wonderful!)

Eagerly anticipating our turn!

It's finally our turn! Here we are getting onto the boat...

And, it's sunny! But we are having fun!

It was a beautiful day, and we had a picture-perfect visit! Though we are far from family and miss them dearly, we are trying to make the most of our time here, and are definitely enjoying being near to so many landmarks!

Fourth of July

2011-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July, we went up to Freeport for a delicious pancake breakfast (Maine Blueberry pancakes, of course!), parade (albeit a VERY small one!), and a little visit to LL Bean. We also tried our first (and last!) "Lobster Ice Cream" (Grins gagged.)

"Inside" the fish tank at LLBean (It was far too crowded to wait for a better photo-op)

The 2 moose with interlocked antlers at LL Bean. They died because, while fighting, their antlers becamed intertwined and they couldn't figure a way out. One of just 2 like it in the world!

The "LL Bean Boot" in the parade. The boot usually sits right in front of the store!

Wiggles has the best seat in the whole parade, up on Daddy's shoulders.

Watching the parade.

A pretty uneventful holiday, but at least we got to spend it together as a family! It was especially nice to have the Mr. home!!

Westward Ho - Oregon

2011-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

I finally finished our post about Sunriver - when the kids said "Don't forget the pictures of the tiny frog we found!" So, for them, here is Mr. Frog (playing dead and all):

Our Garden...

2011-10-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

....was a little pathetic this year. Of course, I attribute that to the fact that I was out West for one month, so it was neglected. Still....take a look at our carrots. Beautiful greens, but very sad roots. :( Better luck next year (I hope!)

Westward Ho - Sunriver

2011-10-23T19:03:00.004-07:00

So, as I mentioned previously, in our big trip out "West", we flew to Utah and spent some time with the Buchanans, then drove (12 hours!) to Oregon to spend some time with the Stouts. Uncle Daniel was kind enough to drive us! (And Aunt Amy, his sweet wife, so graciously let him go without her for a week since we took up all the seats in their car! We owe them big time!) Miraculously, we all fit in his car! And, aside from the typical quarrels and "are we there YET??!" complaints, the kids did fairly well. (Although, I'm pretty sure Daniel swore off ever having children, and I did swear I would NEVER do that drive again!!!) Then, once we got to the Stout house, we took another drive (4 hours this time!) to Sunriver Resort. I wondered if all that driving would be worth it. It was!

First of all, it was truly a treasure to be able to spend time with "GG" and "GG-Pa", my sweet grandparents. They are wonderful and, even though Grandma is in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease and keeps wondering "Whose kids are these?", she is very loving and gentle with the children. While I'm sad that my kids don't get to know the Grandma I knew as a child, it is wonderful watching them with her, and seeing them build a relationship with her. And it is neat to see that, though she doesn't remember anything or anybody, she has still maintained her nurturing nature, and deep love of children. It seems to be one of her most primitive instincts. And Grandpa is as wonderful as ever. I have always looked up to him - even as a child - and my love and respect for him has only deepened and increased over the years. Especially over these past 10 years, as I've watched his patience and the tender, loving care he continues to offer Grandma, despite the tremendous physical and emotional burdens it places on him. He is one of my greatest heros, and I miss him SO much! It is so hard to be so far from these sweet loved ones, when I know their time on earth is limited, so I was very grateful indeed for the time we had together!

Grandma looks alarmed, but it's probably just because she doesn't know why I'm taking a picture of her...

I love seeing them like this - after 60+ years, they are still holding hands!

And, of course, we enjoyed other loved ones as well! (Excuse the pics out of order...such a pain to rearrange!)

These girls LOVE snuggling with their Aunt Abbie! And matching PJs just sealed the deal!

Even though it was still a couple of weeks away, we celebrated Grins' 5th birthday at Sunriver! Complete with Grandma's Famous Lime Cake! (YUM! and ridiculously sweet!) Grins was thrilled with his new Plasma Car and Whac-a-mole game!

Wiggles adores her Grandpa!

Angel and Abbie and their culinary creations!

All the Cousins! When these 4 get together, it is non-stop silliness! :)

Fort Rock Playground offered hours of fun in the sun!

Abbie and Grandpa enjoyed some Tetherball!

Wiggles had fun, of course!

The kids spent hours with this merry-go-round!

Aunt Abbie with the 4 nieces and nephews!

Group shot with Aunt Hannah, Aunt Abbie, Grandma & Grandpa

I wish I'd taken a picture of all of us at our cabin! It was so much fun! The pool table and wii were both a big hit with the kids, but they loved the hot tub most of all! I think we spent every night out there! During the day, though, most of our time was spent at the pool!!!

Wiggles LOVED this tunnel slide! She went down again and again and again....until the time that I tried to take her picture. I was waiting at the end with the camera. She didn't want me to take a picture, so she said "Put the camera down!" so I put it to the side where she couldn't see it. Then, as she slid down, I moved it in front of her, but she slipped to the other side and, since I was holding the camera, I caught her awkwardly with one hand....and after that, she would only go down the slide if I held BOTH hands right up in front of her. So I never got a picture. Sigh.

Here's Wiggles, refusing to go down the slide because I'm holding the camera. So funny!

This was one of Angel's only turns down the tunnel slide! After that they told her she was too tall! She was so sad! And I couldn't believe that my little baby is TOO TALL for something!! STOP GROWING, ANGEL! :)

Grins loved the slide, camera or not! :)

The big, twirly slide was SO much fun! Wiggles and Grins were hesitant at first, but once they started going, they never wanted to stop! Wiggles went down with Abbie quite a few times, and after that, insisted on going alone!

Ryan

Rachel

Angel

Grins

Wiggles and Abbie

Wait! What's this? A picture of Wiggles going down the slide!!

My little water baby! Even though it was cold for much of our trip, she never wanted to leave the pool!

Unless it meant snuggling with Abbie, that is.

She loves her Aunt Abbie!

I love the way my kids look in goggles! Hahaha!

Oh, and of course, the kids weren't the only ones who liked the slide!

Grandpa had fun!

Again!

And again!

Of course, these 2 would have fun wherever they were!

It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to just relax and spend time with our Oregon family! Treasured memories like these make the long travel all worth it!

We left Sunriver directly to head back to Utah. We hoped that driving at night would make it cooler since it was HOT and our A/C wasn't working....but it was still HOT!! On the way, we stopped at WinCo Foods to use the restroom and cool off for a moment. Grins was playing in the drinking fountain at the front of the store, making it spray all over (meaning that it was making a big puddle on the ground!) I immediately told him to stop - that someone could slip on that puddle. I then helped Wiggles and Angel in the restroom and when I came out, Daniel was filling up his water bottle at the drinking fountain. I went around to fill mine up, when I slipped on the puddle Grins had created, and fell fast and hard. Somehow, on my way down, I grabbed hold of Daniel's jogging shorts, and - you guessed it - pulled them all the way down with me (completely by accident, of course). Everything happened so fast, that neither one of us realized what had happened for a second or two. I looked over, saw Daniel's shorts in my hand (around his ankles) and looked over to see Daniel standing next to me in his underwear (thank heaven I didn't grab that too!) and I laughed until I cried. Poor Daniel had no idea what he was getting himself into when he offered to take the kids and I! He definitely went above and beyond, and wins the Best Brother and Greatest Uncle award for putting up with us for those LONG 25+ hours of driving!!!

New Addition to our Family

2011-10-23T19:03:00.001-07:00

The kids have been BEGGING for a pet since I can't remember when. So, when the Mr. brought a Zebra home from work, (Apparently it was the 'office mascot' and a long-standing running joke....)we were all thrilled! (They loved getting a new toy, and I loved the fact that it's very low maintenance!) They have named him "Stripsey" and he is getting lots of love around here!

Westward Ho - Utah

2011-10-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

The kids and I LOVED being surrounded by so much family during our time in Utah! Here are just a few random shots of us hanging out and having fun!

Wiggles was in LOVE with Oma & Opa's kitty! She followed him around every time we were outside! For some reason, I loved these shots of her with the cat.

Pillow fights with Nathan and Justin were a big hit! But my favorite part of this picture is Gavin, rocking out!

For some reason, Angel became TERRIFIED of sleeping in her own room at Oma and Opa's house (even though I was in the next room over.) So she ended up in bed with Wiggles and I every night. And, if you've ever slept with Wiggles, you know that she claims far more than her fair share of the bed! These shots cracked me up - Wiggles taking up the entire bed, with Angel crammed into a small space on the edge!

Uncle Markie can entertain the kids for hours!

How we miss our family! We are already looking forward to the next time we can see them!

Westward Ho - Camping at Mill Hollow

2011-10-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

This summer, the Buchanan Family Reunion was held at Mill Hollow, a Buchanan Family Tradition from the Mr's childhood. This was a first for the kids an I....and we had so much fun! There is truly something magical about spending several days out in the woods with the ones you love! I loved watching my kids with their cousins - though they hadn't seen one another for over a year, (and Wiggles didn't even remember the cousins), they wasted no time and were instant friends, as though they'd seen each other only yesterday.

(Sorry for the randomness of the pics! I didn't have time to reorganize them into chronological order...)

Cousin Lily was so patient and sweet with Wiggles - and Wiggles adored her!

Gavin and Grins! Grins was thrilled to have a boy his age to play with, and they were inseparable!

Angel loved the stream running through our campsite!

On our last day, several people worked to build a little 'pool' in the stream. They actually got it quite deep - such that, when sitting, they were nearly submerged! It kept them busy for most of the day!

Oma had so many fun activities planned! One of the favorites was painting these little wooden cars and then racing them. I can't remember how many races we had....but I don't think the boys (especially Grins) would have ever stopped if we hadn't insisted on having dinner!

Angel got shooting lessons from Kel and Uncle Quinn. She loved it!

Wiggles and Hava hanging out.

All the cousins loaded into the back of the truck and headed for the lake! I went in the raft....but Angel jumped right into the lake (along with several cousins)!

Cousin slumber parties in the tent! Oh yeah!

Grins learned how to chop wood!

One day, Uncle Quinn 'hooked' all the kids up to a long rope with a box tied to one end, and they took turns pulling one another around in the box. They went around and around the campsite for hours! They loved it! They would probably have kept on all night, except that the bottom of the box finally gave way. :(

And, what camping trip would be complete without roasting marshmallows and making s'mores?! Oma brought some GIANT marshmallows the size of the kids' fists! Naturally, they were a big hit!

Angel, the crafter, spent hours constructing a boat (complete with a sail - decorated, of course), and floating it down the stream.

Wiggles LOVED this little water toy! But I had to laugh; at first, she couldn't figure out how to get it to work. I demonstrated how to stick it in the water, then pull the handle up to suck water in, saying "Suck the water up like this." I then returned it to her and she proceeded to stick it in her mouth and suck out the stream water. Eewwww!

Poor little Wiggles! On the last second to last day of our trip, she became very clingy and wouldn't let me put her down. I assumed she was hot and tired. That night, she started saying her mouth hurt, and by the next morning she was running a high fever. She ended up being pretty sick so we cut our trip short and went home a day early. It was a pretty rough ride home, with her being so sick, but we managed to survive after all.

The Pinata - every child's dream; adults telling you to hit something, and then you are rewarded with candy. What's not to like?

Look at this handsome kid!

Angel and Lily spent hours creating puppets out of paper plates, then spent nearly an hour putting on a show with said puppets. The show might have gone on longer but we told them we needed to eat, eventually.... (I told them they could each only have 3 plates - or we would have run out of plates very quickly, since they could have drawn all day! So they made puppets on each side of the plate - very resourceful!)

I feel so blessed that, despite how far we live from family, my children had the wonderful opportunity to spend so much time with their loved ones this summer! So many life-long memories were made, and we are already looking forward to our next trip West!

Maine Children's Museum

2011-10-23T16:42:00.001-07:00

We were lucky enough to score a day pass to the Children's Museum of Maine. Since the Mr. was using the car for work that day, the kids and I got to ride the bus there and back - what an adventure! We made a whole day of it - and even after 7 hours there, the kids still didn't want to leave! That's how much fun we had!

Of course, my little artists (especially Angel) LOVED painting with LONG paintbrushes! I fully endorse messy projects when they aren't at my house! :)

Grocery Store is always fun! (That is what I remember most about my childhood trips to the Children's Museum....so it must be a winner!) And this museum has a 'real' ATM from which you can withdraw money....Angel was enthralled! We played store for at least an hour, and the girls could have stayed all day!

Wiggles' favorite exhibit is the race car! Today she was hard at work cleaning the 'garage' up!

She worked at this for so long! I think I need to get her a set for home!

This picture is so blurry but I had to keep it - Wiggles kept putting the gloves on the wrong hands and then becoming frustrated and crying, "I'm having a problem with my gloves!" And, of course, she would not accept any help! It was too funny!

The Farm area is SO much fun! You can ride a tractor, collect eggs from the hen house, process hay, and even 'milk' a cow!

Grins took the cow-milking very seriously!

Grins' favorite part about the Fire Truck was getting to dial "9-1-1" on the red phone! He has ALWAYS wanted to call 911 and was thrilled that I told him it was ok! (Part of the display.)

We got to attend a puppet show where each child was invited to hold a puppet.

Again, I had to keep this blurry photo because I love how it shows each of the kids' hairstyles so well! When we are on vacation, this is what we look like! Grins - major bedhead / fro in the back. Angel - getting very good at doing her own hair. Wiggles - curly/frizzy mess. :) Aren't they CUTE??!!

Ready to go diving!

I can't wait to come back soon!

Kids Say the Darndest Things....

2011-10-10T05:56:00.000-07:00

This morning while the kids and I were having our morning devotional, I asked Wiggles to hand me the hymn book. She said, "This is a him book? Then it must be Daddy's, because Daddy is a him!"

She is so funny!

Food-planning Friday

2011-10-07T10:03:00.001-07:00

I used to do Menu-Plan Monday, and I got out of the habit. I've been doing it on paper all along, but I'm going to try to get back in the habit of posting it, since looking back on it helps me to notice what foods we seem to eat a lot of, which things we ought to try more, and helps keep me out of the rut of fixing the same things over and over (though it would sure simplify things!

I try to do all of my shopping on Fridays, in anticipation of the weekend. I look through ads to see what's on sale, then adjust my menu accordingly. Here's what's cooking this (upcoming) week:

Friday - Barbeque ribs, roasted rosemary potatoes, steamed artichokes and steamed cauliflower, fresh strawberries
Saturday - Red peppers stuffed with rice/beans/veggies, steamed green beans, tossed green salad, grapes
Sunday - (The Mr's choice - his birthday!) Chicken enchiladas, rice, black beans, corn, santa-fe salad, peaches (Boston Creme Pie for dessert)
Monday - White bean coconut soup, cucumber dill salad, steamed green beans, whole wheat rolls, honeydew
Tuesday - Chili, brown rice, corn bread, tossed green salad, pears
Wednesday - Vegetable pot pie, canteloupe
Thursday - Leftovers/clean out the fridge

Westward Ho - Salt Lake City Children's Museum

2011-09-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

The day we left Utah, I knew we would be sitting in airports and airplanes for most of the day, so I decided to take the kids to the Children's Museum in the morning, to get all their energy out! We really miss the SLC Children's Museum! We have some great memories of it, from our many years in Utah! I remember taking Angel there as a young toddler, with Grins in the sling. Then more memories of feeding Wiggles in the toddler area while the older 2 played. So the nostalgia really set in as we returned now, after more than a year; this time with 2 school-aged children and a toddler. It made me long to return to those days when my 3 precious little children were all home with me all day, every day. Those days were tiring, yes. But oh so much fun. And oh, how I miss them. Please, please, please let time slow down. My children are growing up too fast!!

This time around we spent most of our time in the travelling exhibit, PLAY:

The oldest 2 (especially Grins) really enjoyed the GIANT dominoes! Grins tried to race them as they toppled over one by one....

As always, the parachute was a big hit!

My 4 year old. Look at those dimples.

I was surprised at how much Wiggles enjoyed the helicopter, given her aversion to loud noise!

And the trip wouldn't be complete without a little construction time.