Family Home Evening

I'm not going to lie ... our little family is wonderful about spending lots of quality time together, but not so great about having structured family home evenings.  We are trying to do better.  This is week 2.  Last week Mylie was in charge and did such a great job.  It was really sweet - she had stories and scriptures and songs.  This week she was in charge again (imagine, my child likes to be in charge!)  However, Blake wasn't going to let her have all the glory.  He knew what was going on now and he was prepared.  He had his own little box that he brought out (Mylie brings everything in a box).  He stood up and held a picture of a car and began a talk about the Holy Ghost.  It was hilarious/so sweet.  He wanted to mimic just what she did.  Oh these kiddos of mine crack me up!

Playing Hooky

I don't go to campus on Mondays.  Blake stays home with me and we play and I grade.  Mylie woke up this morning complaining of a stomachache, or a cough, but mostly that she misses me during the week and really wants to stay home today and play with Blake.  It only took about 17 seconds for me to think about it and totally give in to her.

They started out by making a tent in Blake's room.  They were so happy with themselves - I remember making tents with my brother, and really, it was a lot of fun.  They had their lunch in there and even faked taking a nap in there.  Now we have moved on to snuggling on the couch, eating popcorn, and watching "Enchanted," which is one of our favorite movies.

I know that she should be at school - I really do, her stomachache/cough seemed to have magically fixed itself.  She will be at school tomorrow and the rest of the Mondays this year.  But just for today, I am totally OK with staying home with my two favorite kids.  I miss them when they are at school, I love watching them play together more than anything, it probably won't be always that they want nothing more than to be together with me - so for today I'm taking that.  Today I'm OK with playing hooky.

So quiet!

After a busy week I was all done with everything on Friday about 2.  And so I thought ... what should I do ... the kids are still at school ... I came up with a few ideas:

• I could grade papers
• I could craft
• I could clean the house
• I could take a nap 
• I could go shopping ALL by myself

Shopping was the winner.  First I went to Target, I only had a couple things on my list - I was looking for a new computer case and also needed new rugs for the front and back door.  I stood in the rug aisle for 20 minutes - and no one complained.  I bought a coke and a piece of candy at the checkout and didn't have to explain or argue about it.  Now, don't get me wrong - It isn't like I don't ever go shopping - the kids and I go shopping often, and really, I love going with them.  I love every thing  about them ... but I'm not ashamed to say that I really, REALLY enjoyed my quiet shopping trip.  Then I went to Staples, which could possible bore my children to death.  Then I went to the craft store, just to look around.  No one begged me to PUH-LEEZ buy them some stickers.

And then I went to the mall ALONE.  And I had an epiphany while I was there.  Remember when we were teenagers?  Could anything be as traumatic as going to the mall by yourself?  Let me just tell you at age 36, there is no trauma involved in being at the mall by yourself.  To say it was a delightful afternoon would be an understatement.  I spent an HOUR in the apple store.  A whole beautiful, quiet hour.

Then I came home and I was so happy to see the kids and spend the remainder of the day with them.  But to all the moms out there ... it is OK to enjoy the quiet doing something YOU want to do and not feeling guilty about it!

Wow!

Our year is off to a great start, though it is really hard for me to believe we are already 8 days into February!  One project I am working on this year is a photo a day.  I have tried this a couple of different times, but this year is the year!  I am tracking it using a website called shuttercal.  Here is a link to my calendar:  http://shuttercal.com/calendar/myliesmom/.

Here is a peek into our January! 

Winter Garden Aglow

One of my favorite Christmas traditions since Jeff and I have been married is going to Winter Garden Aglow!  Winter Garden Aglow takes place at the Botanical Gardens at the Old Pennitentiary in Boise.  They decorate with hundreds of thousands of lights - it beautiful!  My great grandpa was the warden at the prison during the 1930s -so I always love going - plus I have a thing for prisons!!

Meeting Prancer!

I had a moment ....

Yesterday the kids and I were decorating the tree.  The Christmas music was blasting and we were having a great time.  As I was pulling ornaments out and handing them to Mylie and Blake I pulled out a wooden painted teddy bear with a Santa hat.  As I held it in my hands, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach.  I started crying and couldn't stop.  It was an ornament my grandma had made for me when I was 11.  See, I miss my grandma often, but I miss her the most at Christmastime. 

Grandma loved Christmas.  And so most things at Christmas remind me of her.  My decorations, Christmas baking, everything.  It is so funny how the little things can trigger such strong memories.  The other day I was driving and listening to Christmas music.  Judy Garland was singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."  Nearly instantly I was transported back in time 25 years to our family progressive dinner.  I saw myself bundled up in warm winter clothes sitting in the backseat of our suburban pulling into my Aunt Rulu's driveway.  I could almost taste the chocolate ice cream roll cake with hot fudge sauce that she probably served for dessert.  :)

I am SO grateful for all the wonderful Christmas memories and traditions that I have from my childhood.  I am grateful that I can share these with my children.  I know my life has been blessed by being raised in a wonderful family and marrying into a wonderful family.  All these experiences help me to try and raise my own wonderful family. 

*****

Speaking of my wonderful family, I was so touched by my kids yesterday.  When Blake saw that I was crying he asked me why.  I told him I missed my grandma, he told me he missed his grandma too.  Mylie is so sensitive, she said "Mom, I have something that will make you feel better!" She ran to her room and got a picture that she has of her and Grandma Hammond and brought it to me to look at.  Then she hugged me for a long time and softly patted my back telling me it would be OK.  I am certain that Heavenly Father was working through my sweet 7 year old to comfort my soul. 

*****

Last night Mylie and I had a girl's night out.  Each year in December she and I get dressed up and go to a play/musical.  This year Jeff's mom gave us tickets to "A Christmas Carol."  We had the most delightful time.  We went to Panda Express (her favorite place to pick for girl's night out) for dinner and then to the show.  She is adorable and love to hold hands with me through the show.  I love to watch her face and see her excitement.  At the end of the show, Mr. Scrooge went out into the audience and gave away gold coins to some people.  She was a lucky recipient and was so delighted.  I am often reminded that I am so lucky to be her mom.

Oh Blake!

This morning Blakey woke up crying that his stomach hurt.  I had class this morning, so Jeff stayed home with him in the morning and I came home after my class so Jeff could go into work for the afternoon.  When I got home, the furnace technician was at our house also, just there to do some routine maintenance. 

Jeff had put Blake in his room to take a nap.  Blake heard me come in and started telling me that he didn't want to nap, that he wanted to see what "the guy" was doing in the garage.  I put him back in his bed, then I ran to my car to get something.  When I came in (all of 1 minute later), he was quiet.  I went in and made some lunch and then went into the office to work on the computer.  About 10 minutes went by and I stopped to think about how quiet Blake was being.  Then I heard his little voice, but it sounded distant. 

Then it hit me ... he was not quietly napping in his room.  I rush to the garage, and there is Blake standing there watching the technician work on the furnace.  I hear Blake ask, "Do you like bad guys?"  I apologized to the technician and explained that I thought he was taking a nap.  Oh goodness, this boy!