My handsome man of 32!

This Thanksgiving my handsome husband turned 32.  I love it!  Having a husband that is 32 is very attractive.  I'm not just married to the young man I snagged at 22.  I am married to a man of 32.  He is such a great man to journey through life with.  He works really hard for me . . . and not just at work.  He comes home and helps with the girls.  He cleans up Thanksgiving dishes . . . even if it is his birthday and I try in vain to tell him to sit down.  He builds me bookshelves.  He always prints out Borders coupons so he can buy me precious books (at a bargain price).  He listens to me gush about my latest read and listens to detailed literary analyses on various J.K. Rowling characters.  He pretends to whole-heartedly volounteer to watch chick flicks with me (even though I insist we watch action together because I know inside he must be dying).  And he doesn't complain when I fill the netflix queue with every BBC production of Jane Austen.  His genes make incredibly adorable babies.  He compliments me all the time and is undeterred when I refute them.  He reads every blog post I've ever written and always thanks me for doing it.  He listens to my every detail about my day with the girls . . . whether I am describing exactly what precocious turn of phrase Hallie said or how cute Claire looked eating Coco Puffs.  He looks at me and says "I can't believe this is our life.  I can't believe this is our home.  I can't believe these are our kids!  I can't believe you are mine!"  And he really is grateful for it all.  I can't believe I've had him for almost ten years.  I am so thrilled we found each other so young -- it gives us more time to celebrate life and eternity together.  We are proof that two stubborn people can totally make it work for the name of love.  Happy Birthday, my love!

A letter to my friend

I've been thinking a lot about my brother-in-law, Mike, lately.  This month he would have turned thirty.   I really wish he would have turned thirty.  It would be fun to see how he handled it and the funny comments he would have said about it at his birthday party.  Thirty would have suited him well. 

I'm missing him a lot lately.  The road of grief is so interesting.  When we discovered he had passed in early April, we were reeling.  It consumed my thoughts as I went to bed.  I would wake up and immediately remember and then it would keep me up.  It made me physically sick.  But so soon afterward, my dad was dying and all my grief and emotions transferred to him.  And now, it has been eight months since I have seen Mike and it's like my heart has started to heal the tiniest bit from my dad and it has made a little crack to grieve Mike again.

What I've come to realize about Mike is what good friends we were.  My husband had a life history with him.  They had childhood memories and teenage embarrassments.  Mike and I met when I was 19 and he was 20.  He came along with the great package of marrying Chris.  Mike and I certainly didn't run with the same crowds.  Although he was highly intelligent, he just wasn't the preppy type.  And let's face it, I don't go bar hopping.  So, had it not been for marriage, I wouldn't have become friends with him simply because we likely never would have met socially.  But, I know that if I worked in the same place he did or went to school with him I would definitely have liked Mike.  There is a lot to like.  I am realizing now more than ever I am not missing my brother-in-law, I am missing my friend.

Mike had vices like we all do.  His vices had industrial grip and they effected his quality of life.  Though these struggles prevented him from progressing in some ways, they didn't hinder his generosity or love.  Mike knew how to give.  He always gave gifts that were so thoughtful and likely beyond his means.  One of my favorite gifts from him was a kitchen mat with a cat and flower plastered on it.  Honestly, I returned it, and he knew it.  But the thought is so sweet -- she likes cooking, she likes animals, she likes pretty things . . . Bam! A kitten kitchen mat -- perfect!  Instead of just giving Hallie one present, he would get her tons of little ones and then sit down and play them all with her one by one.  The last time I saw Mike, he came over for help with an English term paper.  Even though he had a deadline looming over him, he went in the backyard and ran around with Hallie for ten minutes before he came in to work.  I remember looking at the window and being so impressed by his commitment to being an uncle.  Of course, I didn't know that was his last earthly example of it.  He also came bearing gifts that day -- grape bubble yum.  He even bought me lunch for helping him and we had fun stuffing ourselves with loaded carne asada nachos and tacos dripping with pico de gallo.

We certainly weren't the chat on the phone type of friends.  And we never hung out other than our family dinners and get-togethers.  His cigarette smoke was heavy but his conversations were stimulating.  And when we disagreed, he always made a visible effort to kindly compliment me so we stayed on good terms.  And we did.

A friend shared this quote to me and I love it.  It is from a deceased prophet of our church, President Joseph F. Smith.  And for those not of my faith, it is still a comfort and something nice to think about.   He said that we are "closely related" to those who have preceded us into heaven. They "can see us better than we can see them; they know us better than we know them. I claim that we live in their presence; they see us; they are solicitous of our welfare. They love us now more than ever." (Gospel Doctrine, p. 430)

With that thought, I have some things I need to say to Mike that I'd like to get out right here.  Perhaps, he'll be able to read them someday.

Hey Mike, I miss your laugh.  I'm sad that my girls don't get to grow up with you.  Hallie really adored you and Claire was just coming into her own when you died.  There are certain things that always make me think of you.  Whenever I see a cab or a silver car shaped like yours, it tugs at my heart.  Whenever I see sweat pants or henleys, I flash back to you relaxing after a good meal.  Whenever I see Golden Corral I think about how you said they have surprisingly good steak there.  Whenever I see that taco joint, I think of our last meal together and how good the guacamole was.  Whenever I make something I know you would like, I think of you.  Whenever Mom makes something delicious I think about how you would call it "good grub" or say it was "bomb."  When Claire was born, you told me she looked like you and I honestly thought you were silly . . . but I looked at the pictures and she totally does resemble you at that age.  You frequently told me I would enjoy books by Terry Goodkind.  I always had ten other books I wanted to read first.  I watched the television series based on his books and guess what?  I loved it.  You were right and I am flattered you knew me that well.  This city is yours.  When I drive downtown I think of you.  When I drive near the foothills I think of you.  Thanks for the nine years of friendship.  I am really glad we got to meet and I feel lucky to be your first sister.  I miss you.

Claire's Walker

Not everyone is going to be as enraptured by a 3 minute video of Claire as I am.  But, let's face it . . . I rarely put video on the blog.  And I've only ever posted two Claire videos.  So here is some cute stuff of Claire.  Here she is using her car sideways as a walker.  She woke up excited to walk all of the sudden.  She begs me to hold her hand so she can walk all over our house.  I lapped the living room and kitchen thirteen times.  Bringing her car up from the basement finally got me off the hook. :)  We'll resume walking practice soon.

Us in a November Nutshell

Here is what we have been doing lately. 

Claire

Claire loves to pray.  She always detects the correct time to fold her arms and does so enthusiastically.  Her favorite part is to shout "Amen!" at the end.  During General Conference in October she exuberantly responded with "Amen!" at the end of every talk.

Claire is totally being stubborn about walking.  She has walked steps between Mom and Grandma Judy.  She has walked from the couch to Mom.  She has turned around from the piano and started walking by herself.  However, after a couple steps she purposely throws herself down and speed crawls away.  We're not worried and neither is her pediatrician because she knows how to do it -- she just doesn't want to.  But I do think it will be easier in some ways when I can just hold her hand and not have to carry her everywhere in public.  The other day I went to retrieve her from her crib and she was making Minnie walk.  She was standing up holding Minnie's hands like we do to her.  She looked up excitedly and said "Minnie walking!"  What is so funny about having a child this old learning to walk is that she is bargaining about it.  She will walk for candy.  She will tell me "Ready! Set! Go!" and start.  But as soon as she gets tired she cries and says "No walking!  I sad!  Done! Mommy! Hold me! Hug!" and other pitiful phrases.

Her words and phrases are fairly clear.  Here are some of her sayings that are distinctly Claire baby talk:

• "ganket"- blanket
• "caggy" - candy
• "gancakes" - pancakes
• "non it!" - I don't want it!
• "awn it!" - I want it!
• "leeeeese!" - please
• "nunny!" - funny

The absolute most hilarious and distinctive quality of Claire right now is she doesn't know how to say yes.  Seriously.  She says "no" and "uh-uh" when she means to say "yes" and "uh-huh."  We ask her to say "yes" and she just stares at us.  But we know when no means yes because she giggles and smiles and flaps her hands and gets excited. 

Example:
Claire: "I awn milk!"
Daddy: "You want milk?"
Claire: chuckling . . . "No . . . Yay!"
Daddy: "Say yes!"
Claire: blinks
Daddy: "Clairey . . . say yes, I want milk."
Claire: crickets start
Daddy: "Do you still want milk?"
Claire: "No!" then "ha ha ha ha ha" as Dad hands her the milk.  Then she says "Thake you!!!"

Hallie

Hallie is still so outgoing.  We have lots of talks about strangers.  She is obedient to the rule that we don't talk to strangers.  But, as soon as Mommy or Daddy talks to a stranger she can hardly contain herself.  "I'm four!  My baby sister is one!  Her name is Claire Caron Hinkson!  My Daddy is going to have a birthday.  My grandma lives in California!  I was Tinkerbell for Halloween!"  Out it spills!  It is rather cute and it is soooo Hallie.

Hallie still loves to draw.  Lately she found a pen and started drawing on individual squares of toilet paper.  I reminded her that we have pads of paper and I would have happily obliged if she had asked for some.  She was perfectly content with her toilet paper canvases. 

We got some of our Christmas books out and she loves reading them with me.  It is still one of the best activities we can do to feel closer to her.  It is like reading is her language of love. 

She really likes to say contrary things lately.  Like "I will never go to bed!" while laughing.  Or "I will not sit down and fold my arms, I will stand UP and fold my arms!"  She giggles the entire time.  We get a kick out of how funny she thinks she is.

Chris

Chris is diligent about reading his scriptures daily (I am too).  He also works out daily (I do not, but I need to!).  He is a great example.  He has been typing his old journals so that we have back-up copies of them.  Late last month, we purchased an early Christmas present and bought our family a digital piano.  Chris and I have both been practicing lately and feel so fulfilled having such a great instrument in our home again.  Chris is a self-taught piano player.  I took lessons for five years and he is better than I am!  He has also pulled out his violin several times recently and it has been wonderful.  We frequently listen to music in our home, but to play music adds another depth to our life that only makes it better.  Chris celebrates his birthday this year on Thanksgiving.  The girls and I are looking forward to spoiling him.  He spoils us.  He just bought me flowers again yesterday . . . just because.  Let me add a disclaimer:  Chris and I aren't perfect.  To me we have an almost perfect marriage because we both really put effort into it.  And when we argue we quickly forgive and get on with life.  Lest anyone think we're perfect -- we're not!

Michelle

I have been sewing lots lately. I can't divulge what I have been sewing because they are Christmas presents! But, I will say I have completed or almost completed five different projects so far in November. I started reading the Harry Potter books from the beginning again and just love them. Reading that series is like hanging out with an old friend. I am on book three at the moment. I have been a little busier at work with meetings and deadlines. But, I am grateful to say it is still a low-stress job that we are so blessed to have. Having the piano has taught me great lessons. I really struggled with sight reading as a child. I knew all the theory and notes but was so overwhelmed when it was all put together. In the weeks we have had the piano I am already loads better than I was as a child even though I haven't played in years. I have a measure of patience that I never had before. I think it comes from a degree, a ten year relationship and two children. It is so satisfying to sit down and play songs I never thought I could play.  It has taught me another lesson that I can do hard things -- as long as I put in the effort.  Someday I will apply that effort to eating right all the time and working out . . . or keeping up with laundry. :)

We think we will put up Christmas decorations soon.  Chris and I have a theory that having Christmas decorations up and music going doesn't diminish our gratefulness at Thanksgiving at all.  It enhances it.

That is us in a nutshell in mid-November 2010. 
Thanks for reading.

And on to November!

I love Halloween but I was more than ready to tear down the decorations on November 1 and put up cozy, Thanksgiving decorations.  The slight change in decor really helped the home feel more calm . . . ready for the reflective mood of the month.  I can't believe its almost time to decorate for Christmas!

Hallie and I made a happy turkey together yesterday morning.  Hallie particularly liked using the glue.

We also made a paper chain.  Hallie loved making the circles and using the stapler.

Our thankful jar. 

We will write what we are thankful for on a leaf and put them up to remind us why we are grateful. 

We also might sneak a hershey kiss for the fun of it.

A Happy Halloween Weekend

We certainly had a very fun, very eventful Halloween weekend!

The fun started for us on Thursday when our close family friends, Scott and Melanie, came to visit.

The girls were so well-behaved and happy when we went out to eat. 

Hallie wanted to share all her food with Melanie and wanted to sit on her lap as much as possible.

When we got home that night, the girls went down to bed easily and the adults got to talk for hours.

When I was little my parents used to stay up late with Scott and Melanie and talk for hours too!

  

 On Friday morning, Hallie and I went to the farmer's market to pick out mini pumpkins and gourds.  Hallie posed happily in her outfit for the day.  She was Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty.  She has quite the dress-up collection so this is a common occurance.

After Hallie and I shopped, we retrieved Daddy and Clairey from home and went out for lunch.  We chose Red Robin.  It was a great choice because boy did we have a blast.  We discovered "Bottomless Root Beer Floats" on the menu and had endless fun.  Claire and I finished our float before Hallie and Daddy did.  I kid you not, Claire sucked in more float than me.  She was in sugar heaven.

French fries were a hit with this kid too!

Hallie discovered she could make her face deplorably messy.

And we all had a hearty laugh when we looked in the viewfinder to see Hallie's face being cleaned.

BEST PICTURE EVER?  Quite possibly.

It didn't stop her from going for more.

And Mommy and Clairey looked on and giggled.

After lunch, we window shopped at the mall and Toys R Us. 

We made it home with enough time to give Hallie a shower and get her ready for her special night with Grandma Judy.  She got to be Grandma's special guest at her church Halloween party and Trunk or Treat.

I told Hallie she could be anything from her dress-up box for Halloween this year. 

So, on Friday she chose Sleeping Beauty.

Hallie left our house ecstatic and came back even more ecstatic.  She didn't go to sleep for at least an hour after we put her to bed.  Each time we checked on her she told us about the costumes she saw and the candy she ate.  She was wired! 

After our family pictures on Saturday, we went out to lunch as a family at Qdoba. It was kids eat free day, so we took advantage of that deal. After the meal we did a quick trip to another mall (obviously our favorite family outing) and then got ready for the Trunk-or-Treat at our church. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is an important part of our religious beliefs.  We don't go shopping or out to eat on Sundays so we elected not to trick-or-treat on that day either.  But, we definitely got our fill Saturday! Claire went the entire day without taking a nap! She refused to in the morning when we put her down and just kept going and going with the excitement of the afternoon. Needless to say, she crashed for the night at about 6:15!

Claire and Hallie pose with our good friends Lilly and Adi.

On Sunday we went to church.  After church, Chris and Hallie carved our pumpkin while I baked a Graveyard cake for our dessert that night.  Then our friends Ann and Jared had us over for dinner.  After dinner, we returned home and turned on some spooky Halloween music.  Our girls helped us hand out candy.  They were just as excited about giving away the candy as they would have been getting it!

Hallie changed into her swimsuit during quiet time.  She told us it made her look like a "sunshiney yellow pumpkin."  Hence her carving a pumpkin . . . in October . . . in her bathing suit.

The Graveyard Cake.  We do this every year.  This year both cake and frosting were from scratch.  I honestly think I prefer the boxed cake better.  But you can't beat homemade frosting.

Eagerly anticipating the Trick or Treaters!

They squealed with delight whenever our doorbell rang.

After that weekend of fun we are definitely Halloweened out! 

On to a month of gratitude . . . and much lower key celebrating.