San Francisco

I know it looks like we took a family trip to San Francisco--and we did--we were also joined by my friend/sister/roommate etc, Ivy (come on--I've known her since first grade--what do you call her??) & her family on the trek to San Fran for the day! It was the perfect day to do some exploring (no rain!)--which was good because Ivy's husband has never been to SF. We did lots of tourist things--walked on the Golden Gate, ate at Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39, ate at Ghirardelli square, Lombard street, Coit Tower etc and just enjoyed the city and each other. Ivy and I realized though that we never got any pictures together--hahaha--until we stopped for dinner at Wendy's. Silly us! The kids were troopers though and liked watching all the street vendors, the ocean, going down the crooked street, etc--and it was a grand adventure with such good friends!

Take it to Heart

Last year my in-laws asked that we refrain from giving the gifts but instead, to learn by heart (memorize) something that has meaning to us and to recite it for them. It's actually a lot more difficult than I thought but it's enjoyable too. And I have to admit that when in Sunday School they were asking for thoughts about a particular doctrine--and my quote this year went right along with it--I was quite excited to recite it and share my thoughts.

Anyways, Ben & I did do ours--I memorized a quote by Nelson Mandela about being a Child of God (http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/4564.htm) and Ben memorized the poem, "The Touch of the Masters Hand" (http://gbgm-umc.org/DISC/poems/mastershand.stm). And then we thought (although it isn't asked of them) we'd see if Xander & Eliza would like to do something. We asked them to pick their favorite song they learned at church. They chose "Families Can Be Together Forever". This isn't the best version of this but since I didn't get the camera out the first time--it will have to do.

The words are as follows, "I have a family here on earth. They are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity. Families can be together forever. Through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord, has shown me how I can."

This song, and watching MY children sing it, is one of the most tender experiences I have had in the past year. I did not even know that Xander, let alone Eliza, knew this song and to watch them sing it to their Grandparents was heart warming. I love my children so much and am so grateful to know that families can be together forever because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As hard as this life gets--I am so grateful for my knowledge of this!

9-1-1

The day the kids and I flew into Sacramento we stayed at my Grandma's house because my parents new floors had just been laid and there wasn't any furniture set up in their home. The next morning we left quickly as it isn't quite as kid proof as it once was--especially with all the Christmas stuff out! When we left though we forgot to take a bunch of food that Grandma had offered us as she'd gone out of town for the weekend so I vowed to return later that day to pick it up. Later got to be dinner time and it was going to be a quick trip on the way to pick up the pizza my mom had ordered. When we arrived at the house, I remember thinking something looked funny but whatever, we were in a hurry. I parked in the garage, left the kids and my mom in the car and ran inside. As soon as I got inside, I panicked--something smelt awful! Then I realized the house was full of SMOKE! I ran to my mom and started running around the house looking for the fire. I got to the front window and noticed that the small spotlight that my Grandma had used to show off her nativity had come off its pedestal and was face down in the carpet--and it was on an electric timer! There were no flames (yet) so I grabbed it up and my mom came running and unplugged all the electrical plugs. I ran the light outside as we tried to decide what to do. I finally said, let's just call 911 because it will make us feel better. We were immediately connected to the fire house who said to get out of the house and that the firemen were on their way. Well, our little trip turned into a really LONG trip by the time the firemen were able to cool the house off and cut out the carpet and stuff--not to mention that the pizza place lost our order :( BUT we were so grateful that we went to the house when we did. Had we gone earlier in the day we might not have noticed that the lamp was down and the house could have burn down OR if we'd have gotten there later we could have been dealing with flames. CRAZY! What a great and exciting start to our trip though!

Coolest Park Ever!

Need I say more? It had the wickedest slides--we FLEW out of them and had so much fun despite the rainy weather. Way to go North Highlands!

Christmas 2009!

Christmas this year was so much more calm than last--maybe it had to do with 18 people who did not come home this year? :) It was such a great couple of days though! We spent Christmas Eve with my folks, my aunt & cousin and Grandma. We enjoyed a prime rib dinner, some delicious sides, chatting and relaxing. We read the Christmas story and put the kiddos to bed. Everything had been previously wrapped and so it was nice to just RELAX! The next morning, we woke up at normal time (although Nana & Grumpy woke up at 5:30 AM and waited for us--so nice of them!) and started opening presents. The kids were excited about everything! The biggest surprise came when Papa Webster called and told the kids that Santa had made a mistake and dropped off a present for them at his house! (Mommy found a killer deal on a Melissa & Doug kitchen back in July--$100 for a brand new, in the box, never used and Ben put it together and brought it to CA for us!) So, we ate breakfast, gave some kisses and moved to the Websters (yes, this was all part of the plan!). When we got there--they kids were SO excited! They had opened food and pans at Nana & Grumpy's but weren't exactly sure as to how they would use it! It is a great addition to our toys and keeps the kids out of my kitchen--SO nice!

Once at the Websters we napped (or attempted too but since we were a little too excited, nobody got any rest) and got ready for the big night with all our cousins! We had a blast re-enacting the Christmas story again, eating and opening presents. Family is so wonderful! (have I mentioned, that I love family?!) It truly was a beautiful Christmas!

And it came to pass...

We got together with the Leete's (my first cousin once removed & her family) for a special Christmas family home evening right before we flew out for Sacramento. What a treat! We re-enacted the entire Christmas story starting with Samuel the Lamanite on the wall proclaiming to the Lamanites in America that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ would be born--and we threw rocks (I mean, socks) at him. And then proceeded through the entire story found in Luke 2. Xander, of course, wanted to be Joseph and as always took his role VERY seriously. Eliza started out as a donkey but quickly gave up on that. Ben played the donkey instead and even let Rachel ride on his back. I opted to be a wise men. If there was only one wish I could have it would be to be near family (some kind of family) wherever we end up! Having not ever known Ann growing up--only knowing of her--hasn't changed one bit--family is family. And hands down--my kids think the Leetes are the coolest people in Oregon!

Ben and I have spent a lot of time discussing the importance of shifting our children's thoughts from the normal "getting" attitude to that of "giving"--of truly bringing Christ into their Christmas. If you are looking for ways to do the same, check out the website: http://www.lds.org/topic/christmas/index.html

Merry Christmas to all!

A New Tradition?!

History:
-Christmas time 2006-Xander chipped his front tooth on a popcorn tin
-Christmas time 2008-Xander gets his first concussion

Today:
I was in the restroom and hear a huge crash and a huge cry. Xander comes running to me--bloody. And not just bloody on the outside of his lip, but the inside too. LUCKILY, Ben was home sick from work--although he was on a conference call--so I yelled for back-up thinking Xander had cut through his lip. Thankfully, once Ben got things cleaned up, we could see it wasn't cut through--in fact, it wasn't even cut up enough to merit an ER visit. (THANK GOODNESS!) But for now, we'll have a very sore mouth and a boy who might (let's keep our fingers crossed) think twice before climbing on the top of the toy box. (As he did so, he flew forward and smacked his face on his bed! OUCH!!) It's getting more and more bruised as the day goes on--so it'll be interesting to see what it looks like in a couple of days. Hopefully this isn't a family tradition that will continue for many more Christmases!

And I was thinking about doing family pictures--guess that will have to wait!!!

Deck the Halls!

Decorating for Christmas was so much fun this year! The kiddos were actually old enough to help and get excited about it! They asked to do it over and over and over again. So cute! My most favorite new addition to our decorations this year: our spider ornament. I know...it sounds weird doesn't it? I got it from an ornament exchange because there is a German folktale called, "A Cobweb Christmas" that Xander and I read this year--over and over again. So it was just perfect! We haven't done much else though because, well, although I'm past my first trimester, I still just feel lucky. Which is really hard because I just LOVE this time of year!! It has felt even more like Christmas time due to the beautiful winter weather in Portland! I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it is to be cold and see the leaves fall and have rain and fog--it is gorgeous!

I'm Wishing

While Eliza was doing her business this morning--I heard her singing. I'm sure only Ben & I can understand but maybe you'll pick up a word here or there. Sorry for the background but I couldn't let such a tender moment pass!!! (Oh, and she's singing from Snow White--her first real love for the tv has developed because of this movie!)

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

We hope that everyone has had a fantastic Thanksgiving and is enjoying getting ready for the holidays! We have been SUPER busy but having so much fun--here are some quick highlights and the big ones will come later!!

We got to play with Nana & Grumpy who came to visit for Thanksgiving for an entire week! We rode the Polar Express again but that deserves it's own post AND of course, Thanksgiving dinner with Nana, Grumpy, G.G, Uncle Jake, the Leetes and the Wiseman's. 22 people. PHEW! After dinner everyone who played an instrument pulled it out (I didn't bring the bass though--so I sang, softly) and we started singing Christmas songs--SO much fun and what a great idea for a tradition! After the folks left we got to play some more with Uncle Jake. We went to Zoo Lights--SO (cold) awesome! I tried to catch one of the moving ones on video:

It's really been loads and loads of fun and games. We are so grateful to have this time of year to reflect on all that is important to us. We are especially grateful for our health, for each other and for all the adventures we've had together. We are super thankful for all of our new family and friends in Oregon who have taken us under their wings and made us feel so welcome--there are many who have really helped this move be pretty smooth. It feels like we've lived here much longer by the love and support we have. We are so grateful for the news we received today that Mom Webster's CA-125 count is low enough NOT to continue chemotherapy!! YAHOO! And so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with another little spirit that will fill our heart and home in the late spring. We are so grateful to know that Jesus is the Christ, that He has atoned for our sins and that He lives that we might live again. May He bless you and your families with all that you may need as you remember the true reason for this season! Much Love!!

All Aboard the Polar Express!

We had such an amazing time last year on the Polar Express that we found one in Oregon and invited my folks, my brother and my Grandma and practically anyone to join us. On the bright side--we got to spend LOTS of time together and the kids were fabulous. On the other side--well, let's just say that the sound system in our car did not work, the train broke down just before the North Pole, and we only had 1 working bathroom on a train that was stuck for about an hour. BUT we had fun singing Christmas carols and trying to stay positive--in fact, when we did "The 12 Days of Christmas" our group was so enthusiastic (thank you Jake & Ben & Dad) that not only did everyone perk up a bit but Xander now sings "2 turtle doves" with the manly-ist voice you'll ever hear. It was quite the adventure--the kids didn't mind--they had their brand new pajamas on and were just so excited to be on a train. But I think that will be the last time we seek out a Polar Express ride for awhile!

My 1st Sewing Project

Well...I finished it. Don't look too close but I finished in time for Xander's birthday:

It wouldn't have been so hard had I not chosen to do the Super Why! cape but since I knew that that would be what Xander wanted--I did it. He didn't even want to take it off tonight. And when we asked him where it came from he said, "My mom sewed it!" (My machine was still out this morning) Now to finish Eliza's!!!

Start Your Engines!

Xander really wanted a Lightning McQueen birthday party this year--so we acquiesed of course! We invited a few friends over Saturday morning for "Pin McQueen on the Piston Cup", "Don't Wake the Tractor", and car painting (we painted a Happy B-day banner with cars). Ben was in charge of the cake this year--and did a fabulous job. Everyone had a fantastic time--the party flew by! And for 3 days now you have told us, "Thank you ! This is the best birthday ever!"

A Tribute to my 4 year old!

Oh my little Alexander! I cannot believe you are 4 years old! But you have promised your dad and I that you will slow down and not grow up so fast--don't forget it! You can been such a blessing to me and your dad since the day you entered our lives. Your excitement for life and love for people fill our days with laughter and smiles. Your love of learning is deep and vast. Your love of letters has recently become sounding out and recognizing words--and you love to surprise us by reading books and signs. You are so empathetic to those around you--wishing and helping that you can make everything better. You want to understand everything and be understood. "Actually Mom" or "Mom I need you to listen to me" or "I need to tell you something"...are common phrases we hear from you. Some of your favorite things: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches--it isn't lunch unless it's PB&J! You love to play dress up: cowboys, fireman--anything you can get your hands on (even your girl friends princess dresses)! You love to help me by putting away dishes or laundry, playing with your sister, weeding--anything you can do to help Mommy be happy! TV is definitely your favorite past-time--which challenges me with coming up with fun TV-free alternatives! But if it involves cooking or cutting we are pretty safe. You are truly like Sid the Science Kid (a favorite show of yours) you want to know everything about everything! You love to 'think and figure things out' so you can 'be smart'. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be your mom--I love you Goofy!

Family Halloween Shot 2009

Eliza as Ellie the Elephant, Xander as Thomas (year 2) and me--
our little pumpkin debuting May 2010!!
Just got this from my in-laws and had to post!

Out of This World Pizza

Xander hit 400 boxes (boxes get filled when he does chores and has good days) this week which meant that he got to go to Out of This World Pizza. (Well, it was Chuck E Cheese but then we got introduced to this place and said--no way to C'eC!). He was so excited--this place in a huge warehouse of fun. It has a 3 story rocket (bigger than the one at the Mormon Center people :D) with all sorts of slides and climbing things--kinda like a fast food joints playplace on steriods. It also has the rock wall, bounce houses and lots of other toys --the kids just love it. At the last minute, we decided it would be much more fun for all of us if Xander had a friend so we enlisted Hayley to come with us. It worked out perfect as Hayley is moving to AZ next week and she had already asked her mom if she could go 'one more time'. So I'm glad we could help out there! I'm also SO glad Hayley came because they ran around the whole time and had a blast. Which made it easier for us to follow Eliza around and help her have fun and stay out of mischief. Grandma was able to go too--Papa missed it because he flew out Monday night--but we were glad to still have one of the Websters with us! This was the end of the chore chart but I think we'll have to make another because I just love having Xander make his bed, put away the utensils, clean the playroom, etc...it is SO nice. So, if you have any great ideas for chore charts--let me know!

Just so cute...Had to Post

Ready for church!

We had quite a good laugh on Sunday morning when we realized, as we were sitting down for lunch at what we thought was 12 PM, that it was in fact daylight savings time and it was only 11 AM. What a relaxing morning we had after that though since we were dressed and ready to go an hour early. Glad Dad Webster was here to remind us! It has been 2 years since Ben and I have had to deal with daylight savings time...hopefully we'll get it figured out quickly!!

It's time for fall baking!

ANY QUESTIONS or SUGGESTIONS?

Way too Advanced...

At dinner tonight I said to Ben's folks that tomorrow (they are watching them for a little bit in the morning) they could take the kids to "C-o-s-t-c-o" (they needed something there). But, yes, I spelled it out. And Eliza looks at us with a grin and says, "Costco!" Um, can I say, WOW?!

Pumpkin Carving Time

I didn't want to be the terrible mother I was last year so we made a special effort to carve our pumpkins BEFORE Halloween this year. So, ok, we finished at 4 pm on Halloween--but we did it! And the kids had lots of fun. We got to carve with the Websters and Ben & I and it went pretty smoothly. I did not want to decorate the house too much but I had heard that there would be a lot of Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood so we had to have Jack O' Lanterns. I was super glad I'd been warned about the T-or T'ers because neither Ben's house or mine were frequently Trick or Treated at when we were growing up. And we had a steady stream for about 2 hours. Ben & Dad Webster took the kids out Trick or Treating for about an hour and then they came back for bed time. Mom Webster and I got to clean up the mess and pass out the candy--fair trade for sure--I get much colder than Ben and Eliza would have wanted me to carry her the whole time. The kids do not understand why Halloween is over already--Eliza still carries 'Ellie' around wanting to get dressed up and they both have had more sugar in this past week then they've had their entire lives! Happy Halloween everyone!!!

The Best Zoo Trip Yet!!

Well, it is pretty obvious why this trip to the zoo was better than the others--we had 3 very special people with us that have not come before: Daddy, Grandma and Papa! Ben's poor parents arrived Thursday night after being delayed about 3 hours (putting them in at midnight) and all the kids could do was talk about going to the zoo in the morning. They were troopers though and we had a blast! We finally paid to feed the birds (which the kids have asked for for awhile) and it was so worth the $1! We had birds everywhere--as you can see. It was so nice for me to have extra hands around the zoo (especially the one to hold). We really enjoyed our morning there and the kids only talk about who they will take next!!

Krispy Kreme Donuts

Xander's preschool field trip this month was to Krispy Kreme! We were all so excited that even Daddy came. It was so much fun to watch them make the donuts and then taste them fresh! Since it was also Halloween week, everyone dressed up in the costumes--unfortunately, my camera batteries died right after I snapped this picture. But we had a delicious time!

Funny Kids

One of the funniest things about the home we are renting is that there is no grass in the yard--just bark. We have had lots of splinters from the bark and so the kids do not like going outside (much to my chagrin!) Well, since the rains have been coming--the bark doesn't seem to bother them as much and my little Picasso's have discovered that the stepping stones that create a Zen-like garden atmosphere are perfect places to create chalk masterpieces...so cute! And then the rain washes the pictures away and we get to start all over! I love Mother Nature!

Trunk or Treat

Our first Halloween party of the year was a hit with the kids--Eliza even started to say "treat" and "thank you" really quick once she realized what was going on. Here are our adorable kiddos sporting their costumes: Xander in his 2nd debut as Thomas (he refused to be anything else!) and Eliza as "Ellie" the Elephant. Ben and I wore our Canarian costumes that we picked up in the islands on our trip there--although it was too cold to not wear the extra pieces that didn't exactly belong. Oh well...we had lots of fun!!