All I want for Christmas...

I just had to post these Christmas lists from my girls. We had a little talk with our girls about Christmas this year... we have two family members who are jobless right now...an accountant and a business mba... we have friends that need help... and it's an uncertain time. We discussed that if the girls choose a few smaller items that it would allow us to spend money on some of our family so that others could have a good Christmas too.

This is what they wanted from Red Balloon ($129 for just the home then you need to buy the critters and furniture)...

Look at how amazing my girls are...

Flash Back to a Sunbeam

This was taken at our church... thus the cinder block bricks...

I was a very happy sunbeam at the time... as you can clearly see.

Little Pink Backpack

Elizabeth truly loves going to school. She gets so excited as we prepare. Most morning's I walk her to the stairs, I let go of her hand and she counts the ten steps going down to Amber's preschool. One day as I watched above from the railing, I saw her enter the classroom door, strike a pose and wait for a response from the teacher and students. "Hi Elizabeth!" from the students, "There's Elizabeth!" from Ms. Amber. She is the same way in nursery, and especially with her sweet leader Rachel. When she sees Rachel, she tilts her head, poses, smiles and ever faithful Rachel smiles, laughs her cute little laugh and says in a delighted voice "Hi Elizabeth!" I love that leaders and teachers delight in making children feel loved and special.

Everyday when Elizabeth returns from preschool we have the same procedure. It is constant and doesn't vary. We walk in... I ask her to tell me what sort of things they learned about... Elizabeth says robotic like "I don't know," then bright eyed she continues "do you wanna see what's in my backpack?" Of coarse I'm just dying to, so she meticulously locates the zipper pull, watches me for confirmation that I am all eyes, and slowly with those little hands I love, unzips her backpack, reaches in... still watching me for reaction... to reveal her school treasures. We discuss the items, and set them aside for dad to generally look at before recycling.

Oh... I love that pink little backpack!

CornBelly's

I know I am late posting these photo's from Cornbelly's, but it is nice to look at them now and remember the warmth of the day - warmth - which like October, has gone.

Poor Claire, the climb to the top with her sister alone would have done her in but now her sister is in control of rocketing her to the bottom!

Rockin' McCall

This is what Elizabeth will wear if she cuts anymore hair off...

The balloon man... okay can I just say - PEOPLE you are supposed to tip them! I can't believe how cheap people can be. So many kids followed him around and never paid anything. The same thing went for the face painters.

No paint for this little one but the maze of pumpkins was fun for her.

Two Princesses ready for the ball... (okay, that was cheesy I know).


Okay, so I was laughing so hard I couldn't take a picture of the kids on the slide thing with the pvc tubes which rolled as they went down. (If you went you may know what I mean?) The kids were bouncing and it so didn't look like any fun but it was hilarious, ohhh, I am LOL right now just thinking of it. We had a 60 year old woman on it and she came off hardly walking. Elizabeth got a little way down and stuck her heals in so she wouldn't go down and we were persuading her to come down, but I think they did it a second maybe third time. Ahhh... good times.

What is this you wonder?

I was down here in the office, and Elizabeth was next to me at her desk coloring, and I looked at her hair and saw this chunk missing, it was hard to tell if it was part of the layering at first so I got up and fluffed her hair with my fingers. It just didn't look right and I said, "Elizabeth, did you cut your hair?" Elizabeth looked up with her bright eye's and as honestly and sweetly as one could imagine, said, "no mama", she even ended the response with the slight inflection of a question at the end, like "why would someone do that?" I dismissed it with a "We never use our scissors to cut anything besides paper, huh?!" and figured it was something previously from the girl who did Elizabeth's hair at LaVilla Salon while Amy was out of commission.

Note: This was towards the beginning of preschool and we had been practising every morning with Elizabeth to trace her name and cut out along a line, to improve her dexterity using scissors. A small pencil box lay on the corner of the kitchen counter specifically filled with necessary tools.

Upon leaving the office I went upstairs to the kitchen where I saw the scissors from our morning work and little pieces of paper which I subsequently cleaned up, then placed the scissors and markers back in the box.

A couple hours later before McCall arrived home I hit the family room to do a toy/book sweep. As I bent to pick up a book I noticed something strange on the carpet. It was light yellow, and fuzzy. As I reached down and picked it up, to my horror I realized it was a child's hair... "Did she go and cut it after I gave her the idea!!" Was my naive initial thought then common sense reigned in and I realized the little turd had lied to me. Upon finding a couple more little tufts, I set them on the counter took a picture and called Elizabeth down.

I explained how disappointed I was that she cut her hair which meant we would be taking away her privileges to use scissors for the next little while, but even more disappointing was the fact that I asked her if she cut her hair and she said "No" which I explained was a lie, and thus for the lie I would be removing all barbie and associated accessories. This was devastating to her I know, but I hope she understood the lesson that we must be honest and tell the truth even, and especially, if it's hard.

I hope we are through with this little hair cutting stint!

Fluffy White Kleenex Dreams

We all have our share of trouble makers in each of our children. Claire seems to not only get into trouble, but she honestly seems to enjoy it. She thinks it's even funnier when we look grumpy and say "no". Yes, she is still in her pajama top ... but it was still morning.

I don't understand motive here but do we ever?

Dear Ashley

Please... Move away from the Internet!!!!!!!!!

Oh my, as if I don't have enough to do in one day. Look how delightful! I found a whole slew of information about papercutting. I can picture this and others framed in a small grouping in my girls room. Although, I'm running out of wall space, I think they need a bigger room.

Our flag

When I awoke and glanced out the front window in the soft morning light, seeing our flag and it's bright red, white and blue, waving in the wind, I almost was brought to tears thinking about this great nation, the privilege we have, the gift and right to vote on this cold Tuesday in November. I have great pride in our flag.

I have knots in my stomach - some anxiety over the outcome - I'm not sure I want to turn on the TV this evening. Yet, I also have faith that our nation is made up of people, a majority of whom have good hearts and good morals. I know we can work through whatever changes lie in wait for us, and changes will come regardless.

To really fix the problems facing this nation, it is going to take time, patience, and sacrifice. These are all things I am hopeful the American people can make. Yet, part of the problems we are facing now stem from people not practising these virtues. So many want a quick fix, an easy solution... and I just don't think there is one. I think a strong nation is based on self-reliant people. And I hope our people will become that way, not reliant on the government.

I love our flag. It is beautiful. People of old and everyday since have given there lives to defend it and what it stands for. Our flag stands for a nation built for the people and under God. What could be more promising? I am so thankful for a Prophet, a living, breathing, speaks with God, prophet. I know this. I know this as certain as anything. I am so thankful for the counsel given to those who are willing to listen. Despite all the worries I have felt today over the future of my family and nation, there is peace and comfort. I found it from this talk from our recent conference, it brought peace and comfort to me then, and it did again today... I think you will find it too...

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-10,00.html

Falling Back

I love the fall but I've never really liked the fact that we lose daylight, and when the time changes we lose our evening light. (I personally hate driving home from McCall's dance when it's dark out.)

But on mornings like today, I enjoy the change. The kids were all in bed and ASLEEP last night by 8pm. Which meant, Erik and I were in bed at 9, asleep by 10pm.

This morning without the usual drudgery I was up reading scriptures and enjoying my "me time". When McCall was awake I already had a jump on things. Beds were made, children dressed, pancakes cooking, violin practiced, faces washed, teeth brushed, breakfast cleaned up, family prayer said, and still time to chat and give a little extra time for some loves before seeing McCall out the door. Elizabeth and Claire waving and yelling to McCall as she walked with neighbors down the street.

So... before heading up to spend some time with some treasured storybooks, I thought I'd jot down some of these feelings, hopefully I'll be able to continue this morning energy and schedule for the next few months!

A Hero

What makes a Hero? It may be someone who stands up and shows powerful strength. It may be someone who quietly stands as a beacon when trials wave over you, gently helping you through. Or someone who consistently lives up to standards you admire. It may be someone who endures trial and struggle, with strength unimaginable. You may know one... you may be one...

This organization is one of mine and I thought I'd share... click the first photo (about nilmdts) to enter... oh, and the song is wonderful and goes with the pictures so I'd start it if it doesn't begin...


http://www.nilmdts.org/start.php


Who is a hero to you? Share your comments...

If money were never an issue...

I can totally see my Claire cruising around on this wheeley bug (or battling Elizabeth for it!) I just think it is so darn cute so I thought I'd share... they also have a bee and a cow...

And look at these little play homes by iplay, they are so adorable - I'd have no problem spending an hour with Claire or Elizabeth playing.

Isn't the little mushroom house delightful?!!

And look at the little forest animals!!!

And lastly check out this game... I think I am going to get it for Claire for Christmas... don't you love the artwork? I think it's fabUlous! They also have a memory game I think I'll get for Elizabeth called Once Upon A Time with all kinds of wonderful storybook artwork on the cards. I am having so much fun looking at all these fantastic toys! I wish I could buy EVERYTHING!

Elizabeth's Brithday (from July)

So I realized I never posted pictures from Elizabeth's birthday... sorry princess... Erik was over picture's this day and while I must express my love that he jumps when told - but I only have video of the whole cake thing, no pictures...

Yesterday, driving home from Pre-school I asked "How was your day, Elizabeth?" She said.. "Today I'm cinerrrella Momma!" Today, when I picked her up as we came in the house I said, "hang your backpack up cinderella" to which Elizabeth replied, "I'm snow white today, Momma".

Elizabeth picked out The Sound of Music DVD the other weekend and wanted to watch it. Everyday since then she wants to watch it... she gazes and smiles as the characters sing and dance... her eye's get bright and her head tilts with a smile as they serenade each other in the garden... she is my romantic.

The other day Grandpa was over and asked her how old she was... she said "two"... we both replied "no Elizabeth, your are three now"... Elizabeth held her stance on being two... (I think she's got a bit of me in her -- I'm never wrong, I just change my mind!).

Elizabeth can shake it... when dancing she just loves to get in and shake and twirl. She is colorful and I'm speaking of more than just what she wants to wear.

Elizabeth tells me she loves me dozens of times during the day. She will be playing with toys and stop everything and say, "I love you Momma".

One day I got on her response to picking up toys or something and explained that when we respond we should say... "okay mom!" in a happy tone and go do what was asked... since then when I ask something she consistently says "Okay Momma!" in a very bright, very happy, grin across her whole face manner.

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Hey, check out McCall's dance The Pointe (right column scroll down under list of people links) you can access their blog under the right to dance link...

why don't I just send you there http://thepointeacademy.blogspot.com/

Baptism Day - Part II

I left out pictures at the church for McCall's baptism... she looked so pretty... I like the jump suit look on Erik too... I've always said I have a cute hubby!!

Tagged by Cute Jill

1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the "8" items
3) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows
We are so busy in the evenings that we rarely watch anything unless it's after 9-10pm...I record some of these programs but it just builds up and I don't get around to watching it.
1. The Office (seasons on DVD)
2. Divine Design
3. NOVA
4. Dirty Jobs
5. What Not to Wear
6. Victory Garden
7. Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten
8. A&E Religion Specials

8 Things I did Yesterday
1. Vacuum
2. Took Elizabeth to dance 1 hr.
3. Took McCall to dance 2 hrs. after that
4. Bugged Rachel for her opinion on my new jeans
5. Read books with Claire
6. Made dinner
7. did laundry
8. Played "make 20" math game with McCall among other homework

8 Things I look forward to
1. vacations
2. bedtime
3. temple
4. seeing my kids in the temple
5. making ours a family of four
6. having our home paid off - hopefully soon
7. a new dishwasher (we have a whirlpool piece of...)
8. serving a mission with Erik

8 Favorite Restaurants (Assuming Price isn't an issue ever)
1. Flemings
2. New Yorker
3. Cucina Toscana
4. Thai anything
5. Asian Star
6. Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant
7. Olive Garden (with Kids)
8. Archibald's at Gardner Village

8 Things on my wish list
1. go back to school
2. new house, or new kitchen?
3. seeing all my kids married in the temple to GOOD men (of course I would change that if we had a boy ever...)
4. paying for college for all my kids - 4yrs
5. forgiving Elizabeth's swim instructor
6. Erik have a new back, quit his job and try for the PGA tour
7. magically having my high school bust back in this life -- they are pretty deflated...
8. being on earth when the Savior returns

Maybe everything isn't Bush's fault after all.

I get irritated when one person is made the pawn. One person doesn't ruin everything in the economy, they may have strong influence but they are not the cause of all that is wrong. The congress has more power to push and pass laws then the President (read up on your American History people). The current mess has been years in the making... this mess has been created by people who save too little, spend too much. This mess has been made by people trying to live above their means and excusing debt, debt, and more debt as something acceptable. This is a mess from a society of people who have to have everything NOW. This is a problem from trying to have people who have not paid the price, who have never made a sacrifice of want but yet agencies have arbitrarily handed out loans to people who most likely would not be able to afford them, just to help people out -- well, people are helped out all right.

READ:

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
By STEVEN A. HOLMES
Published: September 30, 1999

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''

Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.

''From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''

To read on... http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink


So to Pres. Bush -- I'm sorry your the pawn -- I'm sorry people are taking out the economic situation on you. I'm sorry that you are being blamed for something created under the Clinton era... I'm sorry that so many Americans and people across the globe cannot accept, cannot face up to the fact that we all played a roll in this mess. Everyone who spent money instead of laying a little aside, everyone who purchased on credit rather than having cash on hand, those are the people who are responsible -- stand up and take it like a man and take some responsibility for your own actions.

One more thought from an email on change...
To all those people who voted for change two years ago... when gas was low, home equity high, unemployment down, and the Dow up ... you wanted "change" ... you got it ... now we all get to suffer.