12.30.19 Addie's December

Addie is at the magical age of almost full teenager. She is poised, sassy, organized, committed, and conscientious. She notices people's feelings and sometimes walks all over them. She is able to do hard things because she is not afraid to work hard. She likes doing well and enjoys responsibility. 

This year she was able to be a narrator for the school play. She did very well looking gorgeous at the microphone and speaking so clearly and confidently we were a bit surprised. She loves her teachers and took the initiative to get pictures with many of them after her performance. 

A real deal Santa Claus was also in attendance that evening. He was so kind to the children. This is Livy after placing her order with him I think it was for a Barbie. She forgot her headband but those bangs are almost long enough to not be annoying.

Reed and his new teacher Mrs. Peasley. She is a bubbly hard working lady. He has adapted to her teaching style and found he can be very successful in her classroom as well. He had the part of moving the physically challenged girl around the stage. He did well didn't dump her off on the floor and helped her be a part of the action without adult intervention. He has a kind heart and lots of muscles so this was a perfect fit for him. He is becoming a great young man.

Afton was overjoyed to get to visit with Santa. She is a silly observative girl with big plans and lots of spunk to get her where she wants to be.

I was surprised Bruce wanted a turn but he was insistent that he speak with Santa. He ordered a dinosaur.

Addie also had her first piano recital. She did amazingly well especially considering she had been playing for 2 months. She, however, has dutifully practiced every day and is open to help from grandma. I don't hear her as she prefers grandma's grand piano and the silence of her home.

Addie with her dear teacher Laurie Nelson.

And Addie helping me drop off gifts/supplies to the local women's shelter. Addie is a do-gooder. She helped cut and tie the blankets and endured shopping for the other supplies with me. The item they were most excited about the toilet paper. Non-profit groups always appreciate basic necessities. They were gracious about the pajamas and gifts but the stack of toilet paper made their eyes light up! It's comforting to have a way to give hence the reason we participate in Modern Woodmen of America.

Addie is becoming a lovely young lady. Challenging at times and yet is fast becoming my indespensible right hand too. She keeps me organized and all my tech stuff functioning. I love the many talents I am blessed with in my home.

12.29.19 Full days of December

The days of December flew by. Many days I made treats only to put them in the freezer or feed them to my family instead of taking them places because we ran out of time or energy or both. Lia loves cinnamon rolls and all the kids enjoyed getting to eat what we usually strictly give away. 

Bruce getting all dressed up to go outside. He insisted on a picture he thought he looked pretty snazzy.

Harold had his football banquet. We both were hoping to eat alas not a drop of food or drink was served but his coaches said some nice things and he earned his first-year varsity letter. I challenged him to earn his academic and club letter as well. He was pretty happy with the first accomplishment. He's gone through some sad days of missing football and the camaraderie it was a great experience for him.

The younger kids enjoyed playing with pig whips for several days they were having a good time entertaining themselves while I worked on Christmas and financial stuff and the myriad of other jobs that are mine each day.

Showing off some new teddy bears from a kind neighbor.

A very rare day when they took a nap, which mostly requires mom sitting still long enough and holding them tight enough and voila there they are all cuddled up snug as bugs on mom.

I was out doing water with my oldest son who looked just like his younger brother although much larger sprawled ontop of the tank daydreaming and waiting for it to fill.

We enjoyed a very casual ward party. The kids were delighted with their bags of candy from Santa.

And the annual wrapping of presents. The kids do all of this. I have showed them youtube videos of how to wrap a present and have given some instruction as well then I stand back and let them go. They really enjoy this task. I do not. The boxes of cold cereal for the family gift exchange is a great practice session for them.

Although our Christmas season was much different this year slower and much less involved I feel like we did more of the most important things and that was ok. Each year is a little different. I wasn't as mad at the kids this year. I let them do more I did what I could when I could and that was all I had. They seemed ok and honestly I enjoyed it more. I have lots of time to think while I'm outside and I had some great insights this December. So quite possibly less is more and trying to do more is much less.

12.17.19 Decorating the Tree

This ear thanks to a smaller tree and bigger kids I just sat back and watched while they completed the decorating ritural. They were all so excited and able. 

Very muddy boots and all the tree came in and was placed in the bucket full of rocks in our attempt to keep it from falling over with all the hands that will be touching and decorating it time and again in the next few weeks. 

Then the rechecking of the lights and getting them untangled. Trying to explain to the kids how to light a tree is tricky so I did assist a bit on this part.

A time and focus activity is stringing popcorn. Thus we continue this tradition. I like how it looks but at this point one week later the popcorn is mostly eaten by hungry people as they find it a handy place for a snack. Silly kids.

Lots of opinions on where and how to place the lights. Thus I watched and settled disagreements. The norm for mom referee.

We ended up with decorations on the tree and kids smiling at the completed process. A week later it has been redone probably a hundred times. I just don't have time or care to stop them it's their tree and their Christmas.
Sometimes we get to go look at beautiful trees and decorations in other homes. There we work to keep little hands-off. But here at home they can practice and pretend.

One home had this elaborate village set up it was amazing complete with a running train. Another house had a larger train that the kids got to lay on the  floor and watch go around and around as the proud owner drove it. I love how older men can have the toys they hoped for as children. It is a pleasure to share their joy and vision of a delightful Christmas dream. Christmas is so many things, sites and sounds, songs and silliness, visiting and wrapping. I love the opportunity and look forward to a nap on Christmas day one of total exhaustaion and relief at being done. Life is good and beauty is everywhere if we take the time to see it. 

12.16.19 Persepctive

Aliza was lamenting about how her hair always has these curl/wave pieces on the sides and how Anna was lucky hers goes more straight. Livy piped up "I think it's beautiful it looks like birds when they get ready to fly. " So we laughed and commented on how gorgeous Aliza's flock of birds hair is and how lucky she is to have such a generous poetic sister. 

Life is kinda like that. It's all about how we look at things. Admittedly it's pretty hard to pull ourselves out of a rut or the drumbeat of thoughts we are struggling with but a kind word or note from a friend and boom life looks totally different. I was frustrated with our eternal colds and snotty noses here until I got a text asking about chickenpox and was instantly grateful not to be dealing with that, or the friend who shared she is battling lice at her house. Again thankful to just be wiping noses and slicing oranges.
As Addie and I go-rounds about how ugly our Christmas tree is I'm thankful to have her creative eye, the little kids excitement that prohibits more elaborate decoration and that we have a tree this year. Life is great, we have little troubles, but overall we just enjoy day to day life. Christmas is a good time of year for pondering and loving and I'm blessed to be loved and wanted by MANY in my home.
This past weekend we celebrated the 19th year of our Family. Greg and I's anniversary. 20 years since meeting and 19 since marrying. On some days it feels like a LONG LONG time and others not nearly Long enough. We have been abundantly blessed with enough, and a houseful of energy. This has been a comforting journey. The surety of a completely loyal and totally committed spouse is amazingly secure. The deep joy of having someone to rely on and who is an unconditional friend has been the greatest balm to my worried soul over the years. It's hard to comprehend love it is so much more than just a feeling. IT is gut-wrenching prayers, heart brakes that mend, the best and worst moments of life endured. Most of all I'm sure I am married to my perfect match and for that I am grateful. I am blessed. It is a grateful season of the year.

12.10.19 Christmas decorating

Through the cabin fever weekend, we worked hard to use some of the kids' energy. They spent a few hours picking up rocks to fill in some muddy spots in our driveway. The reward was getting the Christmas tree. 

Harold came home to do homework and Lia was delighted!

 She gives the best hugs holding on tight and patting your shoulder back as she enjoys being held.

This crew got to rearrange the room, put up some of the decorations and test the lights. They should have been doing other things, but for a few minutes, they got to dream of the rest and fun of Christmas. As one child lamented my lack of agreement with their desire to fancy up the house I was thinking our house is already full of people, dreams, and energy We add some simple totally kid-proof and mostly kid-made decorations and that is our celebration direction. Again I need to be thankful for all the imagination that adds the rest. I'm very blessed to have so many that love me and I get to love. That was the overriding lesson of the weekend.

Every night we have been doing a Christmas devotional. Bruce gets to show the picture he is adorable and serious about showing everyone the image for the day. We sing and we read scripture passage from the bible and discuss what was happening. This is our winding down to the day, I love being gathered together with most of my family. Sometimes it is profound and touching, and sometimes it is just accomplished. Yet it is an anchor to our day. A counted on time of gathering and loving each other. I'm thankful for these minutes we spend studying, learning, and being close together. I feel the days ticking away for big changes here and yet this routine fills my heart with peace and joy.

12.9.19 Simple pleasures

Every year we make hundreds of cookies and brownies and take them to our friends and neighbors. We have tried several times to get this project going but to date, we have not got out the door with anything yet. One night Livy asked if we could share some hot chocolate. I told her no you are too young you just need to go to bed. Yet a few minutes later I relented and we had a hot chocolate tasting party. 

 One of the devotionals said we need to slow down and watch the light in our children's eyes as they experience the excitement and joy of Christmas. This weekend as I battled my older kids and my old self, I was wanting life to be smooth and like it used to be, there were fun moments like this that are easy to forget. I love these kiddos. Often the younger ones are bouncing off the walls and furniture literally. The shouts of be quiet, stop fighting, I'm going to lock you outside... are often the norm. Yet, they are sweet and easy to please. Their Christmas lists were sweet and inexpensive. They are happy to snuggle and read, to sip hot chocolate, to color with markers more pictures of their visions of Christmas for the fridge. They are sweet reminders of life free of worry, stress, and complication.
This lady adds all that to trying to get work done. She insists on being with me. Helping me type, load the washer, cook, etc. She is a darling girl yet not quite big enough to do all she thinks she should.

Just when I think my head will explode with all that is suppose to be happening I get called back to need and we push on legs tied up in hugs from her or pretty pictures being handed over for recognition. Life is good!

12.4.19 Lessons Learned

The older kids have been gone a lot this fall, in fact they are rarely home. I am working on teaching the younger kids to be responsible and capable. This Friday I had time to work with them on learning some new skills. Thus we washed walls. They were so happy to do that task. Honestly, we don't do a lot of wall washing here. I wash sometimes when I talk on the phone, but mostly we don't get to them. Then a friend came and reminisced about washing walls as a kid at a friends house and I thought oh no my kids don't know that skill, I must find a way to get that done. Thus this day they washed a lot of walls, happily!

This was after this young lady cleaned her entire room even under the beds by herself. She was excited to send a picture to her traveling sister of her accomplishment. She did a great job.

She ended her room cleaning with washing some of her drawings off her dresser.

Addie is developing her cooking skills. She made these lemon blueberry bundt cakes to trade with classmates at school. She came home with a large boxful of cobbler, candy, and brownies. She definitely traded up. Her teacher congratulated her on her skillful trading ability.

Addie has the responsibility of cooking dinner while I am out watering cows. She has fed us well. I liked cooking alone when I was her age. It's a necessary skill and fundamental part of human life to cook and eat. Responsibility is what gives traction and purpose to life. I love seeing the kids pride as they achieve some new task or project and I have to keep in mind that I just need to give the direction and get out of the way. I am blessed with so many able bodies. Life is good.