Misty's Magic

We finally got family pictures taken this year (December 1, 2007), and they turned out great (of course, thanks to Misty) so here is a peak of our family pictures.

Sean's Sixth Sense

How does he do it? How does he know what to get into? Sean just must have a sixth sense about trouble!!!!!

For Christmas this year I decided to copy Andrea's idea for Jason last year - a BYU quilt. So I have been using all my free time (ha, ha, ha) to cut out, prepare and assemble said quilt. I finally got to the actual sewing stage last night (yeah - my poor husband will only have his present half done). So I sewed until about 1am (until I couldn't see what I was doing any more). I had everything ready to go for the next phase of sewing. The tension was just right (my machine is very finicky!!!!), every thing was laid out for easy access (but still hidden from sight), and all the setting were to my needs.

So, tonight I get ready to take advantage of the BYU game (Chris goes to his brother's to watch and takes ALL the kids -- Wahoo!!!) which gives me time for more sewing.

This first thing I notice is that the thread is on the floor. How did that happen? Did I bump it or something earlier when I was doing laundry? (My sewing room is the laundry room.) So I start winding up the thread and place it back on the spool. I am just thankful the machine is still threaded!!! Because every time I have to re-thread it the tension goes and I have to recalibrate it all over again.

Then I start to un-hid my project and get ready to sew. But wait, there is a big wade of tangled thread all around the needle and stuck in the bobbin case. Okay - now I know "someone" has been messing with my stuff. I take a deep breath and start to detangle the whole bobbin contraption. I notice that some threads are dangling off the table. I go to grab them and notice that they aren't light. Something is attached to the threads. So, I look down and low and behold what do I find???? You are never going to guess this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Attached to the threads is underwear! Little boy underpants (size 2-3T) that are soaking wet from pee. They are attached to the threads by about 5 stitches. I don't know whether to laugh or scream. I am just in total shock. Not at all what I was expecting when I sat down to sew today. And of course - I don't even think to take a picture. I have precious time awastin'. So I quickly cut the threads, throw the underpants into the laundry basket, and finish getting the sewing machine ready to sew.

Upon further inspection I discover that about every single knob on my machine and been turned or pushed. I have to start all over again with setting my machine right!!!!!!

Now, is this coincidence or some big grand scheme? I haven't used my sewing machine since Easter time. At Easter time I decided to make myself a dress for church. Again, I don't sew very much any more (I wonder why?) but each time I do something happens. Last time it was laundry powder all over and in my machine and this time it was yucky underpants.

My hypothesis is: Sean had an accident (which he is still very prone to) so he took off his wet clothes and took them to the laundry room (which he is very good at because he doesn't want me to know he had an accident). While in the laundry room his sixth sense kicked in that mommy must need to use the sewing machine. So he decided to go over and fiddle. Now, he needs something to sew. Oh, what do I have available, I see, my handy-dandy underwear. Now, if I just stick it in here and press a few buttons there lets see what I can do.

Actually I just wish I could have seen his face. It probably scared him when it actually did something and made a noise. I'm just glad his little fingers didn't get in the way.

Now, back to sewing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glenrose Ward Christmas Party

Only 10 days until Christmas - and I am still trying to instill in my brain that it is December, not November. The days just seem to go by faster and faster, especially with so much to do.

I did work really hard on getting most of my shopping done early this year (a first for me). And I love that I am not stressing too badly about being ready for Christmas. I also tried to simplify things a little - which is hard for me. My family always went all out for Christmas. But I have realized that simplifying gifts and being more organized and on top of things has really allowed me to enjoy more time with my children this year and also think more about the reason behind Christmas and what I can give of myself to my family and others.

To start the Christmas season off - we had a great Ward Christmas Party. We got to mingle, the kids got to do fun crafts and see Santa, the adults played games and then we ended with a nativity play put on by the primary. Jeraldine and Halle were asked to be the speakers (which thrilled them both to bits!!!!) It was a well rounded evening of fun, friendship, and Christmas spirit.

Grandma and Halle talk about each piece of the nativity.

Chad is excited to see Santa.

Sean talks Santa into letting him off the naughty list. (He is still holding on to his golden ticket from the Polar Express ride to the North Pole - he loved the train!!!!!!)

Halle is actually speechless.

Chris -mastree. One of the games was to decorate the bishopric up as Christmas trees.

The three dancing Christmas trees.

Yesterday was our Relief Society Christmas Dinner. It was so nice not to be in charge of anything this year!!!!!!!! The dinner tasted great and the program was nice. I liked the thought that, "Wise men still seek him," and how we should be wise in seeking Christ in our lives all the time.



After the relief society program I met up with my book group gals and had some much needed girl time.

First, Free Ice-Skating

A few weeks ago we all went ice-skating as a family for FHE. It was the first time we had ever taken any of our kids. And after thinking about it, it was also the first time Chris and I have ever ice-skated together.

What was our motivation for going? A) Thought it would be a fun seasonal event B) The kids have been begging to go C) We thought we would prepare for the Olympics, or D) It was free.

If you picked D) It was free. Then that is the right answer. That seems to be the main motivation in our family!!!!! Anyway, it was free because of Chris' work and the on going benefits fair that day.

We did have a great time! Chad was pretty brave, and even thought he kept falling down, he would just pick himself up and start all over again. Halle was a little more scared but loved hanging on the the side board and doing twisty tricks. She thought she was pretty cool. Sean loved going too - but he was a lot of work as Chris or I would have to pretty much hold him up the whole loop of the rink. But all in all it was fun.

Will we be going again anytime soon? Sure, as soon as it is free again. Maybe we will have to wait all the way to next year again.

Sean, Halle, and Chad - first time to ice-skate.

Graceful girls.

The fast skating boys.

Sean gets some help around the rink.

Sean - being the official door opener to get back onto the ice.

Halle smiling proud that she is standing up without holding on to the rail.

Chad turned out to be quite the skater.

Thanksgiving - Pilgrim Style

Chad's first grade class had turkey poetry and dressed up like Indians. And much to Halle's delight, her class did something for thanksgiving too. Her class got to dress up as pilgrims and Indians. Their teacher read a short story about the first Thanksgiving while the kids sang songs and told what they were thankful for. It turned out really cute and all the kindergartners were actually on task!!!!

Singing about the Mayflower.

Halle makes a very cute pilgrim.

A Sean, a pilgrim, and an Indian sit together at Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's house.