Bethlehem Christmas Party

For our church Christmas party this year we went to Bethlehem.  The church cultural hall was set up to look like we'd traveled back in time two thousand years.  It was awesome.

A lot of people dressed up for the occasion in time period appropriate apparel.  Maybe next time I'll put forth the effort and do the same.  It was fun to see everyone all decked out.

There was a stable set up on the side.  The kids lounged about a bit before we herded them onto the next fun thing.  There were booths set up as well so the kids could do some crafts related to the time period.  They made little oil lamps out of clay among other fun things.

There was some wonderful food to enjoy at the party as well.  There were lots of fruits and veggies that the kids especially enjoyed.  There were finger sandwiches.  There were also a bunch of different types of cookies to indulge in.

After everyone had gotten their fill of food and crafts, there was a beautiful reenactment of the nativity scene.  I really enjoyed the focus we were able to have upon the birth of the Savior.  Christmastime passes by quickly each year, and I find it very important to slow down and remember why it is we celebrate the holiday at all.

A Christmas Craft

Along with the box of presents my mom sent this year, she also sent the kids some ready to make craft kits.  My kids love crafts, and I love when I don't have to gather the supplies myself!  Perfect.

All three kids had a great time with this Christmas craft.  It was the kind where you glue different color squares of tissue paper into an area to make a picture.  The kids did require a bit of help, but overall they had fun.

I'm pretty sure only one of them got totally finished (and that was a day or two later).  These things take a lot of time and patience.  But honestly, that didn't matter.  When it comes to these sorts of crafts it's the "doing" that's the point.

Yay for fun kids' crafts!

Operation

"I don't believe that man's ever been to medical school!"

I found myself thinking that quote quite a few times during our family game night.  We played Simpson's Operation.  

When I was a kid I HATED the game operation.  Anytime I touched the metal side while trying to remove a piece, I would jump a foot in the air.  After awhile I just stopped playing.  It wasn't good for my nerves.  Luckily, as an adult, I've learned to enjoy it again.  Not that I've played much mind you.  This was the first time playing as a family.  

I was actually surprised at how good the kids were -- for the most part.  But Cameron still doubled and tripled everyone else's scores.  I think he cheats.

I am glad game night isn't just about winning though.  It's about the treat, too.  We had delicious rocky road bars.  Seriously, some of the best snacks are had around this little table in our kitchen while enjoying a good game as a family.  Rocky Road bars are one of my favorite treats to make around the holiday.  Unfortunately, they are extremely sweet, so I don't make them often.  They are great completely cooled and coupled with a cold glass of milk.

Treat or no treat though, we all had a great time operating on Homer.  Every time someone touched the metal sides, instead of a loud buzzer, we get to hear Homer say a funny phrase.  My favorite is when he says, "Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow!" over and over.  That guy cracks me up.

A Christmas Carol

Last year we started a Christmas tradition that I absolutely love.  Starting after Thanksgiving we sit down in the evening before bed with the kids to read Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

We get everyone a treat of some sort and sit around our fireplace with all the lights off.  Cameron then reads aloud from the unabridged book.  The kids actually do very well with this.  Britta's attention span is admittedly a bit less than the older two, but she does alright.  This year was better than last year, and I'm sure next year will be even better in terms of sitting still and listening.  The kids really love the time together.

We have consistently finished the book either Christmas Day or the day after Christmas (depending on whether time got away from us on the big holiday). I love the message of the story, and the spirit it brings into our home.  I look forward to enjoying the time reading together as a family for many years to come.

Setting Up the Tree

Usually we like to get our Christmas tree just after Thanksgiving.  We've found that in Austin the tree can actually stay green and fresh through New Years if we are diligent, whereas in Phoenix you're lucky to get a good solid 3 weeks out of a tree.  We like to take advantage of trees being easier to keep here, and get it as early as we can.

However, this year we were pretty busy, and our minds occupied elsewhere.  It wasn't until December 7 that we headed over to Home Depot to grab a tree.  The kids were pretty anxious to decorate a tree by that point.

I've been really pleased with the Home Depot trees here.  They look nice, and the prices are pretty low!  I think we only dropped about $30 on our tree this year.  Not bad at all.

I like the smell of fresh Christmas trees.  My dad even sent us a candle that smelled like them.  Our house smelled very festive this year.

8th Anniversary

Cameron and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary December 5, 2011.  For the occasion Cameron arranged for us to stay the night in a fancy local hotel while a good friend from church kept the kids overnight.

The Omni is a really nice hotel in Austin.  Cameron got a great deal, too.  It turned out to be slightly comical though.  He booked the hotel through Priceline, and therefore had no way to specify what type of room we wanted.  We just kind of assumed they'd be able to accommodate us when we arrived.  I guess there really was no way of knowing they would run out of rooms with king sized beds.  We ended up in a room with two double beds.  Double beds are small.  Comically small.  We laughed and laughed.

We decided to go to the old standby favorite for dinner, The Cheesecake Factory is definitely our default.  It was a delicious meal, and we got what we were really there for: Peppermint bark Cheesecake.  They only have it during the Christmas season.  It was worth the trip just for that.  YUM.

We were both pretty tired when we got back to the hotel, and neither of us were feeling very well.  We pushed our tiny beds together, broke out the complimentary bottle of sparkling cider, and watched a movie on HBO.  It was just nice to spend the time together.

The one thing we both realized is that a night away is not enough.  Next time it needs to be a weekend.  Two nights minimum.  Something we also realized is that at this point in time we wouldn't really want to leave the kids for a whole week.  The kids are actually a lot of fun and bring a joy to our day that we would miss if they were away for too long.  I think that's a good thing to realize.  I do hope we are able to do a weekend away soon though.  I would LOVE to make something happen before the baby arrives in April.  Yeah, we'll just see about that one.

Weather

The Friday after we got home from vacation the kids had another class at the Austin Nature and Science Center.  It was raining that day.  Ironically the subject to be explored in the class was, "Weather."  Love it!

I hesitated a bit before leaving for the class worried that it would be cancelled.  It was pouring rain after all.  I'm glad we went though.  It was not cancelled, and the kids had a great time.  They even got to wear the rain jackets I had purchased for them before the drought set in.  Winning!

The kids were able to experience wind by making pinwheels.  They experimented with temperature by using thermometers.  They experienced rain by walking out to where the center had set up a device to measure the amount of rainfall.  It was a very well rounded lesson.

I'm pretty sure Britta's favorite part was the pinwheel.  She loves pink, and tells us that practically every day.  She's so funny about it!

I'm still loving these nature classes.  No regrets at all thus far.  It was even fun to have an excuse to venture out into the rain.  I love the rain, but it's hard to enjoy it as much from inside my house.  I appreciated the chance to sit outside and enjoy the weather we were experiencing while the kids learned more about it.

Holiday Bingo

While we were at the cabin in Angelfire, Cameron's mother had a bunch of fun crafts organized for the kids to do.  My kids LOVE crafts and games, so this was perfect for them.  She started things out by giving each of the kids their own little bag that had their own package of colored pencils inside.  They now had the tools they needed for decorating the game cards for Holiday Bingo!

I mentioned that my kids love games.  Did I mention they love bingo?  I mean LOVE bingo.  I guess there's just something exciting about getting five in a row and yelling out "Bingo!" for the whole world to hear.  Or perhaps it's the thought of possible prizes in the end?  I'm not sure though because the kids want to play regardless of the prize.

The cards were fun to decorate.  I helped.  Then everyone sat down to play the game.  I think the kids liked sitting down getting the attention from Grandma Marsha as much as they liked playing the actual game.  Total win win for them.

I am so glad the kids had such a good time playing while we were there.  I'm pretty sure they would have packed Grandma up in their bags and took her home with us if given the option.  Thanks for loving us so much Marsha.  The feeling is most definitely mutual.

Hats from Peggy

My friend Peggy is a talented knitter.  She taught me all I know -- and I reteach myself with online tutorials when it's been so long between knitting for me that I've forgotten all she taught me.

Awhile back we did a little trade.  My sewing for her knitting.  She got bibs.  I got hats.  I have had them for a little while, but I had to wait for cooler weather before I would let the kids wear them.  This trip to Angelfire NM was the perfect occasion to give them their new hats!

It was chilly in Angelfire.  It was right before the skiing season started, but there was already snow on the ground.  My kids were thrilled with the new additions to their winter wardrobe.  They are darn cute, too!

Thanks Peggy!  You're awesome!  When I grow up, I want to knit just like you!

Fun at Jenny's... without Jenny

After a few days in Tucson visiting my sister Amber and her family, we headed up to Mesa to visit even more family.  For a few of those days, we were fortunate enough to have my awesome sister Jenny and her husband (also Cameron's brother) Dawson willing to let us stay in their house for a few nights.

We arrived during the middle of the day, so I dropped Cam off at his brother's office, and went to their house.  Jen was still over at the community college, so we had a few hours to kill while we waited for her to get home.  It's always a bit odd to be in someone else's house while they aren't around.  Thankfully it's a bit easier when it's family.

The kids raided their game closet right away.  They've been collecting some pretty fun games the past few years.  It was fun to watch the kids play "Perfection" for a bit, a game from my childhood.  I made sure they each only took out one toy at a time and put it right back when they were through.  The last thing I wanted was for Jen to get home to find her entire toy collection spread all over the house.  Eek.  That wouldn't exactly be a good "welcome home" gift.

Anyhow, the stay at Dawson and Jenny's house was a good one.  The kids sure love their aunt Jenny and Uncle Dawson.  They both played games with them, did crafts, all the things an awesome auntie and uncle do.  I'm so glad my kids have such good relatives in their lives.  It was great to spend time with them.

Trekking through the Airport

It has been a fun family tradition to meet together with members of Cam's side of the family and stay in a timeshare for a week or so together.  Cameron's mother, Marsha, has been good enough to organize the event for us all.  It's been a few years, so this year's trip to a time share in Angelfire NM was especially important for us to make it out to.

Marsha planned for months in advance and cleared the schedule with everyone.  However, as the date approached there were some people that couldn't make it, and some work conflicts that were making it difficult for us in particular.  It was really important that we be there though.  So, instead of what we would normally have done, which was to spent an eternity in the car driving where we needed to go, we decided to fly this time.

The kids have only been on a plane when we flew to Austin from Phoenix for our move, so this was a special treat for them.  We were, admittedly, a bit nervous about the whole thing.  We were to fly from Austin to Tucson with a connection in Las Vegas, then from Tucson to Albuquerque, and then from Albuquerque to Austin with a quick stopover in El Paso.  TONS of flying.  Honestly, if we hadn't had to lug 3 kids and a bunch of stuff around the airports, it wouldn't have been bad at all.  Luckily we learned as we went and by our 4th flight we really took things in stride.

Take note: the less carry-on luggage the better.  We already had to take all the kids.  We also had to bring a carseat for Britta.  Even though we had a carrying bag for the seat, it was still really really heavy.  It's also important to have a few snacks for the kids.  However, it's not worth an extra bag, no matter how small.  I think the next time we fly the kids will each have a SMALL backpack with an activity or two for them to do.  The backpacks we had were HEAVY so it was a huge hassle to carry them.  One small bag each for the kids.  Cam had to bring his laptop, so next time I think we should try to fit a thing or two extra in that and forego any other bags at all.  SERIOUSLY.

Second note: Non-stop flights are worth more money.  Honestly, I would have paid my weight in dollars to take a nonstop flight from Austin to Tucson.  That extra flight and those extra hours or traveling were seriously wearing.  Money could have bought comfort and happiness in this particular case.

The kids really were surprisingly well behaved -- especially on our flight home (please note I backdated this post to before our return flight -- don't be confused).  I didn't have to chase them all over, and the flights were relatively low stress.  Now, in an effort of full disclosure, the first flight did not go smoothly.  Cam and I decided to try three seats in front and two directly behind.  The problem with that is you can't hear the people behind you, so the kids would SCREAM out when they needed attention from us.  Even when Cameron switched seats so he sat by two kids and I sat by one right behind, it was still stressful because we could hear or see to help one another.  Simply getting two seats directly across the aisle from the other two went really far in solving the problem.  Thankfully we were able to do so for the remaining 3 flight segments.

So, all in all, the flying was worth it.  We were able to attend a wedding while in the Phoenix area, attend Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house, AND attend the family time share adventure in New Mexico.  WINNING.  I think we'll probably be doing more flying in the future.  Hopefully a new baby in the mix doesn't throw off our groove too much.

Parking it

When the weather cooled off the kids and I decided to take the opportunity to visit a local park.  We had an hour or so to kill before dropping Maddy off at her Activity Day, so we decided to play.  It was actually a bit chilly -- as it should be in early November.  The park was fun.  The kids were able to run around and get their wiggles out.

There are a few hills in the back of the play equipment.  River and Britta got a kick out of rolling down them.  I remember doing that as a kid.  Rolling down hills makes me sick now though.  Hate that.

Maddy made friends with all the other kids -- along with their dogs.  My kids definitely get their pet fill whenever we go out.  I'm okay with that.  It makes me feel less guilty for our "Absolutely NO pets" rule.

And here I am.  Just to prove I was at the park, too.

I always feel better when I take the time to bring the kids to the park.  It gives them the chance to run around free with some different scenery.  They also really love interacting with all the other kids. Good times are had by all.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a lot of work.  You have to gather them up.  Clean them out.  Dry them out (we first boiled them in salt water).  Slather them in butter and salt.  Then roast them in the oven.

Sometimes I don't make it through all those steps.  This year I was determined though!  It took a few days, but I managed to successfully roast the seeds from the kids' three pumpkins and our little sugar pumpkin.  It was SO WORTH IT.  YUM.  Seriously.  Even the kids will eat them.

Basic recipe:
Take clean seeds and boil them for about 20 minutes (or until they start to turn brown) in some salted water.
Spread on cookie sheet and dry for 24 hours.
Stir them in about a Tbsp of butter per cup and a half of seeds (this is a total approximation).
Sprinkle with garlic salt and regular salt (probably about a tsp or so per cup of seeds).
Spread them back onto cookie sheets and bake in the oven at 300F for about 40 minutes (stirring half way through).
Done and Done.
ENJOY

Taking it to a New Level

Yesterday the kids played in the yard for most of the day.  It was great weather -- even chilly.  I poked my head outside a few times just to see what they were up to.  At one point I noticed that the kids had Britta (lightly) bound to the picnic table.  I wasn't sure what to make of it.  She seemed perfectly content.  When I listened for a minute to their conversation, I found out that they were playing a game where they worshiped  Britta like she was some sort of goddess.

Now, Britta is pretty use to people loving her.  She gets a lot of comments about how cute she is.  She really is a beam of sunshine, so it's not surprising that people flock to her and that curly red hair.  HOWEVER.  I think worshiping her is taking things to a whole new level.  I sure hope this game doesn't go to her head.

At one point Britta complained that she was cold.  Maddy turned to her with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Oh, don't worry Britta!  You'll be plenty warm a bit later in the game!"  I told her she was not allowed to burn Britta at the stake.  She swore she wasn't planning on it.  I was sure to keep an extra close eye on them from then on though.

Birds!

Last week my kids had another homeschool science class at the Austin Nature and Science Center.  It was actually totally bad timing.  Our schedule was already packed with Halloween activities and preparations.  It's probably a good thing I prepaid for the class so I had that much more motivation to take them across town.  I'm glad we went.

This month the class was focused on birds.  I thought it was really ironic because the little kids' class focused a ton on owls, and that's what River's Halloween costume was.  I had just finished making his owl trick or treat bag before rushing out the door, too.  Funny coincidence.

At the beginning of the class they took the kids into a room and talked about birds and showed them some real birds.  The kids really loved the animals and wished they could pet them.  Though they didn't get to touch the live birds (thank goodness) some feathers were passed around for them to feel.  Kids are all about hands on.

From there they took the kids to the little aviary on site.  There were a bunch of birds that had injuries so they weren't able to release them.  River had a great time!  He was really interested and focused.  Britta wasn't as interested.  She spent most of the time wanting me to hold her.  At least the weather was beautiful.

Once the kids were done seeing all the birds outside, they came inside to listen to some bird sounds.  I didn't know that different types of owls sound different!  Definitely a cool fact.  I wish I had a recording so I could memorize what they sound like.  We see and hear owls around here and there.

Last but not least the kids were able to make an owl craft.  Their owls turned out so cute!  I love the little feathers on their heads.  River and Britta "flew" their owls all the way to the car.  Very fun.

I do think the kids learn a lot from these classes.  I love that they are having the chance to meet together with other kids to learn about some fun topics.  The kids love it and I do, too!