we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Somewhere on the internet...I think actually it was Studio 5, a woman was interviewed on how to make the holidays meaningful.  Her suggestion was to have a family meeting early in the month and have the family decide what they wanted Christmas to look like and what feelings they wanted to create this Christmas.  She suggested being flexible and letting go of traditions that may not fit your family anymore.  AFTER that discussion talk about what they wanted to DO.  After asking them what activities we should do, one by one they listed our traditions...

ORNAMENTS

(we solder our pictures between two pieces of glass to make ornaments every year)

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

(we wrap 25 books and open one each day before Christmas)

CHRISTMAS CARDS

(I was wavering on this one...it is so time consuming and fairly expensive but their enthusiasm changed my attitude)

GRANDPARENT PARTY

(we invite all of the grandparents over for a special dinner during the holidays, the girls perform the music they have learned for concerts and recitals and we give them gifts.)

I was so relieved that they chose these traditions we have held for the last ten years.  Honestly, when these traditions began I felt a little bit like playing house.  Although they each came from our own life experiences and the things we enjoy, it almost felt like we were trying to be something we weren't.  As each year goes by Danny and I have fallen more in love with each tradition.  This year something magical happened- they became truly their traditions too.  When they asked if they could make the ornaments too.  (Soldering irons are really hot, cutting glass is sharp so we always made them after they went to bed.)  They also created the entire grandparent party program.  It had been a CRAZY busy week...no MONTH!  We truly had not found time to all plan and rehearse together.  Ellie, Kate and Sophie decided what they would each play and what they would play together.  Sophie recently (3-4 weeks ago) started flute.  On Sunday, the day of the party, Danny and I were making dinner and we hear Ellie and Kate talking to Sophie about which notes she knew on her new instrument.  They wrote out a part for her to play GOOD KING WENCESLAS with them.  As we heard them cooperating and helping each other...and playing beautiful music as they rehearsed in the basement, our hearts nearly burst.

Nothing is perfect around here.  There is too much teasing, fighting, and whining.   We have been too busy and their has been a lot more discussion of what we want for Christmas, and not enough of what we will give.  But moments like these make me so grateful for all of the good.  There is good surrounding us at every turn.  The magic of Christmas has brought more of it out in the forefront and I am so grateful.

snow...snow...snow...

It snowed 2 feet in the last 24 hours and I can't keep any of my people inside-

especially these two!

Kate took advantage of the 2 hour late school start by volunteering to walk MO.

75th birthday

Aunt Jossy was visiting this fall.  I saw her for a few hours at most at Mom's house.  As we were saying our goodbyes, the subject of Thanksgiving came up.  I realized that Aunt Jossy was turning 75 on the Monday before Thanksgiving!  We talked about the reunion/party she threw for Aunt Dot for her 75th.  I also learned she had no plans for her birthday or Thanksgiving.  I decided there on the spot that we would spend that week in Arizona with her.  Fortunately Danny and the girls liked the idea!  (phew!)

Aunt Jossy's home, in the outskirts of Scottsdale is a lovely backdrop for anything, but especially a party.  We added a little bit to the natural decor with balloons, streamers and tablecloths.  A few minutes before guests arrived I talked her into taking a few pictures.

Growing up, Aunt Jossy didn't usually live close, but she always remembered special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.  She often visited wherever we were living: AZ, ID, CA.  It felt good to spend the time celebrating her.  I am so grateful to have her influence in my life.

Nana's Christmas party

Nana's Christmas is always a PARTY!  We began at the movie PEANUTS and then headed to her house for dinner, presents & gingerbread house decorating.  The best part of the day was all of these people that we love so much.  

(Danny had to leave early for a baptism.)

left to right:  Maxton, Ethan, Rivers, Noah, Nana, Kate, Asher, Finn, Oliver, Lauren, Sophie, Suela, Ellie, Quincy, Keegan, Sage & Vivie

left to right: Sharon, Amanda, Nana, Suela, Vivie, Michel, Sophie, Carin, Kate, Rivers, Quincy, Lauren, Sage & Ellie

Away In A Manger

As soon as they unloaded from the bus Friday afternoon we rushed to closets to find outfits for Christmas card photos.  Just after Thanksgiving, Go Ute Nana told us about this nativity from her grandmother.  As I thought about what to do for Christmas cards this manger came to mind.  Nana packed it up and Paul brought it to Salt Lake so that we could use it.  The girls were cold but liked the idea and made our time in Mueller Park Canyon an enjoyable adventure.

so today at recess....

"so today at recess"

Some of my very favorite conversations begin with those four words.

Kate's happy place is kicking off her shoes, finding a book and relaxing in her room.

Because Kate seems a bit older everyday, I love that she still has a doll house in her room. 

not even to save their lives...

They couldn't keep a straight face to save their very lives.

Scarlett Stoker + Sophie Davis

family photos: take one

We found ourselves ALL HOME most of the day today.  That never happens on a Sunday!

 My first thought...Christmas card photos! 

We set up a back drop and strobe light and grabbed the remote...

we thought it was the perfect equation...

but NO...

this is about as good as it got-

 It looks like we'll have to come up with something else...
it didn't help that we realized just after this that Ellie had a fever. :(

These will be perfect for our picture Christmas ornaments!

We took Ellie's temperature right after this- she had a fever.