Happy Birthday Two You

Yep, another birthday and another reason to celebrate! Claire is officially two. We attempted to make her birthday a fun day (after all, Daddy was home) and we were not as successful as we had hoped. Claire's birthday wishes consisted of the "play place" (Chick-fil-A) for lunch, the puppy dog store (pet shop), the toy store (cute toy boutique next to the pet shop) and the bookstore. Chick-fil-A worked out, but the puppy dog store and toy store were both closed because her birthday IS A HOLIDAY. Such a bummer. Fortunately she did not give us a "Claire attack" (ie: screaming, arched back, and full bottom lip ...which fortunately are easily distracted). She was happy simply driving in Daddy's car and spending the whole afternoon in the bookstore (it was open!) reading princess books . I am grateful for the two-year-old mind and that no grudges were held (since her agenda didn't fully work out). Our final stop was to get her birthday balloon and guess what? Party City doesn't want to be open on my daughter's birthday either :). We found a partially deflated princess balloon at the local grocery store and she was thrilled (once again, thankful for the two-year-old mind). When we are told to become as a little child, I think that I personally need to work on being more content with what I have and not so upset if my hopes for the day don't turn out. I learned a lot from my little birthday girl yesterday! Her favorite friend Aubrey came over for a princess party filled with pink cupcakes and girly presents. Overall, our sweet and exuberant little Claire had a wonderful day... and that's what matters.

A Whole Hand

Our little Dallin turned five on December 26th...a difficult day to have a birthday ("crappy birthday to you...":)). Claire's isn't much better (Jan. 1st). We have decided to let each of our kids have a family party and a friend party each year, and when they celebrate it is up to them. For the past couple of years, Dallin has held his friend birthday party on his half birthday (June 26th) and it seems to work out great. I love birthdays and hope my kids always have a wonderul experience on their special day (whether it's real or half...confused yet? Dallin is :)).

For Dallin's REAL birthday this past Wednesday, he had his favorite breakfast (toast and bacon), went to Pump-it-Up (inflatable play place) with a few friends, got a milkshake on the way home. It was then onto Game Stop where he picked out a new video game (thank you Grandma Charmaine) and chose a Spiderman balloon at Party City (little family tradition). When Peter came home from work, we finished off the evening with a little Chucky Cheese pizza/play and then home for a couple presents and some Spiderman cake. For having such an unfortunate birthday, it sure ended up being a fun day for Dallin! He is now already planning what he will be doing for his half birthday in June. One day at a time Dallin...one day at a time. Happy Birthday my dear one.

Home for the Holidays

This was our first Christmas at home with our little family and it ended up being a wonderful day! Church on Sunday was wonderful (great Christmas program Ally) and I (Missi) attempted to sing a solo in sacrament meeting (it has been about 8 years since I have done this and I was terrified). I am just happy I made it through without crying and am even more happy that it is over with.

For Christmas Eve we had the full time missionaries over and started a few new family traditions. We picked up everyone's favorite take-out (Olive Garden, Pick-up-Stix and Taco Bell) and had a random feast while watching "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" and "The Other Wise Man." We read the Christmas story and felt so blessed to have the missionaries over with the spirit that they bring. Rudolph even made a gift drop-off to our house with pajamas for each of us (Angie W- notice that we have the same taste in girl's Christmas pajamas? :)). Dallin left Santa cookies in the shape of Mickey Mouse (definitely my kid) and 9 small carrots...one for each of the reindeer. We had what Dallin calls "a snuggle party" in our room that night (made forts on the floor for the kids) and the kids went to sleep quickly (thank heaven)! Santa made a special stop at our house. He was a little messy with the cookie-eating but very nice to the kids when it came to remembering what they wanted. Dallin is most thrilled with his Nintendo DS games and Spiderman blaster thing (sorry, I'm a girl) and Claire is in love with her new Sleeping Beauty dress. We played all day and had a wonderful dinner down in San Diego with some friends (thank you Lowe and Brundage families). It was a relaxing, wonderful day...hope you all had the same!

Make Room

On Wednesday, we went caroling for mutual. It was set up in advance to have each home visited reject our caroling ("too busy", "had to go to work", "child is hurt", etc.). The youth were shocked that members of our ward would not even take a moment to hear them sing "Away in a Manger." As leaders, we played along being shocked with them at the rejection. We all "gave up" and went back to the Bishop's house for refreshments. When the door was opened, there stood a live nativity of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus (thank you Muir family and baby David for being so good!). Beautiful music was playing in the background and the Spirit was very present. The youth sat in the living room quietly as the Bishop read the account of the Savior's birth in Luke. The comparison was made that just as we were rejected by those we were caroling to, Mary and Joseph were rejected at the inns. This evening was a reminder to never turn the Savior away, to always make room and let Him in.

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

(Hymns, 1985, no. 208.)

As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always (Thomas S. Monson).

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Meet Mitt

One day I was opening our mail and noticed a letter from the Mitt Romney Presidential campaign. The letter proceeded to thank us for the donation made to the campaign and was hoping for another one. I knew immediately what had happened...my kind husband (an avid Romney supporter) was feeling philanthropic towards Mitt and uncommunicative to me (Krissy, you remember something similar? :)). I didn't mind the contribution, but was grateful for the alternative way Peter found to support. Peter was offered the opportunity to be Mitt's driver while campaigning here in LA. He was really excited, took the whole day off of work, got a hotel in LA the night before, practiced the route with one of Romney's assistants and spent the next day driving this Presidential hopeful around. Unfortunately, there was very little opportunity to "hang with Mitt" and Peter didn't even get the picture he was hoping for. Last week, Peter received a call to drive Gov. Romney again, this time in San Diego. He accepted and brought his camera again just in case. He spent a day and a half with Mitt chatting it up, taking pictures, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Meg Whitman (eBay CEO) and the President of Callaway Golf. It was an experience for the books...or at least the blog!

What about bob?

Claire had her first haircut a couple of days ago, and my mom has been wanting a picture of her new bob (can I just say that I have wanted a little blonde girl with a bob since I can remember). Here you go Mom!

Scary Santa

Last night was Dallin's preschool Christmas program (it was outside in his teacher's backyard...gotta love CA). Dallin did such a great job being Frosty the Snowman and he was a very respectful wiseman (I'll have to post more pictures later). I sat and watched my "little boy" be not-so-little as he thanked everyone for coming to the Christmas program and quickly realized that next year it will be a Kindergarden program. The tears started flowing (who me?). I am so proud of my little Dallin and laid in bed with him last night telling him everything I love about him (I think I was feeling guilty for having to leave the program quickly to make it to mutual). He really is an incredible boy!

The tears at the program were not the only ones I shed last night. Peter told me a story that was so funny, it made me cry. At one point while Dallin was performing, Peter held Claire in the back. He walked with her along the side of the house when all of a sudden Peter felt Claire freeze and tense up pushing him to move back. She was breathing heavily, but didn't say a word. Peter looks over in the bush and crouched down hiding is...Santa Claus! He was waiting for his cue to appear in the program and didn't want the kids to see him. Unfortunately, my little Claire is TERRIFIED of Santa Claus so this could possibly be the most devistating point of her life so far. To be on a nice walk with your Daddy and out of no where, the scary man with the beard and extreme outfit is waiting for you in a bush. My poor little girl. I suppose I will never have a picture of her on Santa's lap.

Cheap Date

It all started with the show Arrested Development. Peter and I wanted to find something that we could both enjoy and do together. Tennis lessons was our first thought and that didn't work out. We then took ballroom dance classes (we need to do this again Courtneys). We had a great time, but it became hard with Peter working so late. We then had some friends introduce us to this show (thanks Nick and Rach). It is hilarious! Peter would get home late from work, change his clothes and we would have a late night date watching TV. We did this every night until we knew we had seen every episode enough.

Where to go on our next date? THE OFFICE! We can't get enough of this show (darn you writer's strike). We have watched every season numerous times late at night together snuggled up on the couch. My favorite part is hearing Peter laugh uncontrollably. He is a fun date.

Just a couple of nights ago, Peter experienced Guitar Hero for the first time at the Crumps (we have owned it for some time but he has never picked up a guitar). He loves it, so we now officially have a new cheap date! We have played for the past couple of nights in the "Face-off" mode and have a hard time dragging ourselves away from the XBOX and into bed. Fancy dinner dates at the wineries and opening nights at the movies have got nothing on our pajama wearin', popcorn snarfing late nights together.

Princess Pajamas

This little dress has become such a huge part of our lives. We have definitely got our money's worth with this little Snow White dress. It was her Halloween costume that I had to convince her of and now, she won't take it off. I literally have to peel the sucker off of her every night so I can wash it. She even takes her naps in it. People often wonder why my child is running around the gym in a Halloween costume during Christmas. We have just learned to smile back. Anyone who has ever had a child responds with a "Oh, yes...my little boy/girl used to..." Thankfully it is cute and I am so happy that my little girl is all girl and it's not Dallin in this costume!

Beginners Luck

Here we go...I am going to do this blog thing. I didn't think I was going to have any time today (holidays are a crazy time to add another project), but I told my mom I would have the blog up this week and I should probably keep that promise. I am lucky because Claire just went down for a nap!