frosty

Dear Fellow Residents & Neighbors,

Please understand that if you have one of those inflatable Frosty the Snowmen in your front yard, we will find you. And when we do, we will put our car in park and not leave until we listen to Fiona Apple sing Frosty the Snowman the entire way through before being on our way. My apologies if this creeps you out. (can't say I wouldn't blame you)

If you'll notice, two embarrassed parents are in the front seat while a enamored wide-eyed three year old with a big grin is watching Frosty from the back seat.

We tried to just stick to Christmas Street this year (found at about 17oo south and 15oo east) but we are getting a little bored of it, seeing as how we go every night. (And if we don't make it, the three year old mentions it about a hundred times in her prayers that we can make it the next night.) As you can see, we have to branch out for our sanity. This being the case, we have been on the hunt for some good Frosty's around town.

So please, think nothing of it if you see us parked outside your house, night after night, for approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds. It is all in the name of Christmas cheer.

signed,
a parent of a Frosty lover

P.S. what would it take for you to keep Frosty up for the next couple of months? It sure is nice to have him as a bribe to leave grandma's house when the three year old has the grumps. Think it over and let me know...

blue christmas

Sadly, I think we may be a little blue this Christmas. Our sweet, sweet grandma passed away quietly and peacefully last night. It was exactly how I would have wished for her to go, but nonetheless you can imagine there are a few of us who will be missing her.

Leah was always an angel to me and my family. I remember wanting everyone from my side of the family to meet her and grandpa because I couldn't think more highly of anyone else. I am so thankful that I was able to be blessed with the eight years with her. All the memories sitting around my in-laws table after Sunday dinners, swapping stories of our week, exchanging laughter, praise and love for each other. She truly had a gift that made everyone feel they were her favorite; that they were most special to her. I was so touched, that when we found out we were pregnant with a girl we felt strongly that our little one should be named after someone filled with so much good and love for others.

I am grateful that a couple of Sundays ago we went and visited Grandma and Grandpa randomly. It was snowy, and way too icy to be out, but wonderful all the same. Grandma had the usual smile and thankful words for us. It was the last "real" conversation we had, and the last time our kids got to hug and kiss her.

I am also grateful for the treasure of being able to visit last week when we knew the end was coming. In a quiet moment, when Bug and Grandpa were busy discussing finances and other matters I was able to hold her hand, and rub her arm silently communicating my goodbyes.

What a good lady. I think there is something special about someone so good passing to the other side. I know there is nothing but celebrations and welcome reunions.

And now as I continue on, spending my days in the same house she kept so neat and tidy for 50 years, I think of her often as I change the sheets, make the kids lunch, and tidy up the house. Thinking of her helps me to be more patient and loving with my own kids. I hope her sweet spirit can linger here always.

Love you Grandma.

xoxo

four stitches later

Sorry, once again I am pictureless. Lame I know. But its either this, or no post at all.

We had a rough holiday weekend, and I must confess this may be a little TMI. Reader beware.

Wednesday afternoon as we were settling down from driving to Heber the night before with all the fam to ride the polar express (loved it again this year), A was playing with B in her room. I was on the phone with my mom telling her how funny A was when she got disappointed that Santa hadn't given her the barbie house she is very much looking forward to on the train ride. (didn't occur to me to explain the need to wait for Christmas)
As I was doing so, I heard the door slam hard to A's room.

I'll fast forward the details, but it resulted in one very bloody and badly cut finger (along with some bruises) on the little guy, and as a result the little girl getting an ear full for an entire week about how we don't slam doors.

Thank heavens we live close to Primary's.
Thank heavens my mother in law could rush over to babysit the instigator.
Thank heavens Bug got off work immediately when I called him, after I had tried unsuccessfully to stop the bleeding and was starting to panic a tiny bit.
Thank heavens for my little trooper. He started flirting with the nurses as we waited for x-rays. The doctors also were so impressed by how happy he was that they elected to not put him under, and just numb him locally. (that part will probably rank as one of my least favorite moments as a mom. hated watching my little guy being held down and bawling as they stitched him up.)

So for the past week, he's stumbled around with a little cast on. That's right, 4 stitches in the index finger at 12 months old apparently earns you the right to wear a full-on cast from finger tip to elbow.

Yesterday we went to the pediatricians to get the stitches out. More blood. More heartbreaking cries. No good. No good at all.

This morning, I about came unglued when A attempted another door slamming. I overheard Bug talking to her:
"A, mommy and daddy have asked you not to slam doors because we get hurt. You keep doing it and it makes mommy and daddy upset. What should we do about it?"

A's response: "um...pray?"