christmas-the second half

One of the greatest overt demonstrations of love and affection that I've ever made for my oldest son was to sit through a three hour 3D movie featuring blue, naked, ten-foot aliens. Wilson's date turned he, Tony and I into official Avatards. It was a great night remembering how to enjoy a 13 year old teenager.

Eliza's date was a little disappointing. The ice skating rink was closed for the hockey team so we did a little rock climbing then let Eliza spend the ice skating money on herself. She bought a locking diary. It was purple and included a feathered pen. I don't think she was disappointed at all.


Between the gingerbread men and the rocky road the house smelled delicious the week before Christmas. Tony did the mallow and I dipped the chocolates. It's my favorite way to remember my Grandma and Grandpa. Poor Grandma Abuelita fell and broke her hip and arm this week. At 96 I'm not sure she really wants to do a big rehab ad I'm sorry she has to be in so much pain.


Grandma and Grandpa flew in from Arizona for a week this Christmas. We took them to dinner and a movie and enjoyed a whole evening of having them all to ourselves. We've figured out that Dad works in the same office where we picked Wilson up 13 years ago. He has been busy and both Mom and Dad are clearly enjoying their time in Mesa.



Christmas Eve was beautiful and traditional. Marcos was our Joseph, Max was a wise man (he thought I said white man and disagreed) and Eliza was an angel delivering the tidings of great joy. Cooper and Wilson were the monotone teenage Heavenly Hosts. I have perfected the vegetable Christmas tree and would like to attempt to try a fruit tree next year.









Santa came this year despite the children's general naughtiness. He'd asked the boys to pay for half of their gifts because the ipods they wanted were out of budget. There was a parent-pleasing amount of gratitude this year. It has helped me remember that less is more when it comes to Christmas gifts.

Wilson plays ball

Wilson has been playing varsity basketball this season with a fair amount of success. He plays the game with a lot of football moves thrown in, but so far he hasn't sent anyone to the hospital. We hope it will continue to be the motivation he needs to do his homework.

lovin Max

Max created this robot with the wooden letters that hang on the wall in his room. He is one creative boy. When he noticed a boy in the office with a bloody nose today he informed the principal that "That's what happens if you pick your nose too much." Max chose to go to McDonalds for his date. He pretended to have fun, but I think he was really bored without some siblings to play with. He did get to pick out a treat at the grocery store and determidly selected a whole pack of watermelon flavored Hubbabubba bubble gum. Wild Max-always living large.

half way to Christmas

We are getting close to the big day. The month of December is painfully filled with activities for the kids. I'm so grateful that some of our traditions are so entrenched, they happen despite the extracurricular craziness. I've also discovered two secrets to a successful Christmas. Focus a lot of effort on Sundays. The first week of December we went straight from church to the Nativity exhibit in Spokane. It was beautiful. My favorite room was the one Andrea had organized: "the Life of the Savior." There were pictures of the Savior with artifacts such as sandals, a crown of thorns, a pot of clay. She had borrowed Grandpa's big copper pot to represent washing the disciples feet and the symbolism made me cry. I know my Grandpa would have been touched. We watched the nativity movie in the car to and from Spokane and we were all in tears by the time it ended. We finished the night at the Bishop's house for the Christmas broadcast from Salt Lake at what the kids call the "Peppermint ice Cream Fireside."

Last Sunday we were asked to speak in the Potlatch Idaho Branch. Tony, Wilson and I spoke and then we again attended the Nativity display in Moscow. My favorite creche was the one Betina dontated. She'd purchased it in Ethiopia from the orphanage where Ivy was. Again, the symbolism was so sweet. After the Nativity display we went to visit some of Tony's patients. One man we visited had lost his health, his family, his ability to work and drive and was suffering from a lot of pain. We talked to the kids about what we could do for him and Max suggested we get him a Christmas tree. I'm going to trust that it is inspiration from a 5 year old boy and follow through. Another of Tony's patients invited us in for hot chocolate and cookies and we spent the afternoon playing with their pet mouse, "Whiskers". It feels very cozy snuggling a baby mouse and sipping cocoa, even I must admit.

The second success we've had this Christmas has been our gift to each of the kids: a date alone with Mom and Dad. Only Cooper and Max have had their dates, but so far it has been my favorite part of the month. One on one it is easy to remember how much I like my kids. It's just when they are all together in a chaotic mass that I sometimes forget.

Tonight was the kids program at school. I led the 5th graders in "Santa You're Too Fat." Very cute. It brought tears to my eyes to end the program with the teachers, students and parents joining together to sing Silent Night. Reason #543, 999 that I love St John.

Tony squeezed in a raquetball tournament this month but got his butt kicked by his nemesis. He had a great time anyway and it turned out to be a cheap date.

Happy Birthday Bunuelo

Little Marcosito turned 3 this month. For the first time in 5 kids I bought birthday theme napkins, plates and party whistles. He's been talking about "Lightning McQueen" for months and I just got suckered in. He was thrilled. Marcos is the brown eyed unifier of our family. I know each of his siblings think they are his favorite. In the mornings he starts his rounds, crawling in bed with Cooper or Wilson to snuggle, waking Max with offers to share his toys or soliciting Eliza to help him in the kitchen; ("eat?" "banana?" "toast?"). His most used phrase is, "me come?" because he hates to be left out of anything, even a trip to the bathroom.
Marcos will be a sunbeam after the first of the year and will even start a day of preschool. Despite Eliza's best efforts he isn't a baby anymore. His personality is emerging everyday. He teases Max mercilessly. He laughed himself silly the the other day when I asked what he wanted for lunch and he responded with, "POOP!" We are thankful every day for the chance to enjoy our little Guatemalan.

Thanksgiving this year started with fresh pressed apple cider and homemade doughnuts at Cam and Jill's. A new tradition has definately been established. Nancy and Dale graciously hosted Thanksgiving dinner and it was very beautiful. Sadly, it was Tony's turn to be on call and honestly, without him, it isn't the same.

We would also like to thank Cameron for hosting the first annual wrist-rocket marshmellow battle. Despite stinging buttocks from rapid fire marshmellows, we had a great time.

When we took turns saying what we were thankful for, Cooper said he was thankful for the boat. (Parting with it will be painful for all of us). Max was thankful for his bike, Wilson for his Aunts and Uncles, and Eliza for her Mom. Marcos' thanks is anyone's guess. I was thankful that my Mom was able to go for a bike ride in sunny Arizona for the first time since college. It was odd not having them for the holiday, but as the cold wind blows in single digits, I'm thankful they are right where they are. I've never heard my Dad sound so happy.