8 + 4 days

This is a post I started the week before Christmas, because I knew I wouldn't get to it on Austin's birthday, better late than never.

Austin is officially 8. I was just talking to Dad about when he was helping us move to SC and he had Austin in the moving truck with him. All of a sudden, Austin opens the door like he wants to get out. Sure, Dad drives slow, but not that slow. In fact, if I recall, he hit the exit pretty fast to get Austin secured again in his seat. Such is the story of his life. Austin continues to take our breath away, or just plain scare the bajeebies out of us. Being his mom is a bit of a balancing act, but most of the time I'm just so thankful to be along for the ride.

Austin has been a little obsessed with anything camo lately, we were teasing him about ability to blend into the background so he took it up a notch and disguised himself as a cattail.

This is back in the day of Super Popper. Austin would put his socks on his hands and transform into Supper Popper. I can still hear his little voice telling me about flying around the universe and blasting off like a rocket.

Go, go, go....containment is not an option, my only goal is to keep him pointed in the right direction, cause there is no stopping this kid.

This was his first race. He didn't want to do it, so I was running with Eve and pushing him in the stroller, until we passed this old man who pointed to him and said, "You should be running." So he hopped out and ran the whole rest of the way.

It was so fun to see him yesterday as he was baptized, and for the last few months as he has been preparing for this. He's put a lot of serious thought into his decision, and has asked a lot of good questions. His thought process intrigues me and I know it's my job to keep him safe and teach him what's right, but the longer I do this "mom thing" the more I'm amazed by their ability to teach me and keep me pointed in the right direction. Good stuff.

Sweet Times

I feel like I've been a little out of the loop. We had a SWEET Christmas...busy, but it was a good busy and very enjoyable.

I've always wanted to do gingerbread houses, I think I even tried once with lousy drippy frosting and everything just slid off. We did one from a kit with Joe and Tawny one year, and that was fun, but I wanted to try it with real gingerbread. It worked out so well. My baking skills are hit and miss, but the gingerbread turned out perfect and my house smelled so good for at least two days. I did mini graham houses for the kids, because I had very little faith in my gingerbread making capabilities, and I wanted a backup. It was a lot of fun, and I loved how different each little house was. Next year I think we'll just all work on one big one...see if we can bring all our different styles together.

Bingham loved having everyone home to play with, and he did a pretty good job keeping up, but after a late afternoon hike he couldn't even make it to the couch, let alone his bed. He sat down on the kitchen rug, took off his shoes and fell asleep.

I love Christmas Break! Crazy....yes, but I love NOT sending my kids to school every morning. And the weather was perfect....everything from waterguns to snowmen...never a dull moment. I'm so glad we have a whole other week to kick back...who knows what it will bring.

I had to sneak this picture in. Austin has always been our climber...the kid can reach anything, but Bingham, he's all about jumping off everything. He has learned that the bunkbed is a little high for a comfortable landing (thank goodness) so I'm hoping his common sense is growing in porpotion to his desire to fly.

It was so great to have family here...and getting here was no easy task, we are so greatful for their sacrifice and braving the winter storms to be with us for Austin's baptism. I'm so proud of that kid. Believe it or not, he does have a serious side, and a strong desire to do what is right. On the way home after his baptism I asked him how he felt, if he felt any different. He said, "Well, yeah! I feel a lot different....everything feels different." I remember after my own baptism, falling asleep in the back of the van on the way home feeling so warm and completly at peace. It wasn't how I thought I would feel, but it was perfect all the same. As I was tucking him in, I told him he needed to write down his feelings before he forgot. He said, "I feel good, warm, clean, good, washed, just good." Not a kid of many words, but he's all heart.

COLD

If you haven't heard, it's COLD here. It's been cold here before, but it usually doesn't stick around this long. I know I have nothing to complain about since this is probably just the norm for most of my family and friends, so I'm not complaining, just commenting loudly about the weather.

I've been driving Phil to and from work since it hasn't warmed up enough to melt the ice off the roads and it's way too cold to be cruising on a motorcycle. I don't mind the extra travel time since it allows me to warm up twice a day; yep, my car is much warmer than my house.

The kids don't seem to mind too much since hot chocolate has become a necessity. When we're not drinking hot chocolate, we're fighting for a turn in the bathroom. Partly because of all the hot chocolate, and partly because it is by far the warmest room in the house.


Strangely, our chickens don't seem to mind much either, and one has even finally started to lay; of course by the time we get to it, it's frozen. I'm not sure if frozen eggs are edible, and since they usually burst open, only Angel knows. Speaking of Angel, she and Peace (our cat....what Christmasie names, I know) have taken over the underground floor of Austin's hut, I guess it's warmer than the dog house.

The cold has also made for some fun cozy nights around the Christmas tree, part of our "more excellent" Christmas plan. The kids look forward to doing this every night, which makes it less like me entertaining them and more like just wanting to be together. We even strung popcorn this year. I've never done this before, but I love how it looks on the tree. Everyone made a chain except for Bingham who made a mess, then made a bigger mess by plowing the spilled popcorn all over the living room with his bulldozer that has morphed into a snow plow; still, I think this tradition is a keeper.

Counting Blessings at Moab

I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. Our computer has been down, Phil has been working his tail off to get it fixed....I, on the other hand, don't have near enough patience so now we have a new laptop. Maybe I splurged a little, but it is only our second completely new computer since we've been married (and cost less than half of what our first one did), not bad for 13 years. We were able to decorate on my birthday...and that was my wish...and then it snowed, just to make it all complete. So here I am in my cozy home with my new computer, trying to catch up on some of my thoughts....I may be a while.

Thanksgiving was so perfect, just what we needed to weather the cold, dark winter. Lots of hiking, lots of family (more would have been better), and of course good food.

A thankful contribution to the graffiti wall in the Lazy Lizard Hostel. So grateful to those who can make anything pretty. That gene skipped me, but we were surrounded by so many who have a knack for the details.

The Delicate Arch took my breath away. I've seen millions of pictures of it, but there is no describing the whole setting.

Big hikes, little hikes, it began and ended with hikes. I never get tired of this. Too much is missed by just driving by or looking at pictures. You've got to get out in it, get a little dirty and stinky and explore all the ins and outs of creation.

This is a happy time. Yes, Bingham is getting to be a little big, but I'd rather tote him all day than worry about him falling behind or falling off a cliff....you may chuckle, but when panic takes hold and all you see is your kids tumbling down the rock....thank goodness that was all in my head.

I like this picture of Eve. For the most part, she would rather be reading a book, but when it comes to climbing high rocks than make her mom nervous, she is all game.

This is a view I didn't see very often, Austin below me. He was always so far ahead or up on some cliff, it was nice to catch up to him once in a while. On our first hike he kept coming back to warn me about slick spots or to throw an extra bolder in the stream so I could cross easier. So sweet, he takes good care of me.

My adorable masculine girlies. I overheard Joie ask Grandpa why everybody was raising their hands above their heads to pose for pictures. He had to explain that they were flexing their muscles and then he gave her some pointers on how to make it look more realistic....I think they look pretty tough, don't you?

I had to really jump on this moment with Soni since she was usually attached to Grandpa or Becky (both of who completely forget how to say the word "no" when Soni is around). Soni is still so tiny, but was quite a good little hiker; Dad and Becky were so good to give her a hand and keep her moving, oh yeah, can't for get Uncle Larry who providedher with more than one piggy back ride.

See, he really is a little angel (as Ben and Dylan draw horns above his head in the sand).

We had a great time balancing this rock on Eve's head.....told you she's a tuffy.

I have the most amazing nieces and nephews (this is just a few). They are a complete blast to be around....so many different kinds of funny. Such sweet little people too, they really looked out for each other, and I'm so happy to say that we didn't lose a single one of them off a cliff.

Too hard to describe the extent of beauty....just so thankful that I got to witness it.

Our first big hike (Negro Bill) was a little chilly for the little ones. This is a picture of Bingham after he had a chance to warm up in the sun.

This is before.

Seriously.....beauty everywhere you looked.

Talk about decorating a tree....

Not only is Larry good for piggyback rides, he's also good for holding up large boulders so Soni can get through.

I have to admit, this is one of my favorites. I still remember how it felt to have Dad's big hand wrapped around my own.....completely safe. So happy my kids get to experience that, um.... first hand :-)

While we were there, Dad asked us what our most memorable Thanksgiving was. Really there are so many. Two of those were when family made the trip down to Southern Utah while I was in school, a lot of family, a lot of hiking, and so much to be grateful for. The year we were able to spend with Joe and his family was pretty neat simply because we don't see them near enough. And the year we spent with Sarah and her family for the same reason.....not to mention the butt kickin' hike we did to The Walls of Jericho....can't forget that one.

I also remember a more quiet one, one a little more simple. It was after a hard year with Adrienne's fall and Dad getting sick. We were all gathered in the family room for a bit (I remember it was quiet, so obviously it was before my kids). Dad spoke about some of the experiences he had while he was sick. He spoke of being surrounded by such an amazing presence of peace and love that it was indescribable, and how that feeling can too easily be chased away by a contentious spirit. He challenged us to look closer at how we deal with each other and try to always do so lovingly. That has always stuck with me and I wouldn't trade that quiet moment for a hike to the moon. This morning we read this scripture.

"....by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way..." (Ether 12:11)

I love the phrase "a more excellent way." Our Savior offers so much more than just tinsel and lights. We talked a little about it this morning, and we've decided to make this Christmas a "more excellent" Christmas. I have a few ideas, but I would love some feedback or ideas from anyone who wants to share.

What does a "more excellent" Christmas look like for you?