Hyrum likes Diego

Dec Update

I think the Grinch took over our December schedule, we were very busy but we had fun.  Jaydee had a field trip to Basha's and we got to see how they make bread, cookies, cakes and see the sprinkle closet (it is 6 feet high and just has shelves of different kinds of sprinkles).  Jaydee liked the merry go round (the giant oven where they put in two giant racks of cookies and they spin around).  They can cook thousands of cookies all at once.  We went to a birthday party for Joseph, a baptism and the Christmas spetacular.  Then we went to see the CellularOne Santa.  He gave Jaydee a Mr. Potato Head and Hyrum some little trucks.  They were both thrilled.  We had a surprise birthday party for Mom with some of the aunts and uncles, then we missed her while she was touring the world with Vicki.  We took the kids to NPX (the North Pole Experience) and it was AWESOME!  We had dinner at Molly Butlers, then boarded the Candy Cane Express driven by Santa's special elves.  They took us to Santa's workshop, we got to see the Toy Hall of Fame, the mail room and then we entered Santa's workshop!  The kids got to help the elves dress bears, put together toys, then we had Snowman Soup and cookies.  The kids sang really loud and Santa came out to say Hello!  Then we went through Elf School, the Elf Bedroom and then we got a private session with the Bearded Man himself.  Outside we sat by a giant fire, played in the snow, took pictures on Santa's sleigh and by the "North Pole" (which looks like a giant candy cane).  We saw the Reindeer Stables, Jaydee claims she saw Rudolph's nose glowing.  Then we went back and had story time with Mrs. Clause.  Check out our blog for pictures.  It was really neat. 

Christmas Eve we spent with Grandma Flake, Ron/Mindy, Kent, Chris/Stacia and Vicki.  Vicky & Josh were Mary & Joseph... Jaydee was an angel next year she wants to be the shepherd that gives Baby Jesus this (the statue of liberty).  I asked if she meant a wise man, she said.  I want to be a Wise Guy next time.

Christmas morning was great, the kids slept in until about 8:15, so Sam & I were showered dressed and had made a huge breakfast.  Mean parents made the kids eat first too.  Jaydee had requested that Santa wrap all his presents so Hyrum was not impressed when he came in.  Until he found candy in his stocking.  He also liked his toys.  It took us about 2 hours to open presents because they played with them in between.  We had a small Christmas.  Jaydee's favorite toy is her dog from Sylvia's family.  She still sleeps with it. 

The day after Christmas we had a big dinner at our house and then Navajo Tacos...Honestly I don't remember much after Christmas.  I took the kids to Flagstaff for a day to see my grandparents.  We were in bed by 10:30 on New Years Eve (yes we are party poopers, we left the party at 10 and told Jaydee it was midnight).   

NPX

 

 

 

 

Gratitude

Dr. Richard D. Grant said something profound: "The opposite of
depression isn't 'Yippee!' The opposite of depression is gratitude."

This quote really made me stop and think about what I was grateful for.
I think this is a good month and a good week to reflect on our
blessings. So in a very random order here are some things that I am
thankful for. What are you thankful for?

My health, my husband, my children, giggles, sunlight sparkling on the
snow, weekends, the gospel, our Savior, Jesus Christ, America, a vehicle
to drive, legs to walk, air to breathe, a good job, the ability to help
someone else, family, friends, hugs, a baby in the bathtub, a doggy
smile, sunshine rays, starlight, that my brother is coming home from
Iraq for Thanksgiving, cookies and brownies, movies, the internet,
imaginary friends or blogs who have touched my heart, nieces and
nephews, letters, Netflix, back rubs, smiles, lunch with friends,
raindrops, the color purple, my wonderful grandmother, empathy, stories
from grandpa, the grandparents of my children who think they are as
wonderful as I think they are, giggling sunbeams, words of wisdom from a
four year old, doctors who answer questions, the internet... the list
could go on.

We downloaded pictures last night of things that we were thankful for as
a family. Jaydee came up with a few that surprised me "the moon" and
"cheese". She enjoyed picking out the pictures. This was her picture
of the moon: http://zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~idh/apod/ap020316.html

May we all see our blessings through the eyes of a child.

Eat at Chili's

My brother is on leave for Thanksgiving, he has been serving in Iraq.  My family went out to eat at Chili's after picking Van up from the airport.  The manager came out and shook Van's hand and gave him a free meal. 
I am thankful for our soldiers, may they all come home safe. 

What are you Thankful for?

Bran Muffins

I have been asked for this recipe so I will share it. Jaydee struggled to stay regular so this was the doctors recommendation along with a small box of raisins every day.  The muffins are actually really good.  You can

 

BRAN MUFFINS

 

Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 cups Nabisco Bran Buds.  Set aside to cool

Mix 2 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup margarine

1 quart buttermilk

4 eggs

Add to bran/water mix.

Add 5 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons baking soda

 

Mix. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes in muffin tins.  Store remaining batter in fridge for up to 6 weeks.  
1/4 cup in each muffin tin.