Here is our Christmas Disco Dance


if you are wondering why we are just sitting here making silly elf dances of ourselves, well, Jonah has strep throat and had to miss school again today, but is feeling a little bit better.
Anyhow, I couldn't figure out how to get the actual video up, so I had to link it up instead.
Enjoy!

A 2nd Chance?

So after the hysteria that ensued on our first attempt to get a family picture for a Christmas card, we decided that none of the pictures would work. They were too blurry, or too crazy, and there wasn't a single one in which we all looked at least ok. Then Matt and I decided that we would just take a picture of the kids because after looking at a thousand unflattering pictures of yourself, you just decide that it might be best to use the cute members of your family (I think Matt is super cute, but he didn't like the pics of himself)
So, plan B was- take a picture of the kids after church on sunday, when the kids are clean, cute and dressed up.
Hmmm...
everything seemed to be going according to plan, until I looked at Jonah in church and he looked as pale as a ghost and was practically falling asleep, just sitting there. When we got home, he was lying on the porch, talking about throwing up. Kinda ruined the plan.
He went straight to bed and somehow, everyone else that was going to take a nap, ended up in his bed too. I know what you are thinking, probably not a great idea to have the entire family in the same bed as the sick person, but it happened.
Once everyone was in place, Matt said to get the camera and I started taking pictures.
So, maybe we will use one of these? (Even better that I am not in these ones lol)
It might end up being a Happy New Year card at this point. But, nonetheless, never fear, we might get one out someday.

Ryanne and Savannah doing their version of "I like to move it, move it"

The silly faces begin

I love my family by the way. So, so much. They are the cutest, most fun, creative, interesting people that I know.

What Ryanne said today at church

"I like Jesus, Dad. I wish he was here right now."
"Everyone looks cute to me."

If you have ever attempted to take a picture of your entire family, you are feeling my pain right about now

These pictures really don't need any words, they are pretty self explanatory, but Ryanne really didn't want to wear her itchy pants. Savannah was ready to go.

Ryanne still wasn't very happy as we were checking out the lighting in different rooms and waiting for dad to arrive.

Jonah was ready

Ryanne- not ready

Savannah was smiling, the poinsetta was vibrant

I was as ready as I was going to get- don't freak out, yes, I am wearing makeup and don't have sweatpants on

Jonah was a willing model, once again

Things are still looking pretty good at this point, now we are just waiting for dad

Wait, Ryanne still doesn't have any pants on- not ready

Did Dad make it to the picture before the rest of the family melted down? Did we get a picture that was actually useable? The suspense, the drama- you will just have to wait and see!

If I had a dollar for every time that Savannah got out of her bed last night, I think I would be a millionaire!

Matt and I went to his work party, the corporate one and left the kids with my mom. She told me that Savannah was getting up, over and over again, and as soon as I walked in the door, sure enough, there she was. I don't know if she was disoriented or if she missed me or what, but let me just say that I will be glad when this stage is over, if it ever is. I was so exhausted when she finally went to sleep that I missed the fact that she got up and climbed up the two flights of stairs to my mom's bedroom. I only realized it when I saw my mom bringing her back downstairs. Then 5 minutes later, I saw her door was open, so I went to my mom's room and sure enough- there she was.
What a night! hopefully we can all take naps later!
p.s. at least she is cute!
ha ha
No, I am really ok- it is just interesting because I have never dealt with this before.

Girls!

I couldn't resist taking a couple pictures of the jam monster! Good job on the toast, Bana!

Do you ever find your girls in funny places, like when Savannah somehow stuffed herself into this tiny basket in the bathroom? Hmm, girls....... (and boys, probably just kids in general)

Our Bethlehem Costumes

We had our ward Christmas party the other night and were supposed to dress up, as if we were going to Bethlehem. My mom bought a bunch of material and belts and then helped the kids get their costumes together. Ryanne wasn't very happy for some reason, but we had a good time. Basically, Matt loves any excuse he can get to wear a wig!

Ryanne's Haircut and Visiting Dad at Work

Ryanne saw some pictures of her haircut that she got back in April and she wanted to get it cut again. I took her to Great Clips and told the lady " to the chin in the front, shorter in the back, a cute little bob". Well, I don't think she heard me because one side was shorter than the other in front and the back was longer! Oh, well! Ryanne really likes it, so I guess we will see how it grows out.

I watched the girls basketball team that Matt works with a couple of times last season and got to know some of the players, so it was exciting to know that basketball season was starting again. I decided to take Jonah and Ryanne with me to the game and they were really enjoying the high school band's music.

Ryanne was out on the court during halftime, dancing and having a great time. Jonah joined her and they served as the entertainment (for me at least).

It was fun to be able to spend some time with Matt.

I think I was getting a little too involved in the game though, because a couple of times, Matt had to tell me to calm down :) He even warned me that I might not be able to go to any more games if I get so intense! So, I will have to relax and maybe we can go again another time.

Good Books

One of my fondest memories of when I was a child, was my mom reading chapter books to us at night. I remember looking forward to each night, when we would continue the story from the night before. I am not sure if I already loved reading by the time my mom starting doing this, but I am sure it helped.
Jonah and I have started reading our first night book. He has his own room and has a later bedtime, so after we read a few short stories and put the girls to bed, Jonah and I head upstairs to read a chapter.
The first book we are reading is- The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, the same author who wrote Charlotte's Web. I remember this book from my youth and Jonah is really enjoying it as well. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to at bedtime!
Other books in our to-read pile- Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
Ralph S. Mouse, by Beverly Cleary
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
and anything by Roald Dahl

Now onto a couple of books I have enjoyed lately. I won't bore you with too many details here, but Peace Like a River, I really enjoyed- good fiction and The Omnivore's Dilemma- if you have any interest in the history of food and they way we eat.
And- The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan

Gratitude

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving Break. We had fun. It was nice not having to travel anywhere and being able to get everything ready at home. My cousins came here for Thanksgiving day and we had a really nice visit. I really enjoyed the company, laughs, and of course the food. But, now back to everyday life.
You just can't let Savannah out of your sight for a minute. But at least she is happy about whatever she is doing. I was making lunch and everyone seemed to be busy, when my mom said, get your camera and come see where Savannah is.
I guess she was thirsty? She does like eating lotion, unfortunately.

Ryanne wanted to have her picture taken too, and this is the face she made.

Later, Savannah was playing peek-a boo and smiling.

One of my cousins shared a thought with us on Thanksgiving about gratitude and writing down what you are grateful for.

It has been proven that if you actually write down and record the things that you are grateful for each day, you will be happier, more positive, exercise more, and hey, I could use a little more of all of that.

I have done it before in my journal, writing down 10 things each night that I am thankful for and I think I am going to start doing it again.

So, here goes- my gratitude list for today-

1- socks, to keep my feet warm

2- warm soup

3- low gas prices

4- my family

5- the ability to laugh

6- glasses

7- my mother-in-law, who raised such a wonderful son

8- holiday breaks from school

9- nights when Savannah doesn't wake up screaming and sleeps in

10- hugs