Stuck

I have lots of things to post about. Christmas, the pillow pets, all the other fun things we've done in Idaho, funny things the kids said on the trip....and I'm sure there's more. However, really, the big news right now is that we're stuck. The interstate is closed between Rock Springs and Laramie. The kids really wanted to be home to be able to go to their new primary classes on Sunday (each year the kids move up to a new class), but I don't think we'll make it.

The good news is that we're not really "stuck" in Idaho. The roads are fair, and we've been back and forth from my parents to Clint's parents, to visit some friends and family. Emery and Chani have played in the snow, played with lots of toys, and enjoyed their Christmas presents. It's not been a terrible vacation. We're enjoying it, but looking forward to going home. Hopefully soon.

On the road again.....

We're headed to Idaho tomorrow to spend the holiday. If you want to spend time with us, send us an e-mail.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

My 'monica

When we were in Idaho in October, my dear sister, Shelly, gave Chani a harmonica. Actually, I think it came from Stewart's (my nephew) room, but at any rate, Chani ended up with it. It's very loud. Chani loves it. She seems to find it when I am on the phone. I try hiding it, but she really loves it. She says, "Where's my 'monica?" So, the other day I asked the kids to get their coats on so we could go to Albertsons. We walked in the door, and as I was getting situated with an ad and a cart, Chani whips the harmonica out of her pocket. She was playing it before I realized she had it. Sneaky little pill!

Merry Christmas

Here's our Christmas letter and pictures from the year. I just couldn't swing doing mailed Christmas cards this year....hopefully next year.

Redbox deal

Do you know Groupon? It's pretty snazzy. They offer a different deal everyday. Sometimes it's tickets to events or places, restaurant offers (usually spend $10 get $25 in food or something similar) hotel deals, and spa/salon offers. Today they have a deal if you spend $1.00 you get 3 redbox rentals. It's a cool concept, and this is a pretty sweet deal.

A little more Christmas Cheer

My friend Julie posted these on her blog. I went to school with one of the girls. They are a really neat and super talented family. Hope you enjoy!

A Christmas Story

My friend Nikki (I used to visit teach her in Chadron) has been doing the coolest 25 days of Christmas. Each day on her blog she posts a Christmas recipe, a song, a movie, an activity, a picture of her kids, and a story. I knew I was in trouble day one when she posted the orange story (I'm a crier), but the story she posted today was too much. I love this part of Christmas, the secret Santa and the love that goes into serving others. So, (sorry, Nikki) I'm shamelessly stealing her story and posting it here because I loved it, even though it made me cry.

Story: The Christmas We Gave Away By Marilyn Ellsworth Swinyard
The Christmas I remember best began with tragedy. It happened at 6 a.m. on one of those crisp Idaho Falls mornings the day before Christmas. Our neighbors, the Jesse Smith family, slept peacefully in their two-story home. The baby, barely six months old, was in a crib next to her parents' room, and the three older children were upstairs. Suddenly something jarred Jesse from his sleep. He thought he smelled smoke. Could a spark from the torch he'd defrosted the frozen water pipes with the day before have started a fire in the basement? Still half asleep, he stumbled to the bedroom door and flung it open. Clouds of black smoke poured into the room. "Lorraine!" he yelled. "Get the baby!" He ran toward the stairs and his sleeping children. The smoke was thicker as he gasped for breath. "Rick! Tom! Wake up!" The boys scrambled out of their beds. "Run, boys!" Tom grabbed his younger brother's hand, and they raced down the smoke-filled stairway to safety. His daughter's room was next. As Jesse groped through the heavy shroud of gray, he called, "Cindy! Cindy! Where are you?" "Here, Daddy, here!" He followed the frightened cries, scooped up his daughter in his arms, and with his hand over her face, felt his way out the room and down through a narrow path of searing flames. They coughed, choked, gasped for breath, until they at last stumbled out the door where a relieved wife and three children stood shivering in the snow. Now the family looked to the smoke and flames pouring out the roof of their home, the home that the night before had held all their earthly treasures. It had also held a promise of Christmas, mulled cider, homemade candy, and stockings waiting to be filled. They stood huddled in their nightclothes, barefoot in the biting cold, and watched their Christmas burn up along with their house. The spell was broken by the sound of sirens piercing the icy air. Firemen leaped from the huge red trucks and turned their powerful hoses on the blaze. Seconds later, the bishop of the Smiths' ward drove up, bundled the family into his car, and took them to a home the ward elders quorum had just completed as a fund-raising project. They were not to witness the firemen's hopeless battle with the flames. For when the trucks finally pulled away, this time in silence, nothing stood of their house but its charred skeleton outlined against the sky. And tomorrow was Christmas. At our house we were putting the last secret wrappings on the presents, making the last batch of popcorn for popcorn balls to go in our Christmas stockings. We three children were attempting dubious harmony with our favorite carols and breaking into giggles at the results. Then Dad came in with the news. We sat with serious faces listening to him tell of the fire, the narrow escape, the house where the Smiths were spending Christmas Eve. Why? Mother said. Why did this happen, just at Christmas? It isn't fair. They had children, just the same ages as ours, she said. Jesse and Dad were the closest friends; they even joked that they were so close they wore the same size shirt. The same size shirt! "Bill," Mother began hesitantly, "would you mind terribly if we gave Jesse one of the shirts I bought you for Christmas? You wear the same size ..." A hush fell on us all. We all seemed to be thinking the exact same thing. "I've got it!" my ten-year-old brother shouted. "We'll give the Smiths a Christmas! A Christmas for Christmas!" "Where could we get one?" my inquisitive little sister asked. "We'll give them ours," the others chorused in. "Of course! We'll give them ours!" The house rang with excited voices, until Dad's stern command silenced us. "Hold it! Let's make sure we all want to do this. Let's take a vote. All in favor say aye." "AYE!" chorused back at him. "All opposed?" was met with silence. The hours that followed are ones we will never forget. First we sat around the tree and handed out presents. Instead of opening them, the giver would divulge their contents so the label could be changed to the appropriate Smith family member. My heart fell when Dad handed Kevin a box wrapped in gold foil and green ribbon. "It's a baseball glove, son," Dad told him, and a flash of disappointment crossed Kevin's face. I knew how he'd longed for that glove, and Dad wanted to say, "You keep it, son," but Kevin smiled as if he'd read our thoughts. "Thanks, Dad. It's just what Stan wanted, too," he replied. "Look, here's the recipe holder I made for you, that is, for Sister Smith." We signed all the tags "From Santa," and the activity that followed would have put his workshop elves to shame. They had presents, but what about a Christmas dinner? The turkey was cooked, pies baked, the carrots and celery prepared, and then all packed in a box. The Christmas stockings must be stuffed. Dad got a length of clothesline and some clothespins to hang the stockings with, but what about a tree? We looked at ours. Could we really part with it? "I know," Dad volunteered. "Let's decorate it with things they'll need." And so more things were added to the tree: a tube of toothpaste tied with red ribbon, a razor, comb, bars of soap nestled in the branches. Finally it was all ready. It was a strange procession that silently paraded through the dark streets of Idaho Falls that night. Father led the way carrying a fully deco-rated tree. Mother followed with a complete Christmas dinner, down to the last dish of cranberry sauce. The three of us children pulled wagons and a sled piled with boxes of gifts. We waited until the last light was out in the Smiths' borrowed home, and then Mom and Dad stealthily carried each item in the door. When the last stocking had been hung, we turned again toward home. All the way home I worried about what waited for my family at our home. What if the others were disappointed? All that was left were a few pine needles and paper scraps. I couldn't have been more wrong. The minute we were back inside we were more excited than ever. Every pine needle and paper scrap was a reminder of the magic of the evening, and we hadn't taken that to the Smiths. It was in our home as real as if you could see it. A happier family never went to bed on a Christmas Eve, and the next morning the magic was still there. For our celebration we wrote a promise to each person on a card and presented it around a spruce branch tied in a red ribbon. "One shoe shine. To Father. Love Kevin." "This is good for two turns doing the evening dishes. Love, your husband Bill." And so it went. Our Christmas dinner consisted of scrambled eggs and bacon, toast and sliced oranges. Somehow, I don't remember a better one. And I know we sang our carols that night with the same unconventional harmony, but it sounded sweeter than angels to me. "Oh, Mommy," said my small sister as she snuggled up for her bedtime Christmas story, "I like to give Christmases away." Tears blurred the book in my mother's hands, because she knew that none of us would ever forget this Christmas, the one when we gave our best gift. And as she read the story of the Baby born in a manger, it seemed our gift was but a small tribute to him who gave his best gift, his Son to us.

Did you know about this?

My friend KaLee just posted the coolest new holiday card from snapfish. Did you know about their Top 10 design? It's awesome.



Plus with their blogger promotion, how can I go wrong with 50 free cards?

**Even with that awesome card, it may not be the one I pick.......just so you know.

Christmas projects

It's the time for Christmas projects. I have a pile of sewing behind the kitchen table (sorry, Love) and it's taking over my life. In addition to a few cape orders for Christmas gifts, I have some secrets (for Clint and the kids) and Chani's Christmas dress. I finished the bag that goes with the dress today, so here's a little sneak peek. I think it turned out cute. The wine colored side (with the viney flowers) is supposed to be the inside, but with the finish work, I think it could be reversible. I love how it turned out. I can't wait to get the dress finished.



What projects are you working on for Christmas?

Cheeseburgers

The other day Chani decided we should have cheeseburgers for dinner. I told the kids we would have to go to the store, and Emery got some paper and made me a list. He did a great job, and only asked for help spelling lettuce. In addition to our cheeseburgers, we had baked sweet potato fries. It was a delicious meal!

Here's a picture of Emery's list. He wrote GO first (to remind us to go to the store), and then listed what we needed below that. Can you guess what the first word is?

Last minute gift ideas

If you need a few last minute gifts, let me help you!

For Dad


Basting Brush $15

BBQ Turner $17.50

BBQ Tongs $18.50

For Mom

Cookie Press $23.60

Set of 6 1 Cup Prep Bowls $20

Bamboo Snack Bowls $18.50

For The Boss/Coworkers

Bamboo Salad Tongs $11.50

Raspberry Habanero Sauce $12.00

Citrus and Basil Rub $4.25

For yourself

Adjustable Measuring Spoons $8.00

Classic Scraper $11.50

Large Serving Spatula $9.00

Contact me by e-mail for these or any other last minute gifts. ohmyhannah at gmail dot com

Thanksgiving

We had a very happy Thanksgiving. Because we could not be with family, it was nice to be with friends. We'll be eating little cornish hens tomorrow, since I only cooked rolls and mashed potatoes and dessert yesterday.

I finished up the night with a 5 hour stakeout at Wal-Mart....next year I'll bring a book.

Sorry there's not a picture of my little turkeys, we didn't even break out the camera.

Oh Fancy Nancy!

Chani is sitting on the couch reading this book to herself. She said (outloud), "My mom asked, aren't butterflies exquisite?" I asked, "What does exquisite mean?" Chani said, "It's fancier than beautiful." She listens, at least when I read stories.

Emery is 5!

I have had a hard time with Emery turning 5. I don't have babies or toddlers anymore. I now have two big kids. It's been a hard transition for me, but I really love them being a little more independent. It's nice not to have to worry about diapers or gear when we leave the house. I don't have to monitor them quite as closely now they are bigger. Anyways, enough rambling, on to the big event.

Yesterday, Emery awoke early to a package from Grandma and Grandpa. He said, "I'll open my presents after dinner." That lasted about 2 minutes. He kept saying, "I wonder what it is." Clint asked if he wanted to open it and he said, "Maybe." Then, it was, "Yes, I do." So he did. Pardon the jammies, this was first thing in the morning. He got a cool 100 piece puzzle (which he has put together 3 times without help), and a little tractor with a disc and a baler.

He had a fun play-date with his friends (thanks Kaynel), and then after lunch we went to get our dad from work. When we got home, Clint asked Emery to go down to the laundry room to get something. It was a trick, because his present was down there. Here's a little film of it.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The beauty of a new bike is that his little bike goes to Chani. They were both thrilled and this warranted a quick ride in the church parking lot. After that it was dinner time, at McDonalds. In our family, the birthday person gets to pick dinner. Emery has been begging to go to McDonalds for a Happy Meal and to play in the toys for MONTHS. We relented on his special day. I forgot the camera, but it was a success. Lots of playing, very little eating, and a lame toy.

After dinner, we came home for birthday cupcakes. Emery picked these little monsters out of this fun cupcake book. When I made them, I kept calling them a ball of sugar, because they were loaded with it. But, that didn't stop me from making them for preschool and again for the family celebration. We're glad James came to have dinner and cupcakes with us. He was Clint's college roommate and he came to visit Emery the day after he was born, so it was fitting that he was able to celebrate with us last night.

Pampered Chef (for husbands)

I'm hosting a catalog show for husbands to buy Christmas gifts for you. You can also order for yourself, or for your mother, mother-in-law, siblings, or anyone else who you know would love some new kitchen items this winter. If you are looking for a hushand/father, father-in-law or other manly gift, The Pampered Chef has a great line of grilling products and seasonings. If you are interested in a flyer, e-mail me. If you'd like more information, let me know!

Halloween

We had a great trunk or treat with our entire Stake (that's 6 congregations in our town) on Saturday night. There were tons of kids there, and we had just enough candy to last until the end. The kids were both thrilled with their costumes. Emery and I made the robot box and Chani helped me with the kitty ears and tail. Both costumes together cost me less than $10. All in all, a great holiday!



I wish I had taken video of the pumpkin carving, but I didn't even get a picture of it. The finished product has to do.

Newsflash

Emery can ride without training wheels! Pictures and videos to come sometime in the future.

New phone number

We've switched to a new Wyoming phone number. I don't know the best way to distribute it. So, here goes. If you want it, let me know.

Gone fishing....

....not really, but it sounds fun, doesn't it? The kids and I have been MIA in Idaho for the past 5 days and still have a few to go before we head home. Clint had to stay in Wyoming for work. We miss him. We've been so busy canning and playing that the camera has only come out of my purse once. The kids have been playing with cousins, riding horses, enjoying Grammy and Papa's yard, and loving life. They are filthy at the end of each day and exhausted. On Thursday my sister Charlynn and I picked 15 5 gallon buckets of apples. On Friday we turned a lot of those apples into applesauce. This afternoon we hope to turn the rest into fresh squeezed apple juice. We're here until Tuesday, if you're in the area and want to get together, drop me a line!

The big 10!

It was 10 years ago, today, on a beautiful fall day that Clint and I got married. It was a crisp morning with a warm golden afternoon. It's been an awesome trip, one I could have never imagined. Thanks, Clint, I love you!

Silly Chani

Chani was sitting next to me with her dolly. She took the doll's head and stuck it up her shirt. "This baby is eating milk, Mom." Most of our friends have babies. Go figure.

Pictures

Clint took a few pictures of the kids on Sunday before church.






These pictures are some that have also been taken lately.

Loved it!

That's it. I just LOVED it. It ended perfectly. I'm so happy.

I hate it when this happens.......

I just finished this book. I might die before I get my hands on this book. Sigh!

Sweet Emery

This morning in church it was Testimony Meeting (where people share their knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior). Clint asked Emery if he wanted to do it, and Emery said yes. He walked up to the pulpit all by himself. He climbed up, adjusted the microphone and then looked very sad as he said "mom". I elbowed Clint (it was his idea after all) who went up and stood next to Emery as he bore his testimony all by himself. He just needed a little moral support. Then Clint had a chance to share his testimony as well. It was pretty sweet, but it landed us in the Bishop's Office after church. He just wanted to get to know us a bit better so he could consider us for callings. So much for keeping a low profile.

Texas things we miss

The list is not long, but it is distinct (in no real order):

Miss Karen and story time at the Orange Public Library

The ice maker in my fridge

No goat head thorns

Emery's best friend Eli (and our other friends too)

Clint's colleagues at work

Chani's 3!

We had a great birthday on Saturday. It was lots of fun, and it lasted nearly all day! Our dear friends Jon and Brooke (who we've known since Chadron....and since Jon was only 30) and their boys Matthew and Gideon came to celebrate with us, and our new friends Jason and Christy and their kids Hailey and Logan. We had a pizza lunch followed by presents and princess cake. Chani is the queen of tearing paper off of presents and moving to the next one before she even takes a close look at what was wrapped up. She got a haul that included birthday dresses (thanks Grammy and Papa), princess nail polish and a princess puzzle (thanks Hailey and parents), play doh (thanks, Schwaderer family), a little Dora figure with a puppy (from Emery) and a horse with a rider and dollhouse furniture from Clint and I.


I lit the candles on the cake and before anyone could get a camera ready, she had them blown out (she practices all the time). We relit them and that time made her wait until we could snap a pic.


After the party wrapped up, we had a church activity to go to. The girls there couldn't believe that Chani was a baldie, so here are the previous birthday posts to prove it. 1 year and 1 year party and 2 years

We finished the day with birthday spankings and pinches at bedtime, and Emery was kind enough to give her 3 pinches. I told him if she grew 3 inches he would get it, but I am sure at the rate she is growing up, 3 inches is a real possibility.

Two weeks ago Clint's parents were here and they had a birthday gift for Chani. She's wanted the pink box of Lego's for a long time, and so she told Grandma and Grandpa that was her request. They were happy to oblige, especially when they got this reaction.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Spanish

The other night we were getting ready for family prayers and Clint said something to me in Spanish. I looked at him and was trying to figure out in my mind what it was he had said when Emery piped up, "No comprendo." It was spot on and perfect. Clint and I cracked up, then Emery said, "What does that mean?"

The good, the bad, and the ugly

The good: I finished Chani's darling birthday dress.

The bad: I cannot repeat the shirring (that I did on Chani's dress) on some skirts for me. Any suggestions for my newer Brother machine? I'm really ready to throw it in the trash.

The ugly: While hand-hemming Chani's darling birthday dress, I found two spots where she cut it with scissors.

Getting fit!

If I put this out there for everyone to read it makes me more accountable, right? I've used Texas as an excuse for not exercising and getting fit this past year. Go running? It's too hot. Go running? No babysitter. Go running? No thanks.

The excuses end now. I'm concerned that my stack of jeans (that I haven't touched since February) won't fit, and I while I'm not so concerned about how much I weigh, I want to be back in my size 4's.

We live one block from the greenway in Cheyenne. I'm not kidding when I tell you that this path connects the entire city and most of the major parks. It's perfect for running, biking, and strolling. In addition, Clint's schedule is much lighter this fall, so at least 2 days a week I'll be able to run before he goes to work (sans kids), and possibly on other days as well (we'll have to see how this week goes), but if I can't go in the morning, I can go in the afternoon/evening. There is no humidity here, so it's cooler, and usually breezy which keeps the heat down as well.

My goal is to get fit in 12 weeks. I think I can do it. I even have some goal pants (white capris) that fit last summer. My goals this week are to run 5 times (I already have one down), drink lots of water, and watch my portion sizes.

Anyone want to join me?

We made it!

We arrived in Wyoming last Saturday about noon. We had some great help from our church, and the big yellow truck was unloaded in about 2 hours. Since then, we've had visits from both Grandma and Grandpa (Clint's parents) and Grammy and Papa (Jill's parents). Grandma and Grandpa helped put furniture together, get settled in and make beds. Grammy and Papa helped put in a new cupboard in the kitchen to hold pots and pans. We also had a visit this weekend from our dear friends the Bangerters who we met in college. For the first time, we forgot to take a kid shot. Regardless, fun was had with everyone.

Differences between the move to Texas and the move from Texas.

TO TEXAS:


FROM TEXAS:



Additionally, there was no puking on the trip to Texas. Chani got a bit car sick while riding in the big yellow truck. Daddy kindly pulled over so Mom could clean Chani up. That same day, while eating lunch in a very cute cafe in a tiny town, the waitress spilled an entire glass of water in my lap. I must have looked warm. It was hot in Oklahoma.

We're excited and happy to be in Wyoming. We are loving the cool nights and the lack of humidity (even if we all have dry skin rashes--advice?). While the elevation makes running a bit harder, we're happy to be breathing clean air.