Stop the presses! Never thought the day would come when little Anna would learn to pump herself on the swings! And I certainly didn’t assume it would happen at age 3! Our little Anna is just about as independent as you could ever imagine a three year old to be. She loves to pick out her OWN clothes; to put on her OWN shoes, and to read her OWN stories, even! I have never in my life seen a little one play for the length of time she does— all on her own. She has such an imagination and figurines are her absolute favorite toy. She has pretty much every disney figurine known to man, which keeps her quite busy. She also plays with Charlie Brown figures, nativity characters, hello kitty, and pretty much anything else she can get her hands on. What a sweet little personality Anna has. For CHristmas, her one and only wish was a “Wonder Woman” costume. She has worn the heck out of it by now. I tell everyone, there is only two things that make my little girl mad. 1. not getting to pick out her own outfit, 2. not getting to decide how her hair is fixed (pig tails, bun, or down) Nothing else really gets her down. Love that she has graduated from nursery and is now a darling little Sunbeam. You should have seen her stroll into primary. It reminded me of a middle school cafeteria! All the little girls waved and excitedly chanted, “Anna!!!” “Sit by me!” So cute. She knows so many kids because of her big brothers and sis. We had a blast at her preschool holiday party. I don’t get to spend much time with her there since I’m running the show, but she is as flexible as can be, entertaining herself and moving from station to station. I feel so lucky to spend my days with her. Every day on the way to school I tell her I don’t think I’ll let her go to school today because I’ll miss her too much. She always has some gem in return…. “But Mom, I’ll be home soon and then I’ll cuddle you to bits and pieces!” or, “Mom, I have to learn, but I’ll be back and I still love you!” Ha! So cute.
I’ve come to know over the years that Grant is my little sugar addict. The kid absolutely ADORES anything sweet! So funny because the other kids like sweets just as all people do, but Grant is truly obsessed! His new year’s goal is to limit the sugar- we’ll see how long that lasts! I included a hilarious picture of him in a chocolate coma at our Marston family Christmas party where he couldn’t get enough chocolate fondue. When he’s not seeking sugar, you’ll find Grant practicing basketball and/or soccer. The kid is a natural when it comes to sports and he lives for his practices and games. He keeps up with the big kids (dane and friends) and doesn’t miss a beat. Everyone knows Grant at the soccer park where practices are held. Grant has more confidence than any child I’ve ever met. He begs to go to the soccer fields even if he doesn’t have practice! While there, he finds “friends” to play with. There’s never been a night in which he hasn’t met plenty of kids to kick the ball around with…. and they automatically become his friends…at least in his little mind. The other day, I observed as he went up to a 6th grader and 9th grader and asked if he could join their little scrimmage! They were perplexed at his little request, but allowed him to play— it was pretty cute. And yes, you guessed it— they are now his friends. One last note; Grant gets dragged around to many events per week. Sometimes late in the evenings (7 or 8). He’s only six, poor thing! Love this picture of him asleep at Evelyn’s voice recital; asleep sitting up, in the hard, cold chair. Let it be known that he stayed awake for sister’s performance, then promptly fell asleep- ha!
Can’t believe Dane is inching his way towards nine years old at the beginning of next month. Similarly, Dane is very involved in sports— especially soccer. He absolutely loves soccer and we love to watch him play. The majority of the family loves to follow him around to all of his tournaments— most of which are near the beaches, Carlsbad, Oceanside, etc. Evelyn is not a fan, but otherwise, we enjoy this Saturday activity! Dane is a very hard worker and is the least of my children to shy away from work. I can always count on him to clean out the car, unload the dishwasher, empty trashes. I can also always count on him to get the most heartbroken whenever a fun trip ends, or holiday break is over. He always seems to get a little emotional and yearn for relaxation and family time. He loves to be on his own playing, riding his scooter, building legos, kicking goals. I think he gets this from his mom. I love my space and quiet time and I get so sad whenever wonderful things end. I don’t cry anymore, but I really have to push myself to focus on the positives when summer ends, or Christmas break is over. I love having the kids home and the freedom we experience when we are not pulled in every direction. I’m very sensitive, as he is. Love this little boy!~
We had a wonderful time this month watching Evelyn perform with her school band (violin) and at her voice recital. Today she will start up a new acting class entitled “comedy”. She really is very funny— relying mostly on sarcasm at this stage, but loves to laugh and enjoys comedy so much. She is clever and witty. I’m constantly impressed by her skills in the performance arena. During her voice recital, I was the accompanist. I was SO worried I’d mess her up because it was a difficult selection and I hadn’t had the chance to practice as I should for such a piece. Sure enough, I messed up terribly. But she didn’t skip a beat. She went on, didn’t look over, absolutely, completely professional in every way. I was so very proud of her singing a solo for the Christmas program at church- Silent Night. She was petrified, but again, did an amazing job. Evelyn is getting to the age in which she desires social interaction to a greater degree. When she found out we wouldn’t be able to attend the ward Christmas party due to various other commitments, she promptly began making plans to attend on her own (with a friend of mine). So funny, I was sent this picture of her sitting on Santa’s lap. “Mom, it was so awkward! I totally didn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap, but I desperately wanted a candy cane!” Haha. She is definitely growing up!!
I love December for many reasons, one of which is all of the fun visitors that come into town. Loved seeing my dear friend Jessica (forgot to take a picture!) in town from Virginia. We enjoyed an awesome girls night IN at my house with a few friends, yummy food and wonderful conversation. Such a fun night. Also loved seeing Andy and Charis with their kiddos— Mallory, Drew, and Dylan. Charis is about to have her fourth! Can’t wait for this new little one to arrive!
And as for me, I kept pretty busy as most mothers do at Christmas time. I enjoyed hosting a few parties— one traditional dinner party for our BYU friends, one open house to say goodbye to good friends the Swenson and Kingsford families. I was the only pianist in town over the holidays so I took over on organ and accompanied each and every musical selection for the special Christmas program. I learned a total of 14 pieces (YIKES); it was scary, but it is over. Loved helping my good friend, Heidi, with her daughter’s wedding. I had never assisted with a wedding before and I loved every minute! Was so excited to buy this Anthropologie dress for myself from Nancy! Such a cute winter outfit. Of course I always find it so entertaining to assemble teacher gifts and neighbor gifts. We gave each of the teachers a set of Anthropologie bowls this year; friends and neighbors we gave a “Christmas Eve Kit;” it contained hot cocoa, peppermint sticks, cookie dough package and spatula, and a fun printable with instructions for a cozy Christmas Eve. Shopping for the kids was so fun as they are asking for less toys and more big ticket items. It becomes a bit less overwhelming without buying so many little trinkets. I wrapped stockings and other gifts ahead of the game and felt so good on Christmas Eve. If I only hadn’t of been so sick for so long, the month would have been perfect. Lucky for me, I have a husband who can prescribe me an antibiotic:) It only took two long weeks of congestion and headaches before I felt I was going crazy and needed meds! I am most certainly appreciating my health right about now.
