The Reason For The Season

One thing that we did this month was spend a fun evening with the Gums family. We are so grateful to friends and family, and the support they are to us in our daily lives. And I have come to realize that these are the things that really matter. Our presents weren't wrapped until Christmas Eve, I did not bake (thanks to those of your who brought our family a plate of goodies to satisfy our sweet tooth), and there was no year end letter to accompany our Christmas card. But I can honestly say that I have ENJOYED this Christmas season!

Anyway, we started our evening out at a local pizza joint, and then went bowling! We have a new bowling alley here in Elk Grove that is HUGE!! We all played with bumpers and loved it. Thanks Gums family!

December In A Nutshell

All the crazy excuses apply to why I haven't posted in awhile, so I'll let you all use your imagination. But here are a few highlights of December for our family.


Emma brought home lost of yummy Christmas art projects that Grant loved (to eat)!


We held Emma's Daisy Scout Christmas meeting at our house. She was such a helper getting the house cleaned, decorations out, chairs arranged, and even made a sign for the front door (Daisy Scouts Come In Merry Christmas. Come into the house with the sign on it.)



Emma had a Christmas Breakfast and Program at her school. She ended up on the other side of the stage from where I was sitting, so I didn't get any pictures/video of the actual performance. But trust me, you've never heard a better version of We Wish You A Merry Christmas, or The Twelve Days Of Christmas. And Papa got to come see her too. Thanks Papa!




We tried (without much success) to take some Christmas photos in front of the tree before church last Sunday. We had good intentions, but the kids must have not been feeling in a particularly "cheesy" mood. This was the best we got (after a few tears and threatening words.)

Great Quote

Sometimes you just happen upon something that just makes you laugh out loud:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO!! What a ride!"

A Glimpse of Heaven

Today after running errands all morning we took the kids to McDonalds to have lunch. After eating, Emma and Grant were playing in the play area together and getting along every well. When all of a sudden we hear this little boy shriek and start to cry. I immediately look around (for Grant) to see if he had pulled a classic Grant move and decked the kid. But no, Grant and Emma were stilling playing nicely. The little boy was up in one of the tubes and got really sacred. His dad couldn't go up and help him down because he was a "large" man. So Grant scurried up the play structure and before we knew it we hear, "It's okay buddy, take my hand." I could have cried right then and there. Grant proceeded to go all the way into the tube and help this little boy out. The best part of the story is that they boy was probably 5 or 6. Love it!!

Evening Distraction

You know how it goes. The kids are FINALLY sitting down watching their own show, so you think you can sit down and watch one of your own. So Jamie and I snuck downstairs and cuddled up on the couch to watch an episode of The Unit that we hadne't seen. And we get about 40 minutes into it when the kids got bored. So down they come, ready to play, laugh, dance, sing, and anything else they can think of to get our attention--right in front of the TV. At this point we are into our show and really just want to see the last 10 minutes. So Jamie finds a way to keep them busy:





He hid Grants blanket on top of the hutch and they worked together to find it and then find a way to get it down. They did pretty good. And it took a little longer than 10 minutes!! Perfect timing!! (Are we evil parents??)

A Christmas Traditon??

I think today was the first in a new tradition. Emma and I went to The Nutcracker. Grandma Redfearn and Aunt Karon also came with us. Emma was so excited for "just girls." We went out to lunch, and then went to the performance. It was a good "first time show." Not too long, but long enough-as Emma told me. She enjoyed it but was not enthralled! I couldn't help thinking to myself during the performance "Eight years from now will we be sitting here and Emma will be cursing me that I made her come to ANOTHER Nutcracker?" I certainly hope not--a mother can dream can't she?

Have a very girly Christmas

This afternoon I went upstairs to put something in Emma's room. While we were in St. George my grandma gave her an angel Christmas decoration. From the very moment she got it she said that she wanted to put it in her room. Not a problem.

As I was leaving I took a closer look at the angel, and this is what I saw:


What's next, makeup?

Thanksgiving Recap

We spent this Thanksgiving with the Redfearn side of my family. We (me, Jamie, Emma, Grant, Grandma Redfearn, and Grandpa Redfearn)all piled into the car on Tuesday afternoon and headed to St. George Utah. We stayed in Barstow, Ca. that night and drove the rest of the 4 hours into Utah the next morning. Our visit was filled with catching up, or meeting (Grant had never met his Great Grandman and Grandpa Redfearn)family memembers. Thanksgiving dinner was held at my Uncle John & Janice's house. It was nice to have a meal together, sit around and play dominos, watch football, sleep, play, etc. Emma had some girl cousins to play with and Grant had some boy cousins to play with.

The next day mom, Emma and I did a little shopping. Nothing crazy like at 5am, just a few stores while the boys stayed at home. We also hit a craft fair. Nothing like a craft fair in Utah!! That evening they turned the lights on at the St. George Temple. So we all went out for a stroll around the grounds. I say that with great sarcasim in my voice. Because as you can see from the pictures our "stroll" including tree climbing, running down the paths, trying to drink from the fountain, and knocking on the doors. This was the day before we got back in the car for a 10 hour ride, so I guess I was trying to be a little forgiving!!

All in all, it was a great time! I am thankful that I have a wonderful family who drives me crazy, but keeps me laughing while doing it. A husband who loves his kids, and know how to keep me smiling (most of the time). Parents who love me and my crazy family (in spite of the tree climbing at the temple), and still come over for dinner after we have spent 10 hours in the same car. I am grateful for friends, for friends that are an extention of my family, for the job that Jamie has, for my calling in the church, for mine and my families health, for the comforts of life that we get in enjoy without too much of a struggle. I think over these last couple of years, with economic times getting tougher, it was a little easier to sit down and count my blessings. I pray that I will remember to keep counting throughout the year.

Sneaky Video from Emma

Yesterday after Jamie came home from church he went upstairs to take a nap. He works hard all week and usually goes into hibernation at least once over the weekend. Emma came down and asked for the camera, not an uncommon thing, and before I knew it she came down the stairs laughing. This was the result of her mischief. Maybe now he'll believe me when I tell him he snores!!

I'm Thankful For...

I am thankful for my health. It really is ironic the things you take for granted. But over the last 2 weeks I didn't really realize how healthy I have been. Over the Labor Day holiday we took the kids ice skating and I hurt my back. I have been down (as much as you can be with 2 kids) at the doctors, chiropractors, icing it, and taking many pain meds. Within the last 2 days it has felt remarkable better--then I started getting a cold. Then Grant started getting a cold. I'm not complaining--okay maybe a little. I was just telling Jamie tonight now much I never realized you use your back for. So from this point on, I am going to try and make a conscience effort to be grateful for the health that I enjoy and try hard to preserve it!

Oh Christmas Tree

Today we spent the day putting up our Christmas Tree (I'll post a picture when I find the cord to the camera). First of all we pulled out the fake tree that my mom and dad gave to us last year. They got a new one and we thought we'd try one out. So this year we pulled it out and remembered that the stand broke (I don't know why we even packed it back up, we probably should have just thrown it away then), so we went shopping to find a new one. First Sam's Club, then Lowe's and last of all Target! I think we compromised on color, height, width, etc. We put on Christmas music, lit a fire and have had the lights on all evening. Some may think we're crazy, but the season doesn't last long enough (and if I waited any longer, it would probably been December 21st when I got it up--let's be real folks!!) Merry Christmas!

Blog Withdrawls

So the cord to my camera has been lost for several days now, and for some reason I don't think I can post to my blog unless I have a picture to go with it. So here is my attempt. I have seen a cute little thing done on some of your blogs where you take the 4th picture in your 4th folder and post it with an explanation. Here is goes:

This is Emma in her Easter dress in 2004. She was not quite 2! Can you even believe those chubby checks? Where does the time go?

Okay that was fun! You should try it!!

Quad Trip

This weekend Jamie and my Dad went on a little quad trip with some guys from Jamie's work. Jamie goes with this bunch of guys quite often, and Dad went along this time--now that he has a Quad too! Jamie promised that they would be nice to Dad and not take him on anything too hard--what do you think?
Dad getting a little help
Jamie
The Whole Gang
But it looks like they had fun! We love you guys!

Emma's 6th Birthday Party

Last night we had Emma's birthday party. She chose 4 friends and we took them all to the movies to see "HSM3" (High School Musical 3--for all of you without groupies). I have to say it was the funniest thing! I think Jamie aged about 3 years during the car ride over to the theaters. The music was turned up and they were belting it out in the backseat. I think I flashed back briefly to my NKOTB (New Kids On The Block-for the non groupies)days, when MY dad was taking me to a concert. Anyway, after the show we headed over to the local self-serve yogurt shop for cake and presents. Every year I am reminded at how genuine Emma is. She doesn't skip over the card, or hurry onto the next present. She really LOVES everything she gets. I am grateful for good friends, and a wonderful daughter!

Balloon Fun!

We all know that the best toys aren't really toys at all right? Well this afternoon this has been confirmed to me once again. I had to blow up about 30 balloons for something later this week, so I thought I'd get a head start today. Of course Emma and Grant had to have one, and they continued to play with them the whole afternoon. And most of the time they weren't even fighting!! Grant even got to the point that he was red faced and sweating.
**Note to self**next time it is raining outside, give the kids balloons,sit back, and relax.

Daisy Scouts

Last night Emma joined the local Daisy Troop. Daisy's is the first step in the whole Girl Scout process. You are a Diasy for kindergarten a first grade. Her troop has about 15 girls in it right now and she goes to school with more than half of them. Yesterday when we got home from school (at 11:30), she put her uniform on and asked me every 20 minutes how long until her meeting (at 5:30). I guess you could say she was a little bit excited!

Girl Scout Law:

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Promise:

On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law

Buried Treasures

Don't you just love it when you find something on your camera that makes you smile?



These were taken this summer at the Exploritorium in San Fransico. I forgot what the display was actually about--all I remember is that Grant couldn't wait to drink out of the toilet--and NOT GET IN TROUBLE FOR IT!!

Our Newest Bundle of Joy

Tricked you!! She's not OUR budle of joy, she is my sisters, but we are the proud Aunt, Uncle and Cousins of Rachel Ann Wallace:




Congratulations Wallace family!! We can't wait to meet Rachel in person.