The Maddness Begins

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GETTING THE TREE...For the last few years we have had a real tree. I just think they are prettier and they smell so wonderful. It's also fun to go and pick out something a little bit different every year. Here in Tooele they have a great Christmas Tree lot. It is a little family owned business that has been going since the 1940's. It's very nostalgic, and I love it. So today when the kids got home from school off we went to get our tree. Well it just so happens so did about 8 other families and parking was a little tight. So there Mark is trying to maneuver our great big suburban into a parking spot when we hear a big SMASH-CRUNCH. UH-OH! I look at Mark. Mark looks at me. Everyone at the Christmas Tree lot turns and looks at US, mouths agape. Mark says, "I just hit something." Ya think? Kaylie and Hyrum look behind us and start giving commentary. "WHOAA!! You smashed that guys bench! You totally smashed it! Look at the Christmas Tree guys face, He isn't happy! You can tell he is totally bugged." At this point I just want to hang my head and skulk off. But Mark, Mr. Positive, Destroyer of Bench smiles at me and says, "I might need to pay for that bench. We'll settle up when we get our tree. Now those of you that know me well, know that Christmas is NOT my favorite holiday. Too much pressure. At this point I'm just trying not to have an anxiety attack. But Mark and the kids get out of the car as if nothing has happened and start looking for our tree. We narrowed it down to three, then two, then one. Ironically at this point, there is not one other car or family to be seen. Our timing stinks. The tree lot guy helps us tie the tree to the top of the car. He was actually very friendly, told us not to worry about the bench. Said he was planning on throwing it out anyway. (Well he certainly is now.) And off we went with our beautiful Christmas Tree. I'm telling ya, nothing can be simple when it comes to the holidays. Hold onto your Santa hat. Here we go!

A Chuck-a-Rama Thanksgiving

Yes, it's true. My Dad treated all of us to Chuck-a-Rama on Thanksgiving. It was delicious and noone had to cook or clean up a great big mess. Yes, there was a looooong line. We stood in it for almost an hour. I guess we weren't the only ones with the idea. But I have to say I would do it again. My kids thought it was great and ate (or should I say drank) their weight in frozen slushies. On Saturday I did cook a turkey and my parents came out for dinner. Today we had yummy turkey sandwiches. This week I'll be making a big pot of Noodles (soup). You gotta love how many meals you can get out of one turkey-lurkey. My favorite part of the weekend was watching Ethan with my Grandma, his Great-Grandma. As soon as he saw her on Thanksgiving day he came running up to me and said with a big smile, "Gramma Linge is here!!" I have to agree with him. It is always so good to see her. We love you Grandma!

Happy Turkey Day!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I haven't posted for awhile cuz the little ones and I have had colds. Yuck! I haven't felt like doing much as you can tell by the way my house looks (messy). Thanksgiving is one of the greatest holidays. You get to cozy up with the ones you love and eat lots of yummy things. The thing that drives me crazy is that is totally gets squished and run over by Christmas. It really annoys me. Come on, let the turkey have it's day! Can't we please just enjoy Thanksgiving before we have to start talking about and thinking about Christmas? It's just wrong, I tell ya. Some things I'm thankful for... My husband (I feel so blessed in that department.) My children. Those are both pretty obvious. So some other things I'm thankful for are... Books, Chocolate, Music, My Washer and Dryer, and Hot Bubble Baths. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. May your tummies be big and full with all that wonderful food and may none of us have to think or hear about Christmas, at least until Friday. (Yeah, right)

Thank Heaven For Big Sisters

Saturday was such a beautiful day that we decided to enjoy the sunshine by taking a trip to the Zoo, it was a nice slow paced weekend. While we were there Ethan asked to ride the Carousel. Well when he got up on that big Polar Bear, he had a change of heart. He was a little freaked out that he was going to fall. No worries though, Kaylie to the rescue! As soon as his Big Sister climbed up there with him he knew he was safe and ready for a good time. It makes my heart sing, to see what good friends Kaylie and Ethan are. La, la la la, La!

My Grandpa Daniels - My Favorite Veteran

I love this picture of my Grandpa, he loved to be busy in his garden. He was a good, gentle, soft spoken man with a twinkle in his eye. I sure do miss him. He passed away this last June. I am thinking about him today because it is Veterans Day. As I hung the flag up today on our front porch my heart felt so full and warm with gratitude to be an American. I wished that I could throw my arms around my Grandpa and thank him again for his service to this country. I am so very thankful for all of the soldiers who have fought and sacrificed for the freedoms that I, myself and my children enjoy. My Grandpa fought in the battle of Okinawa during World War II. He was wounded during this time when shrapnel from a hand grenade hit him in his right arm. My Grandpa is the recipient of the Purple Heart. He never spoke much about the war. I know that the memories of this time in his life were so horrible that he did not want to reflect on them. When I read his life history for the first time, it was the most I had ever heard about it. He said that he fought on the front lines, that eating and sleeping were done on the line. He was lucky to get three hours of sleep in a twenty-four hour period. He was hungry and thirsty all the time, "almost beyond endurance". The battle strategy used on Okinawa was to dig fox holes with a shovel that the soldiers carried on their backs. Then use the fox hole for protection as they pushed the Japanese back. I know that I can not even fathom the horror of it all. My Grandpa witnessed dear friends being killed right next to him. I am so proud of him and thankful for his extraordinary courage. I am thankful that he made it home and married my Grandma, and that they had my Dad. On this day I am happy to honor my dear Grandpa and all Veterans who have served and are now serving our beloved country. God bless America, My Home Sweet Home!!

My little Goblins...

MeghanMatthewHyrumEthan

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