Meals

You know those meals when you make something that sounds really good? Doesn't it just make you feel warm and appreciated when your kids stir it around a little and poke at it and then say, "My tummy is full."
Good thing I don't plan the menu around them or we'd have a pretty limited menu. In fact, if I limited it to what Marie eats, then all we'd eat is mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sandwhiches, and breakfast food.

Google

Yesterday a woman was walking behind me as I walked into the store. I had Marie holding one hand and Peter holding the other. As I was putting them in the shopping car she said, "So, are they twins or Irish twins?"
I had no idea what she was talking about, but just said, "They're twins."
She informed me that it didn't matter, because they were still cute.
So, what are Irish Twins? Thank heavens for google who helped me out with that one.
The next question is, wouldn't that be considered a slightly tacky question or I am just sensitive?

Perspective on binkies

I exercise with women in my ward twice a week in the early hours before the kids wake up. This morning, I mentioned that I had thrown away the binkies and that Marie and Peter had a better night last night. One of the woman said that we really ought to learn about giving stuff up from our kids. We force them to give up their "bad habits." We ought to be more empathetic as they struggle instead of getting frustrated that they don't just accept it. I throw away the binkie and say, "Sorry! It's in the garbage." I tell them when they are supposed to be ready to give up their life long habit of using diapers. I tell them when they're ready for a bed instead of a crib.
What if someone took something dear to me away and said, "Sorry! It's in the garbage!" Would I just accept it and have a couple of bad nights? Or, would I get all uptight and angry because someone imposed something on me? Would I accept it if someone said, "I know you love to eat dessert foods, but now it's time for you to be done." For example, I would be REALLY grumpy if someone took my dessert allowance away. I would be REALLY grumpy if someone took my watch!
However, wouldn't it be nice if someone could in fact take our bad habits away and "put them in the garbage?" What if someone could take my insecurities and just throw them in the garbage? What if someone could take my tendency to get easily irritated and put it in the garbage?
Fortunately, no one can, because there would be no chance for growth. There would be no struggle to overcome our imperfections. We would lose our agency, which is one of the greatest gifts we've received. So, while I will do my best to empathize with my children when I impose growing up on them, I will also try to learn from them as they struggle. Perhaps it will help me in my growth.

Binkie update

Marie had a horrible night last night! She ended up on the floor in our room so we could all finally get some sleep. Peter slept all night long. Here's hoping for a better night tonight!

Bye Bye Binkie

Yesterday I decided it was time to get rid of the binkies. We had Marie and Peter throw them away in the garbage can outside of a store (so they could not be retrieved). Then, they each got to pick a toy. Marie picked a Jasmine doll. Peter picked James from the Thomas the Train series. They were all gung ho and said, "Bye, by binkie! Binkie in garbage!"
However, last night was the rude awakening. Peter sobbed and had a really hard time. He struggled to go to sleep, and Scott sat in the room with him so he'd go to sleep. Then, he woke up multiple times during the night. I ended up sitting by him at 5:00 in the morning so he could settle down. This morning I woke up to "Binkie in garbage" being repeated over and over.
Marie took it like a pro. We did have to convince her to take the binkie in the first place back when they were days old. Maybe that's part of the difference.
Hopefully tonight is better!

Got snow?

We probably have gotten 18-24 inches in the last 36 or so hours. It's still coming down steadily and I don't think it's stopped since it started. Welcome Winter!

They're walking on snow Scott packed down. Note the snow on top of the fence behind Audrey.

Notice the snow along my neighbor's driveway. He uses a snowblower, so that's not just piled from shoveling.

Notice the for sale sign across the cul-de-sac.

Our Christmas Card

Merry Christmas! We love this time of year to reflect on the birth of the Savior. He has brought so many blessings to our lives and to our family. We're grateful for the knowledge of the gospel.

We have had a fun year. We joined Lucille’s family for a fabulous trip to Disneyland and the beach. The kids frequently ask when we can go to Disneyland again. We also ventured off into insanity and drove to Houston. We had a great visit with Scott’s parents. We went to NASA, Galveston, an Astros game, and the Children’s Museum. We also spent a lot of time in the pool in the backyard.

Scott enjoys his job as an engineer at Novatek. He has received many opportunities for increased responsibility. He serves as the first counselor in the Young Men's presidency for our ward and has gone on many camping trips this past year.

Lucille takes care of the children and the household responsibilities. She works in the ICU at the local hospital once a week. She serves as the Primary pianist for our ward. 

Richard is now in kindergarten. He reads well and claims he doesn’t learn much while in school. He’s also learning how to play the piano. He’s been involved in soccer and wrestling this fall.

Audrey is taking dance lessons and loves it! She is also in preschool and enjoys getting out of the house to learn and interact with other kids. She’s learning how to read and write and is making great progress.

Marie loves to sing. She’ll often break out into song when we’re in the car. She loves Disney Princesses and watching movies. She enjoys looking at books. She loves “pretty” things.

Peter loves trains and Thomas the Train. He also likes looking at books. He is easy going and a very happy little boy. He loves to play outside.