Merry Morning Mayhem

Christmas Morning is truly full of Mayhem in such a Merry way. The boys actually slept in till about 8:00 but then the frenzy began. The boys ripped into their presents so fast, it all goes by so quickly, I wish they would slow down and let me watch more. Samuel was thrilled with his Ipod but he was even more excited about his Spider Man socks and wears them daily. Seth couldn't be more excited about his World War II History book and DVD's. He also mentioned that his new sweater was for dating and he'd smell good with his new cologne. Joseph was really excited about his seasons ski pass but the Hot Chocolate Maker hit the spot. Jonathan has already mastered his Pogo Stick and Moon Shoes (mini trampoline like shoes). Noah got many many things but I think his favorite is the handsome sweater and his plastic toy horses. They were worth the hunt! The confusion and hysteria didn't last too long, not as long as I would have liked. We had so much fun! It was a perfect memorable Christmas Morning. We all sat down to a divine hot breakfast while Joseph made Hot Chocolate to order. We had Poppy seed cake courtesy of our good friend George and lots of good food, fresh fruit and love a plenty. Grandma Bell was here and Grandma-pa Tanner came to get in on the action. We all hung out together all day long and enjoyed each other's company and being home. We went for a walk in the lightly falling snow before packing up and heading for my brothers house where we met all our family! It was so fun to see and visit with everyone and feel of the Christmas Spirit! Before I try to make the day sound too perfect I have to mention Air Soft Guns! They were the big hit of the day! Each of the boys received one and pierced the dreamed of serenity. They even turned my piano into target practice with blankets secured to cover the wood. Little hard green beebies are all OVER the house! I kid you not, they are every where! The boys are having SO much fun with the guns and can't wait to obliterate their homemade gingerbread houses. I insisted they do that outside! They really are actually fun to shoot and we're all not half bad at hitting the target. Seth gave us all a lesson on the proper way to use the gun as he was a counselor at Scout Camp in the rifle range. Not willing to let the day really end we sat around the Christmas Tree till late reflecting on the day and the wonderful season we'd had all month long! Hopefully so many more to come! It really was a Wonderful Christmas! Love Allyson

Christmas Eve

We stretched our Christmas Eve to last two days. We all took off for our annual traditional trek to Salt Lake City to see the sights and lights. First we stop at the Homeless Shelter and unload a boat load of surplus clothes and toys. Mike always makes a point for the boys to realize how blessed they truly are as we watch young families freeze while waiting for a bowl of soup. It is humbling! We then go to a fun bakery that is so big city, it makes me feel like I'm in New York. Many people stop and stair while Mike-I walk in with 5 young handsome men following. I see them mouth to each other "are they all theirs?" It's an adventure. Mike lets the boys indulge in any sweet and treat they'd like and we all enjoy a quick sit down. We then move on to the Gateway where it wouldn't be complete without a visit to Barnes & Noble and the Apple Computer store. I check out a bit and go to the Z Gallery hoping to find a treasure for our home. We walk the streets and see the sights and try to stay warm. We then rode Trax over to Little America where we had a divine early dinner so we could beat the rush! The boys love the restaurant and we had a lot of fun! We rode Trax to Temple Square and saw all their lights and Nativity set on the lawn. We went into the crowded visitor center and saw the Christus and watched the short movie "Luke II" We walked through the plaza and saw the reflecting pond then went to the top of Joseph Smith Building and viewed the temple lights from way up high! It's a fun tradition and not particular to our family, I think about all of Utah does it. It was so much fun being together all day long and feeling so Christmassy! We rode Trax back to our car and Samuel drove us home. I had him take a detour and drive along Main Street through Centerville and Farmington to see all the houses so lit up with decorations! It was a wonderful night! Actual Christmas Eve Day we sat down to a nice breakfast prepared by Joseph-Jonathan-Noah. They did a great job and even made us Hot chocolate to go with the scrambled eggs and toast. They're quite the little cooks! Sam went off skiing but the rest of us went sleigh riding! That was a lot of fun! It was cold and cloudy but still tons of fun. We came home and watched "The Nativity" a beautiful show about Mary-Joseph. Then we went to Tanner's for our traditional Christmas Eve. It's very Norman Rockwell with all the food, relatives and festivities. We ate divine food, sang songs, welcomed carolers and Grandpa played Santa Claus as he handed out the gifts. There was a house full of people having a great evening being together! We came home and the boys set their stockings in "their place", set out carrots for Rudolph and cookies for Santa. Joseph-Jonathan-Noah spent quite a bit of time decorating newsprint to cover the french glass doors so they couldn't see their treasure until they broke through. They were all so excited and happy! We really had a beautiful Christmas Eve and Wonderful Christmas Season together! Love Allyson

Christmas Tree Party

Our traditional Christmas Tree Party started with a candle light dinner of Chicken Cordon blue and fake champaign. We then played games and sang songs around the Christmas Tree together as a family! The boys exchanged gifts and each made a hit with their selection. Samuel gave Noah a Pirate Kit and a fleece blanket with horses on it. Noah's response was more than exuberant because of his new found love for horses. Seth gave Jonathan an Air plain kit and a fleece blanket with the pattern of orange-yellow flames! Jonathan was also very excited! Joseph gave Samuel a "Calvin & Hobbs" comic book which he started to read immediatley! Jonathan gave Joseph a snow fling and a Harry Potter hat, perfect selections! Noah gave Seth an Air Cannon which much to my delight sends blasts of noisy air all around the house. They shoot it right in my face and my hair goes flying, ribbons and ornaments fall off the tree! It just all adds to the commotion! We really had a nice time being together, playing games and singing songs. The door bell kept ringing with neighbors dropping off gifts! It was snowing and pretty and a wonderful Christmas Sabbath Evening! Mike-I went to our own comfortable bed but the boys camped out under the tree all night. They dragged sleeping bags, pillows and blankets and were so excited about the whole process of sleeping under the Christmas Tree! Love Allyson

Busy! Busy! Busy!

10:30 doctor appointment for my mom (she's staying with us)
11:30 hair appointment for my mom
11:45 Home, make special frosting, set tables
12:45 pick up mom from hair
1:30 meet friends for gingerbread house making with kids and special frosting
3:30 another doctor appointment for my mom
4:30 pick up muffins for dinner
6:30 dinner at my house with 12 women tonight

Am I crazy, physco, out of control or just plain nuts? This is how everyday in December has been and I'm tired! Tomorrow mom has another doctor's appointment at 10:00, meet friends for lunch at 11:30 before the kids get out of school for the Christmas break at 1:00. 3:00 set up for family party that I'm in charge of at my church, invitiations, set up tables and chairs, decorations, program, dinner! You know it's all crazy!!!! Love Exhausted Allyson

Is it A Wonderful Life?

Dinner time is mass confusion. Sam is whistling and juggling but keeps dropping his subjects and they echo on the wood floor. Seth comes through the back door with a slam and begins to recount all the adventures of his job to no one in particular. Joe is talking on the phone, to me, to Sam and to Jonathan all at the same time. Jon is reading out loud and keeping time with the incessant beeping of the buzzer. Noah is trying to spell out loud but gets confused with all the noise! Joe hangs up the phone only to ring immediately again! The door bell rings, everyone scrambles to reach it first and announce the next treat delivered! Sam tries to play his Beetles CD until someone realizes and puts Christmas Music on way too loud. I'm trying to cook dinner, listen to all different stories and keep track of home work, make sure Noah is spelling correctly and double check Jon's math. Dinner is bubbling over, the oven is smoking and Joseph decides he wants hot chocolate so the tea pot is whistling! The door bell rings, the dryer rings, the microwave rings, the phone rings! Bells Bells Bells! Not Christmas Bells. Jonathan then begins to pound out too loudly his Christmas song on the piano. The chaos escalates and I think of George Bailey and fondly say "Why'd we have all these kids for anyway?" Remember the scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" where George comes home distraught after learning Uncle Billy lost $8,000! "Somebody's going to jail and it's not going to be ME!" He walks into the house full of chaos and confusion! Cooking, trimming, piano playing, sick daughter lying in bed and his wife happily decorating! He is so overcome with frustration, confusion and worry that he can't see the happy times. After his son asks him how to spell something for the 4th time, George almost yells at his wife "Why'd we have all these kids anyway?" It's a good question! I also remember the Grinch and how he hates the Noise! Noise! Noise! How can I complain though? Someday I'll complain "It's way too quiet around here!" Bless their noisy little hearts! I love them all and Yes Virginia, It Is A WONDERFUL Life! Love Allyson

Christmas Essence

In the words of our prophet Gordon B Hinckley. "In each of us there is at Christmas time something of our childhood. We all revel in the fun of Christmas, of giving, receiving, singing, feasting, gathering. But there is something else, something better, and that is to sit together as families and read again the fascinating story of the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem of Judea. He was the lowly babe who came to earth and brought to us the gift of Christmas. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal, Living God. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself – these are of the “True Essence of Christmas.” Seth read this in his tuxedo at our Family Christmas Party to a quiet and full audience. Then we sang the Nativity Song, Eliza sang "Mary's Lullaby" to her new born daughter, we all sang "Stars were Gleaming" Collin sang "Joseph's Song" and then we all finished with "Picture a Stable" Andrea lead us, JoLynn accompanied. Tanner-Kristin-Maci were Mary-Joseph-Baby Jesus. All the kids were angels, shepherds, wisemen and Nicolas was the Star! It was so sweet and peaceful! The program came after a quiet, calm candlelit dinner. Then we all quietly listened as Mom gave each of us a coin from Dad's collection and Corey explained the appraisal process and history of the coins. Mom reflected on Christmas memories with Dad as JoLynn played beautiful Christmas music in the background. Just as we were leaving it began to snow, that beautiful full powdery snow that blankets the ground and adds to the Christmas Spirit! It was a beautiful and peaceful evening where we all felt the "True Essence of Christmas"

Yea RIGHT! It snowed so hard and so long that traffic was backed up for hours. Literally took those that came hours to arrive! Many didn't get to attend because of the storm. Darling invitations were not received through the mail. We did end up with a critical mass but the attendance was sparse! Dinner was chaotic, noisy and very late! The program was a hilarious shambles as the children, squawked, cried, disrobed itchy customs and ran screaming off the stage. Seth would not dawn his tuxedo, neither soloist could come and the accompanist had to leave early because her granddaughter was throwing up over a garbage can. The kids ran wild, dragging toys out from everywhere, rearranging furniture and leaving half eaten brownies on the floor to be smashed! It was crazy, hectic, chaotic and OH So Much FUN! Don't you just love a good old fashion family party! I do hope the True Essence of Christmas was felt though, because it's all about being together and we were definitely all together. "Now we all know that we're all here" rang in my ears! Merry Christmas! Love Allyson

Checkin It Twice

I spent more than a whole day shopping and searching for a plastic toy horse for Noah. He has really developed an interest in horses, wants to learn more about them, loves playing with them and daily wishes he could ride one. He's asked numerous times if we could have one for a pet in our back yard. I thought for Christmas he might enjoy a plastic toy horse to play with. I searched and shopped and looked to no avail, I could picture exactly the one I wanted to locate. Finally a friend suggested the IFA store, which was a good idea because we did find some but I was shocked at the price. I had no idea they were collectors items and cost a pretty penny. I couldn't believe it! I was just looking for a dollar store type plastic horse, not a collectors item, just a cute little toy for a 7 year old boy. Discouraged, I purchased the collectors item paying way more than I wanted or even thought the plastic toy horse collectors item was worth! I was frustrated I had spent so much time, money and effort on such a simple thing! The next day while talking on the phone retelling the adventures of hunting down this horse I picked up some discarded plastic animals mindlessly playing with them when I realized the one I was holding was the exact plastic horse I had pictured in my mind and spent so much energy chasing down! He already had one! No wonder I could picture exactly what I wanted to surprise him with! At least I was right, he would enjoy this gift because he already has one and enjoys it very much! Crazy running around in circles, spinning wheels for Christmas presents and list to be completed! Just a small example of how I feel this Christmas Season in some part has gone this year! Love Allyson