Little People

WHY, when there is ample floor space in our house, do my kids prefer being on the table and counter?  Is it because they enjoy feeling taller and seeing the world from a "grown-up" perspective?  On the other hand, how often do I get down on their level and look at things through their eyes? 

How quickly we forget what it is like to be little. 

winter fun

 We spent last week in Sandpoint, visiting David's family.  Nathan loved helping Uncle Michael plow the driveway.  He and his cousin Joshua were buccaneers for most of the week.  Their duties consisted of ridding the seven seas of sisters and girl cousins.

 Clara and Katie were hunted all week by the buccaneers.  The kids had a great time sledding.

 

Back at home:

Christian knows where to find the good stuff! 

 Christian has not yet figured out what is so fun about snow.

 Clara plays the part of a smug princess rather well.  She has informed me that she wants us to buy a mansion.  She also dreams of someday being a teenager and having a boyfriend. 

Sigh...The next 14 years ought to be very interesting.

 Just another picture of Christian being cute.

And another.  Sorry, I can't help myself.
For those who are really interested, the is another post below about Christmas.

Our perfect family

When I was a girl, my family was sometimes called "the perfect family."  (Usually by people who didn't know us that well.)  Two parents, two girls, two boys, a dog, and a cat.  People figured we quoted scripture all day, and that we always got along perfectly.  Hmmm...our parents probably wished that were all true.  But really, I couldn't have been more blessed in the family I was given.  We loved each other and (usually) enjoyed being together.  Anyway, here's what happens when "the perfect family" spends Christmas together.

Acting out the Nativity:

No one wanted to be Joseph, so the privilege fell upon Christian.  Cousin Sarah was Mary, and 3-year-old Peter had his heart set on being Jesus and sitting in the manger.  It worked out pretty well.



 When my mom pulled out this costume, Clara knew she was meant to be the angel.  She may be the first angel ever to throw a kicking, screaming fit.  We didn't realize that she intended to say all of the angel's lines herself.  It's quite upsetting when you're surrounded by foolish mortals who are keeping you from delivering the glad tidings of great joy. 

 Nathan came up with this wiseman costume.  He was an extremely wise wiseman, as evidenced by the large brain he has under that turban.

Grandpa Manwill enjoyed Nathan's new dart gun. 

My brother, Dan, who just finished a master's in mechanical engineering.  He really does have a large brain, although you can't tell from this picture.

I wish I knew what Nathan and Rachel were thinking in this picture.

O Christmas Tree

David's brother, Michael, was kind (and patient) enough to take a family picture AND babysit for us on the same night.  He is definitely on Santa's nice list now.  Clara didn't want to smile and Christian insisted on looking stoic, but at least no one was crying.

 A cute boy who melts my heart!

 Clara turned four a couple weeks ago.  She wanted a princess cake and David's sister Jessica gave me this idea.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a cheap doll that was the right size, so it didn't end up the way I imagined.  David laughed when he saw the cake.  Prince Charming would not be able to reach Cinderella if she wore this dress to the ball.  Clara requested a green dress and a pink dance floor.  She was delighted with this cake, so it doesn't matter if it turned out looking goofy.

After 7 years of marriage, we finally have a Christmas tree. (and room to set it up!)  

Of course, within a few days, there were no ornaments left on the bottom half.   

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved sitting in the dark and gazing at a lighted Christmas tree.  There is something so peaceful about it.  It's nice to be able to do that again.

An in-spire-ing view

 When we bought this house, we were excited about the large trees surrounding it.  For the past several months, we have relaxed in their shade, climbed their branches, savored their fruit, and listened to birds sing in them.  We have enjoyed looking out the window and seeing leaves, dappled with filtered sunlight and fluttering gently in the breeze.  As autumn approached and the leaves began to fall, we wondered what views our leafless trees would reveal.  This is what we discovered one evening as we walked by our front window:

 We knew our house was about a mile from the Mount Timpanogos Temple, (it takes us two minutes to drive there) but we didn't how close it really was.

We can see it in the background when we look at our Christmas tree.  It's a good reminder to keep things in perspective and remember what is really important this season.

This is the view from our rooftop.  Every time I walk by our front windows I am reminded of how near God really is.  There may be things surrounding us that obstruct our view of Him, but He is closer to us than we realize.  I am so grateful for this source of strength and assurance, no matter the season.

She can fly!

Give a girl a wand and a pair of cardboard-and-foil wings, and she becomes a real live fairy.

 

October, Part II

Updating our blog is obviously not very high on our list of things to do.  To the masses of people who have been anxiously awaiting our next blog post for the past 3 1/2 weeks: Your diligent vigil has not been in vain.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime event: two posts in one day...

I found this robe at Goodwill and knew it was made to be worn by Clara.  Inspired by Fancy Nancy, she calls it her "dressing gown." 

 Watch out!  We have a six-year-old!

Nathan was spoiled by grandparents this year.  My parents got him this science kit (consisting of wires, magnets, batteries, a little light bulb, a tiny spinning motor, and other scientific items intended for ages 8 and up).  He is definitely in little boy heaven.

Nathan also got a scooter.  Christian climbed right on and knew just what to do.

We have 25 trees in our yard.  Several of them are quite big, and one is enormous.  We raked for two hours yesterday, but 90% of the leaves have yet to fall.  As soon as we went inside, a storm came and covered our lawn with leaves again. 

Even though it was rainy, Nathan and Clara had to trick-or-treat for at least a little while.  Ponchos make great costumes.  Nathan was a blueberry and Clara was a strawberry.