I can't wait to go to Primary!

Brandon is excited for tomorrow because. . .

he gets to start learning Primary songs!

We are the new CTR 5 teachers.

He cannot remember learning primary songs growing up. He's gonna have so much fun! I can't wait!

Cookies for Santa!

Dear Santa

Well actually it was the reverse! Dear Christian. Dear Parker & Dear Ella. Santa promised Christian he knew he had moved and knew where to find him. Each child's letter came with Christmas Dust and was even post marked from Santa!

Gifts from Ella

To: Mom
From: Ella

The gift that keeps on giving!

You're jealous again aren't you?

Let me Hold Them Longer

My friend Dorien posted today
about her children growing up. This is something that is on my mind and I think the minds of many mothers a lot. It also reminded me of this poem. If someone has a "Stop Time Machine" please let me know.

Let Me Hold You Longer

Long ago you came to me,a miracle of firsts: First smiles and teeth and baby steps,a sunbeam on the burst.But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time when I hold a bottle to your baby lips.The last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,needing to be walked,When last you crawled up with your blanket,wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,still small enough to hold.The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old. Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past-Would I have held you longer if I'd known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,your final midday nap,the last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last days of first grade, Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all your yesterdays long passed. So what about tomorrow-will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond.The last time that you run barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn. Silly, scattered images will represent your past.I keep on taking pictures,never quite sure of your lasts...

The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight. The last time that I pray with you and tuck you in at night.The last time when we cuddle with a book, just me and you.The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson, last vacation to the lake. Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass. But as I do, I sometimes miss today's sweet, precious lasts...

The last time that I help you with a math or spelling test. The last time when I shout that yes,your room is still a mess.The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there.The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass. I want to hold on longer-want to recognize your lasts...

The last time that you need my help with details of a dance.The last time that you ask me for advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me about your hopes and dreams.The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.

I've watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass. If I could freeze the hands of time, I'd hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning, you'll be going far away.College life will beckonin a brilliant sort of way.One last hug, one last good-bye,one quick and hurried kiss.One last time to underst and just how much you'll be missed.I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God,to every precious last.

She's HERE!

My new favorite newborn was delivered by my sister on Friday Dec 19th via C-section just after lunch. Because of bad weather we weren't able to get down to Ogden to see her until she was 2 days old and It. Broke. My. Heart.

Ella wants to keep her REALLY bad!

Christmas Goodies

I don't remember a Christmas that my mom didn't make cookies and candy to distribute to friends and neighbors. As long as I can remember I got to help. My job always seemed to be stirring and wrapping the carmels. HMMMMM I wonder why? Anyone ever made carmels? More than an hour of stirring. One batch does like a million. That's a lot of wrapping. Make your kid stand there for hours and you're free to do a ton of other stuff. My mom's a pretty smart lady!

This year I made and distributed 23 plates of my own, down a few from last year, and had enough left over for my sister who delivered a precious bundle on December 19th. You'll notice the giant Kool-Aids those were given to neighbors and friends with young children and I even tried to be clever. Attached to each was a card that said,

"Hoping you have a 'Kool' Yule. Merry Christmas from The Parish's"

In total this year I baked 16 dozen cookies, dipped 7 packages of Oreos, coated 1lb of tiny pretzel twists and made 3 batches of candy!

My kids' favorite part was caroling as a family on people's doorsteps as we passed them out!

The VERY helpful helpers.

For whatever reason these are called "Blenders" instead of beaters at our house. Apparently I need to use the blender more often so we learn the difference.


My favorite vanilla!