Christmas Tree 2008

We started a new tradition this year. I know you're not supposed to call it a tradition until you've done it a few times, but this we undoubtedly will. We went to cut our own christmas tree just a ways away from the mccall retreat. We used snowshoes on our peaceful walk through an untouched wintry wonderland and found a great tree. I've struggled a bit with the sheer number of great photos dent took and which ones to share- I tried uploading a slide show but I didn't love it. I'm not a whiz at photoshop, so this is what you get for now.

cooper getting ready to go

ben and dad scoping out our options

the trek in

cooper, katelyn, amberly

the first guy I ever loved. it's ok that he thinks I still love him the most
climbing up to find the perfect tree

ben underneath the tree, going to work

dent, coop, amberly

dad, amberly, katelyn, lindsay, ben

sisters

we're sure glad we brought this guy along. he did all the work! hauling the tree out

coop didn't complain of the cold or have any trouble keeping up. only when we were back to the car did he say he was ready to be done. what a trooper! I should also mention that the goggles were insisted upon. ski goggles are very very important to this particular four-year-old. necessary for snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, etc.

mission accomplished. what you can't see is how fragrant our tree was. fabulous experience all the way around.

Perfection.

I had a nearly perfect week last week. Heavenly. A beautiful winter wonderland that now seems surreal as I have been thrown back into reality. Our family enjoyed our Christmas week in McCall immensely. I think I have been hesitant to blog about it because I don't think my words can do the experience justice. Perhaps the zillions of pictures denten took can come close, but they'll have to come slowly because I can't choose my favorites quickly. I don't choose anything quickly.

Christmas visited us in McCall and then again when we got home. I have really enjoyed the joy that has surrounded me the last while, all the happy sounds and sights of these littles in a magical world. I feel slightly overwhelmed with all that needs to be done this week, but incredibly grateful for the abundance we have been blessed with, both temporal and spiritual. Stay tuned, photos forthcoming.

Warning: My random thoughts.

• My list of stuff to do has more crossed off than not... that's good news!
• Christmas is officially a week away today but seeing as I'm leaving town in two days, that's the deadline, folks. Gifts are done, no further moola being thrown in that direction. At least by yours truly.
• My bishop endorses my most productive method of burning calories lately. I haven't been running all week and I've been nibbling at all the goodies around... gotta do something to keep these treats from sticking! I have insider info that tells me my new bishop also appreciates the activity.
• Cooper woke up last night and came into my room to tell me something. As he approached my side of the bed, he tripped and nailed his head on my nightstand. That's one way to wake us all up from the dead of slumber. He's got a minor black eye, but no permanant damage. He was originally coming to tell me that (his words, not mine) sometimes there are yucky juices that come our of our skins. Like our belly buttons. Try to make sense of that at 4 a.m. He had trouble settling back down so I went to lay with him until the whole yucky juices thing made sense as we made a mad dash to the toilet... a little dry heaving and all was said and done. Back to bed for everyone. Random.
• He also got up to ask me if he had friends come over to sleep with him. Uh? I think the higglytown heros are in my bed. Ah. That show has not been on our television screen for months, so who knows where that dream came from.
• We have purchased hats, gloves and slippers for everyone in hopes of keeping our appendages in tact next week. I can not possibly fathom what one degree will feel like. The hot tub sounds absolutely heavenly, but can I make it there without turning into an ice sculpture?
• I'm so glad the sugar cookies, and baking in general, is done, but I can not make frosting like my mother. I know, it shouldn't be that hard, but I am challenged.
• I have had a hard time all week remembering what day it is. Keeping track of the date was much easier when I was in school.
• I pulled out Handel's Messiah today. Needed a break fom Rudolph and Frosty. Beckham appreciates it, not sure that cooper does. Seneca will dance to anything.
• Dent has been rewatching the 24 series while he rides his bike in the evenings. I find myself sucked in even though I've seen it all before! I can't remember what happens and let's just be honest, Jack Bauer is not hard to watch. I don't feel the same about Keifer, but Jack? Mmm-hmmm.
• I think I want to cut my hair. Short. Like easy, funky short. And then I have a day where my hair actually gets done and I like it again. Why are hair decisions a big deal?
• Are you still reading? Bless your soul and (meant in the kindest possible way) get a life.
• Christmas cards did not make the priority list this season. If you have been waiting by your mailbox for ours to arrive, go make other plans. You might have one arrive in a month or so.
• My mom sent a box of fernwood chocolate mint sandwiches. Those are heaven in my mouth. How Denten makes his side last so long is beyond me.
• I will never take healthy plump bottoms for granted again. Yeah, you read that right. A few nasty diaper rashes make me so happy for the days when a quick wipe is painless and cleans thoroughly. I endorse the Butt Paste product.
• I have given Good Start formula a lot of business in the last 19 months. A LOT. The countdown is on as to when my trusty blender makes its last batch. Much to Beckham's dad's dismay, I have purchased my last can. At least for this batch of children.
• I still love my double stroller this week. It makes a zillion errands fast and easy.
• I gotta go now. That list I mentioned at the top of this madness still exists.

Seneca today

Independence at its finest.

sometimes you shouldn't mess with me.

in case you needed a close-up of that face.

sometimes, though, i'm a barrel of fun! wanna dance?

Special thanks to the country of nepal and aunt lindsay for my overalls. They may appear too short for my mother, but I don't care about such things. Thanks to grandma for my shirt, to the internet for my shoes that make me run really fast. Thanks to cooper's stash for my sweet hat of which I am a really big fan and to deirdre for my bling. Who would have thought such randomness could come together so nicely?! Not my mother, that's for sure.

Deck those Halls

The young men in our ward went on a campout last weekend and brought us home a lovely tree. It's a little like Charlie Brown's, but we love it just the same.

Winter?

It's a record. It's DECEMBER 11 and my heat has just been turned on. Yeah, it may be early for some of you down here in the "warm country," but I couldn't handle it any longer. As I drove to preschool this morning, Dutch told me it was 47 degrees outside. I was proud I had waited so long to get the heat moving in my house! Even now I'm resisting the urge to go prepare some hot cocoa. This may sound very pathetic to all of you who are actually experiencing winter, but I'll admit I've gone soft. A week in McCall is going to take lots and lots of layers to keep me warm. Today all of my children have long pants on and 2 of the 3 know what socks are. I have got to find some long underwear if skiing is going to happen over Christmas! Today I'm grateful I'm not homeless, because let's just be honest, I'd simply die out there.

Santa Fe

I've been postponing this post perhaps because I'm not sure what photos to post, so for now this is what you get.

Last weekend took Denten and I to Santa Fe for Denten's firm Christmas party. I was excited about this excursion for several reasons. First, a full two days with just Denten. Love my children and yet love the time away. Second, I was looking forward to meeting the people Denten associates with and the ones in the other offices. They have been so incredibly good to us. And lastly, I had never been to Santa Fe and was anxious to explore somewhere new.

The weekend was not a disappointment. We stayed at La Posada, which was fantastic except that the floors in our little room villa were tile. And it's cold in Santa Fe, which all adds up to cold floors. Denten suggested they provide slippers with their robes. But to counter that minor negative, there was a wood-burning fireplace in our room, just a few steps from our bed and that was awesome. I could go to sleep with a fire every night, I loved how cozy it made it feel and the sound of the wood crackling.

Friday we checked in and spent a little down time in our room before finding the firm offices in Santa Fe for a casual gathering involving decorating the firm tree and pizza. It was fun to visit with the attorneys and significant others and see the offices there- let's call them casual. Three old houses converted into the offices... the people matched the environment in that the stuffy law firm vibe was NOT present. Incredibly low-key and easy going. We went from there to the local theater to enjoy a movie before going back to our little abode.

Saturday we wandered around the plaza and city center, checking out the local wares, a few boutiques and lots of art galleries. That's my word for Santa Fe, artsy. The Pueblo indians line up around the plaza displaying their goods and were eager to engage in conversation with anyone who was willing. There were some fantastic galleries with beautiful photography and paintings. A quiet lunch and more wandering before we headed back for a nap and shower to get ready for the par-tay.

Saturday evening was spent with the firm posse, an eclectic group of 9 partners and 6 associates, numerous staff members and spouses. Mingling and dinner, lots of wine and funny speeches. They were incredibly welcoming to both Denten and I. It was rewarding for us both to see the effort they made to make him feel a part of them and to see how much they value what he has brought to their organization. I fully enjoyed an evening of adult conversation and appreciated the warmth with which we were received.

Sunday we enjoyed what this mother calls "sleeping in" before we headed back to Albuquerque for the airport. We found our home safe and clean, our children happy and healthy and Lindsay kind but probably ready to return to her own reality. Everyone should have weekends like that every so often. The best part? The conversation time with Denten. There were some good ones, a few to be shared later. It was a lovely time. Thanks Rothstein.

So when I was the new mother of just one child, I thought he was the cutest, mose precious thing in the whole wide world. And he was, for the record. Nothing could bring me as much complete joy as my little squishy baby. Then another little one entered my home. As she grew my heart filled right up and I swore, yes swore, that nothing on earth could be more beautiful and that I couldn't possibly feel this immense love for any other child. Oh, but wait. My youngest little chubster has competely stolen my heart and is it weird that I hunger for him? That I find him completely delicious to look at and squeeze and cuddle? 'Cause I do. He seriously has a way... he lights up for me and smiles and giggles for me and frankly is simply irresitable. Someday I'm probably going to have to tell him no, but the few times I've tried his little bottom lip has shamed me back into hugging the heck out of him. I guess God knows that I'm supposed to love them all the most, because as impossible as it sounds, I do.

And either because of that or in spite of it, I haven't decided which, I'm giving someone else a turn. Don't worry, it's only for a few days. I'm escaping for the weekend with the biggest and strongest of my loves (don't tell coop, he thinks he's the strongest). Aunt Lindsay can feast on all the kissableness around here which just might balance the chase scenes, the after-meal clean up and the diapers. Let's pray for her, shall we? Sometimes I have to remind myself that these little people in my life aren't really mine, that I just get to take care of them for a while, and I've got to say, I am one heck of a lucky woman. I mean seriously, between the dancing, the kissing, the squeezing and the incredibly interesting conversation, I've really got it made.

One last visual for you and for me to remember. Do you know the scene in Friends where Phoebe is trying to teach Joey French? You know, where she says something and he's supposed to repeat it and what he says sounds nothing like what she said? That exact scenario has played out with Seneca and I several times this week. I really wish the written word could capture how completely hilrious and endearing it is to see her concentrate and try so hard to say what I'm saying and it isn't even close. Gotta give the girl props.

My letter

Dear Santa,

I know it's been a while since you've heard from me, please don't count that as ungratefulness. You've done a fantastic job the past few years. I just thought I'd drop you a line and let you know that there are probably a few things up there in your workshop that I could use this year.

The first is a pretty lamp for my nightstand. I know it's not a necessity (let's be honest, none of this really is), but it would be so great not have to crawl out of bed after I read to turn out the light. I mean, once you're down in cozy, it's just not desireable at all to have to shimmy out of the warmth. I'm sure you understand. If I'm cold in Phoenix, I can only imagine the level of chill you're dealing with up there.

Next is a new crockpot. Yes, sad but true, this is what my life has become. I actually have one that works great, but it's the tall variety, not the wide, and well, when one is occasionally feeding the masses, the wide kind has it's advantages. Just ask Mrs. Clause, she'll understand.

Another something that your elves are capable of is a pair of the jeans I tried on in Newport with my sisters. The ones that made me feel like a million bucks? Yep, those are the ones. Let me just let you in on a little secret that will help you understand when girls like me ask for riculously priced denim. Once your backside has worn jeans that flatter it to no end, there is simply no going back, say to Gap jeans. No offense to Gap, or any other retailer for that matter, but quality denim is something special, Santa. Once your butt and thighs have been spoiled in fine jeanery all else looks and feels much too frumpy, and that can be a big deal to a mama of three.

There are a few other things on my longterm wishlist, but if you've got room in your sleigh... Cooper's bedroom needs furniture. It may seem like this should be on Coop's list, but he doesn't care, only I do. A new stand for under our TV would be fantastic and I'm gonna have to trust your judgement on this one because I can not, for the life of me, find one I really like. Just have your elves make the one right here in my head. See, it's good. Oh, and running tights. I've been fairly consistent lately and my sad sorry one pair of running pants are begging to be replaced.

I think that's it. Well, there's one more thing, but it's kinda asking a lot... aw heck, you're magic, you can handle it. I think there's another baby that's supposed to come live here. I'm not sure how or when or who, but if you've got any further insight on that one, feel free to make it happen. Ok, that's it now, for real. I really don't need a lot, I'm pretty darn content these days. Thanks for bringing us stuff every year, I'm sure my kids will realize how cool you are as they get older. There will of course be cookies waiting here for you... as always.

Sincerely,
Amberly

Trish's update blog

http://prayersfortrish.blogspot.com/

brain surgery and heart attacks

This holiday weekend proved to be full of family togetherness, mild productivity and then a little heartache.

Saturday my aunt Tricia was in a repelling accident while visiting her children in St. George. She flipped completely backwards and whacked her head on the rock. It was a pretty good whack, enough to get a super quick helicopter ride to salt lake and undergo surgery to relieve pressure in her brain. Surgery went well and everyone waits... waits for her to finish her slumber and wake up, waits to find out the extent of the damage to her brain, waits to see just how much this incident will change their lives. and we pray. And we have faith. And we know that the Lord's will will prevail and all will be well.

Sunday Denten's grandpa Dale had a heart attack. Grandpa is hands-down one of my favorite people on the planet and he's also among the most stubborn (hmm, maybe that's where my children get it). It took lots of coaxing for him to get to the hospital to check out the pain he was experiencing. After being monitored and tested all night, it appears that he, too, is on the up and up.

The recovery and future of both of these dear family members is yet to be determined, at least by us earthly folk. Both incidents could have ended their lives immediately and yet they are still here, either to continue their journey and accomplish things still left undone, or to continue to teach us and provide the opportunity to care for and fine tune our compassion. Both of these greats are fighters. I'm not just saying that. Apparently aunt Trish kicked one of her nurses as she was dealing with a catheter issue and let's just say that it is very likely the hospital will kick grandpa Dale out the minute they're able as he's a force to be reckoned regarding his own care.

While I've wished a few times that I could be closer to both of them during this time, I am grateful to be removed from the immediate situation enough to feel peace and hope and our Father's presence with both of them. Dwelling the the negative prognosis that is thrown around fairly freely can become incredibly discouraging, so I don't. I choose to know that they are surrounded by their angels and that Heaven has this under control. I pray that grandma and the family surrounding their bedsides can feel peace and release the worry pent up inside them. I pray for the ability to appreciate even more the good health that we experience every day.

And while I'm at it, I pray for little Beckham as he and his mouth had a nasty encounter with a coat hanger yesterday. It was most definately a bummer, but he's gonna be just fine and maybe I just needed a few more reasons to let the responsibilities of the day slide and cuddle with my baby.