Merry Christmas!

Mike (36) has had the joy of commuting to New York City this year instead of Washington D.C. His schedule has been a lot worse, but he has been able to get most Sundays off. Getting Sundays off is important because he is now the Elders Quoram President. He is doing a great job. I think the highlight of his year was flying a helicopter! He is a great Dad, and he tells the boys lots and lots of stories. He even can tell them stories when he is away. Some of the favorites: Leah and the three lightsabers, the three marshans, and triceratops and the cave.

I (Kaylynn) (37) started graduate school and love it! At the end of my experience, I will have a Masters of Arts in teaching and be certified to teach K-8 grade--then will be the fun part, finding a job. It will take a full five years to complete, but I am taking it slow, only one class at a time. I ended my tenure of being Primary Presdient in February (it was a wonderful three years!). I miss it terribly, but I needed the time for school and family. I teach adult Sunday School every other week--I love reading the scriptures, but you can't be quite as creative with adults. I continue to enjoy my children and love to watch them grow and develop. I started blogging this year, and find it very rewarding!

Luke (5) is learning how to read, loves school, was the best goalie on his soccer team, and is a great big brother. School this year has been wonderful because his best friend is in the same classroom. It has helped him with confidence! He has a great imagination, and has started to write stories. We have started this new scripture reading program--I start by drawing a scripture story, and then the boys add to the story and color it in while I am reading them the scriptures. So when Abinadi gets burned the fire shoots out and grabs King Noah. The Stripling Warriors have swords on their feet, and the bad guys sometimes have six arms. He is at a great age!

Anakin (4) loves school and is doing very well. We love his very literal mind. Lately he said, "I don't want to be a wiseman when I grow up, I want to be a pilot like my daddy, and which wiseman built his house upon the rock?" He loves school, and knows all his letters, can count is learning how to add. He is very easy to promt: I will say, "I love being your mommy!" and he will reply, "I love being your son." He loves playing with his big brother, and is very disappointed when his brother needs alone time. He was very sad to learn that when he turned 5, that his big brother wouldn't be 5 any more, but comforted to know that his cousin would still be 5. He is a great kid and we love his great smile a big blue eyes!

Gypsy Girl (almost 18 months--two more Sundays then Nursery here we come!) has had a great year! She learned how to crawl on Easter day, walk on her birthday (not really but very close!) She is saying lots of words. She loves to read books, play the piano, get tickled, and be a girl in every single way. Her favorite show is Backyardigans, we are convinced that she is in love with Pablo! She continues to be a joy to everyone! Luke knows everything that she loves, "She really loves her blanket! She just loves Backyardigans!"

We celebrated Christmas early this year. Mike has to work on Christmas day, so our Christmas came yesterday. It was a great day. The boys got a battleship and and aircraft carrier, so the entire day they were playing with their ships. We opened the presents early, and they played, played and played. Then the doorbell rang--it was the UPS man (Thanks Joanne). We got to open the packages right away! It was a perfect diversion--crafts and popcorn. Then after we got the first set of popcorn cleaned up, then next package arrived--thanks Grandma and Grandpa! More popcorn all over the floor, more playing, changing into the new pajamas, and reading our new books. We had a great day. We will get to celebrate again at my sister's house with my parents on the real Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Mike told the boys that next year he would try and get Christmas off--Luke seemed kind of disappointed--because that would mean they couldn't have two Christmases. Children are so resilient!

Aunt Anne--a big hit!

Th boys loved having Anne come and visit them. They would often go looking for her. They had a great time chasing her, playing hide and seek, and of course tickling her!

Anne said to the boys, "Whatever you do, don't tickle yourself!"

Now they get to tickle her!

The joys of being the favorite Aunt!

Crafts, Crafts, and More Crafts

Anakin hanging our craft on the tree!

Luke getting a ball ready!

Anakin putting the glitter on the balls. If others want to do the project, glitter glue does not stay on the balls. It will just comes off after it has dried. However, elmer's glue worked well!

My nephew with the hand print Christmas tree. We just did it on the back of a grocery store bag!

The last craft we made at the library: it was an angel bell. A big bell for the body and two smaller bells for the wings. It turned out pretty cute!

I think the boys are worn out--so unless they want to do some more-- we are done until Christmas Eve when we make cookies for Santa.

Wow, I'm popular, another tag!

8 things I am passionate about:
1. Education (I believe that everyone, yes everyone is entitled to an education, and No Child Left behind doesn't help!)
2. My Family
3. Obama: he gives the best speeches
4. My Dad
5. The Gospel
6. Jane Austin--I've even been to her grave.
7.Audi -TT--I never need to own one--I just love their aesthetic quality.
8. Blogging: I've never kept a better journal in my life!

8 words or phrases my family use way too often:
1. Are you kidding me! (Luke)
2. Mommy, I need you. (Anakin)
3. MA, MA, MA meaning milk, mommy, just about anything. (Gypsy Girl)
4. We're late, come on let's hurry. When I say we're late, does that mean that everyone should slow down. (me)
5. Roger, cleared for take off (Mike) (not that I ever hear it!)
6. Go to the bathroom--now (everyone to Anakin)
7. The house is a disaster. (me)
8. A hurricane is a disaster, this is just a mess. (Mike)

8 Things I want to do before I die
1. Win teacher of the year award. (remember I'm passionate about education)
2. Do a Triathlon.
3. Go to Hawaii with my entire family on my 50th Wedding Anniversary.
4. Learn how to skate backwards.
5. Get published, and not just on my own blog.
6. Watch my kids grow up.
7. Pick my kids up from their missions.
8. Live where we don't have a lawn. (I'm thinking downtown Salt Lake)

8 Things I learned from my past
1. It was great living where there was no snow!
2. I wish I hadn't been a snob when I was at BYU--I would probably have my education degree now!
3. I can survive on little sleep, but I don't like it.
4. The Lord always put you in a place where you need to be.
5. I have a lot to learn.
6. I am stronger than I think I am.
7. I love being a mom.
8. I really don't like working two jobs

8 Places I would love to see
1. Hawaii
2. Egypt
3. Pyramids in South and Central America
4. My husband's office (he doesn't have one)
5. A clean house. (I think I would need a maid!)
6. Israel
7. Europe (I've been there, and would love to go back again and again and again!)
8. A clean car (again a maid or cleaning service)


8 Things I currently want or need
1. Gym membership.
2. More time.
3. Yearly vacation to Europe.
4. I want Mike to be based in O'Hare (long story)
5. All day kindergarten (at least by the time Emily goes to school!)
6. Patience with myself and others.
7. A Room of one's own. (not the book by Virginia Wolf, but my very own room!)
8. Energy!

Tag mmmmm. If any of you have time, then do it. It took me four days to complete this one.

The Gingerbread House

Timber--we didn't even need a wolf to know over this house. I was able to save it!

Anakin

Luke getting frosting on his candy. Gypsy Girl didn't get to do this craft, so she got to eat candy instead.

Christmas Pictures

I really wanted a picture with all my kids in Christmas clothing in front of our Christmas tree, but alas it didn't happen. Here are some of the ones that didn't work out. If you want a real Christmas Card, just send me your address via email: kaylynntje at gmail dot com. No craft on Sunday because it is a day of rest.

I did teach Sunday School yesterday. It was on Ether 12, and Moroni's great discourse on faith. I love how he basically summarizes the Book of Mormon and explains that all things came by faith. I always think about other things that came about by faith: my first testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon, answers to prayers, comfort that is given through the Holy Ghost. I also love these quotes on faith:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1994

My beloved young sisters, each of you needs to build a reservoir of faith so you can draw upon it when someone you love or respect betrays you, when some scientific discovery seems to cast doubt on a gospel principle, or when someone makes light of sacred things, such as the name of God or the sacred ceremonies of the temple. You need to draw on your reservoir of faith when you are weak or when someone else calls on you to strengthen them. You also need to draw on your reservoir of faith when some requirement of Church membership or service interferes with your personal preferences.

I know that I have dipped into my reservoirs of faith in the past, and right now I need to be filling it up again, if not for me than for others that may need to rely on my faith until theirs is strengthened.

The second:

Elder Neil L. Anderson, Ensign, October 2008, p. 13-14.

Several years ago a friend of mine had a young daughter die in a tragic accident. Hopes and dreams were shattered. My friend felt unbearable sorrow. He began to question what he had been taught and what he had taught as a missionary. The mother of my friend wrote me a letter and asked if I would give him a blessing. As I laid my hands upon his head, I felt to tell him something that I had not thought about in exactly the same way before. The impression that came to me was: Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. He would need to choose faith.

I like how faith is a choice--it is more than a feeling, but we make the choice to lean not unto our own understanding, but to God's.

One of my favorite promises is in Ether--that if we come unto Christ we will be shown our weaknesses (the hard part), but with our humility and faith the Lord will make them strong. A beautiful promise to all that live by faith!

WII and WII Fit Giveaway

I really hope that I win, but if I don't, I hope you win. Go over to Mile-High Mama's and enter!

On the third day of freedom the craft we did yesterday

It's not that hard to do a craft a day when you stretch one project over two days. Everyone had a great time decorating cookies!

Luke loved eating the cookies!

Anakin, on the other hand, would only lick off the frosting. They were not gingerbread cookies because they weren't soft like bread. There was no way the the gingerbread man could run away because he was hard and couldn't move. Pretty good logic if you ask me. I guess that is why in some of the gingerbread men stories, he jumps out of the oven before he fully is cooked.

We finished.

Conversation between Luke and Anakin

Anakin: Luke do you like me?

Luke: Leave me alone!

Anakin: But, Luke do you like me?

Luke: Leave me alone!

Anakin: Luke do you like me?

Luke: Leave me alone!

Anakin: Leave me alone!

Then laughter erupts, and they are best friends once again!

Day 2 of Freedom

Our finished project!

Gypsy Girl loved putting raisin in the dough.

The boys did a great job of cutting out the gingerbread men.

This is the beginning of our fun. We plan to do a crafty project everyday before Christmas. My gift to my kids this year: spending time with them!

I got an A on my final--so that was very nice to see with all the other A's that I got on tests and papers. I am pleased. There is nothing like school: there is a clear beginning, middle and end to it. You even get positive reinforcement the entire way.

The Next 6 Weeks.........

I will be a stay at home mom. So watch out world here I come. On my first day of freedom, I made homemade Sweet Pepper Soup and Lion House Rolls. It was so delicious, and so much better than McDonalds. We also cut out snowflakes, thanks to Suzy Q, and played with home made play dough. It was so relaxing: no papers, no tests, and no school.

Recipe:
2 cups chopped onions
1 Tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
6 cups chopped red and green bell peppers (about 6 peppers)
2 cups water or vegetable stock (I always use chicken stock or bullion, sorry vegetarians)
1 cups sour cream
2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt and black pepper to taste

In a covered soup pot, saute the onions and spices on medium heat in the butter or oil for about 3 minutes, until barely softened. Add the bell peppers and cook, covered, until just soft, stirring occasionally. In a blender or food processor, whirl the cooked items and the remaining ingredients. Don't over-process; small pieces of peppers should remain. Return the soup to the pot and gently reheat, adding salt and pepper to taste.

I actually process the onion and green peppers before cooking; it saves time! It is a wonderful recipe from the Moosweood Restaurant.

Nativity

My sister-in-law made this for our family--it is a copy of the one she made as a girl. I love the simplicity, humility, and purity of the scene. Christ was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the Inn.

Once when I was a little girl, we had no Sunday School Teacher. My mom was walking by our classroom, and she stepped in and taught our class. My Mom is a marvelous story teller, and she told us the story of Christ's birth. Something struck the entire class as my mom told the story, and has stuck with me ever since--The Inn would have been crowded and noisy. I sometimes wonder if it had more of a bar-like atmosphere. Where as the stable was quiet, peaceful, and reverent. Shepherds came and worshiped, and peace filled the stable.

Although I love many of my other nativities, this is my favorite because of it truly represents that night in a way that the others cannot.

Snow Day!

Weather: Today the boys had no school, that right no school, why because rain, freezing rain, snow, and blowing snow. We had a great day--a day where we didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything, didn't even get dressed. We watched two movies--yes two: Madagascar and Elf. I did do the dishes, and made cookies. It was nice just to lounge.

My School: I am doing great in school--my final is tomorrow. The only bad thing about the boys not having school--I was going to study, yes study while they were in school. So I guess it will be a late night for me. I am inching my way towards this Masters Degree, one class at a time. I learned a lot this semester, and have loads of ideas for when I get my own classroom.

Politics: the only thing that I knew about Illinois politics is that it has a reputation for being crooked. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested for trying to sell Obama's Senate seat. He kind of proved my theory. There have been three, yes three past Illinois Governors that have served jail time in the past 35 years. I guess the politician need to live up to their reputation.

Religion: I loved President Eyring's talk during the Christmas Devotional. His end remark, "I leave you my blessing that you may at this Christmas season, and through the year feel the love and the approval of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son." I think anyone can feel Heavenly Father's love--but his approval, now that is something that words cannot describe.

Santa

Luke with Santa!

Anakin with Santa

Our Nephew with Santa

We had the Ward Christmas Party last night. GG had fallen asleep in the car, so she was crying for the entire time. I left early, so I missed Santa. Mike and the boys stayed for the great program and Santa Clause. Our nephew often hangs out with us at Ward parties, somehow their parents are always a little busy on these kind of nights. (His dad is the Bishop, so I guess we can help out.) Luke knew that Santa was Brother Roby, even though he grew out his beard just for the occasion. Thanks for making it such a special night, and especially that we didn't have to fight the crowds at the mall to see Santa!

Just as a post script: Last year Anakin wanted to have Mack from the Cars movie. So when he told Santa what he wanted for Christmas, he said, "I want a Big Mac." I think Santa thought he want two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles on a sesame seed bun. This year it was a little easier because he wanted a big battle ship, surely that can't be confused with food.

Backyardigans on the Piano

Mike had been gone for most of the week (he left early Sunday(2am) and got home at 10 on Friday. Gypsy Girl was excited to see him, so she immediately ran to me. After about an hour, she remembered all the great things she likes to do with her dad. One of them being play the piano together. Mike plays the theme song to Backyardigans and they sing along. They are very cute together!

It's a tent

The boys have felt very cooped up inside. Today it is too cold to be crawling in the snow, so we built a tent in the living room. They have a lot of fun with it. They have all sorts of secret passage ways in and out of the tent. It brings back lots of good memories of building tents out of blankets chairs and card tables. Have a good day!

Snow, snow and more snow

We love playing in snow!

The boys dig, dig, and dig. They are having a great time! We bought new snow pants for Anakin, and he really puts them to good use. He climbs up the hill digging through the snow! We had to put all of his gear in the dryer so he could go to school in dry clothes. I was very thankful for a dryer!

More digging. I think that they are on a secret mission.

Gypsy Girl and I even got into the fun.

Once we get boots for her, then we will do more than just swing!

I really am living the dream

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts. " Jacob 6:5
Any other scriptures come to mind?

He loves the earth decoration.

We had a great time decorating the Christmas tree this year because the boys actually remembered doing it last year. But what do you think of my sweats and bed hair? While I was watching our children put up the decorations, I really felt I was living the dream, and am truly thankful for all the things Christmas brings: a closeness to the Savior, and remembering all the tender mercies of the Lord.

Something besides getting ready for Thanksgiving

Anakin

Luke

Luke and Gypsy Girl

I love when my kids are this happy!

After school on Tuesday in celebration of Thanksgiving vacation, we went to a huge play area. The boys love being able to fun and climb. Now this is similar to McDonald play places, only bigger and cleaner. They have two sections: a huge three story with slide, tunnels, and jumping area, and a small one for toddlers. Gypsy Girl would only go on the big one--so after an hour of crawling, climbing, lifting, and following her around, I was exhausted. We all had a great time, and we want to do it again next Tuesday. We all need a little exercise!

So for my Thanksgiving post, I am thankful for these three beautiful, healthy, happy, smart, spiritual children. I was married for almost seven years before we had our oldest son, and he was well worth the wait. Luke will sit up at night underlining the word Lord in his Bible, Anakin has a keen sense of knowing right and wrong, and usually choosing the right, and Gypsy Girl loves Jesus! It will be fun to see them grow up and mature in the gospel.

Addicted to Backyardigans and other ramblings

So my youngest is addicted to Backyardigans. She will plop herself in front of the TV and watch for hours. It is so tempting just to let her watch it again and again, but then again she wouldn't get anything done, but I might.

I finished my spelling paper, whew. I think that I might actually become a better speller. For those of you interested things that will help young spellers: word sorts, word patterns and word meanings. (Why is composition and competition spelled with different vowels even though they sound the same: composition comes from compose and competition from compete). Another interesting bit of information: we spell with how words are formed in our mouths, not by sight or hearing. There is a great text book called Words Their Way which identifies different spelling stages (there are six) and how to give instruction, activities, and support for each of those stages. Needless to say there should not be one word list for the entire class as this will only help students at one particular level. Because students in the same class will be at various levels, develop a spelling program that can fit the different abilities of your students. Still no grade, but I am getting an A in the class.

I actually took a nap today, while studying, and as I was falling asleep it was if I would look at myself at the bed, and have and actually teach myself what was in the textbook. I was super intelligent at the time--very cool. It's the closest thing that I have ever had to an out of body experience. I wonder what would have happened if I was reading my scriptures.

I love teaching PowerPoint--we are having a really fun class. On Mondays, I lecture, on Wednesday it is a lab day, then on Friday the students present their PowerPoints to each other. I hope the students are learning about PowerPoint. It certainly is interesting to see what they come up with. (They pay their adjuncts only 300 a credit hour, now it costs 600 to take the class, do you see a discrepancy, but I am getting 6 credits a year for free--yeah--no loans yet on my Masters!)

Yesterday I had a terrible day. Luke my five year old kept trying to cheer me up by asking me to play with him. Once I figured it out-- I was amazed how caring he was to his mommy.

Anakin and Luke are doing great on their work jobs. Today as we clean up the living room we played a game: I close my eyes while they put things away then I have to guess what they put away. The best is when Anakin comes up to me and says, "Mommy where does this go?" Kind of defeats the purpose, but they did pick up the entire living room.

I thought I was going to teach Sunday School on Sunday, but both of us had prepared the lesson. (Better both than neither) It was about Mormon, and I was going to talk about how he had the Gift of Discernment. Elder Bednar gave a great talk about his ability to be quick to observe. I've notice that Anakin is only bringing home good qualities from school. He will say "I'm a happy helper!" He learned that phrase from school. (Think of what he could be learning at school.) Anakin is discerning and noticing good things. I am glad that I prepared because I love that talk, and I noticed that Anakin is also quick to observe. (Part of discerning is noticing the good in yourself and others and being able to bring that good out.)

It snowed a little this week, so we got out the sleds, boots, pants and played in the inch of snow for about an hour. The boys even shoveled the entire driveway! Gypsy Girl hadn't woken up, so I was running in and out of the house checking to see if she was awake.