Merry Christmas!

Home For the Holidays

Here's what our home looks like all decked out for Christmas:

Outside. Good job, Jakob! (Ignore the foil hanging in one of our windows. There's steep competition for most white-trash in our cul-de-sac, so we can't let our guard down, even at Christmas.)

Inside. My theme is Snowmen. The first Christmas we were married, my mom asked me what I wanted my Christmas theme to be. I told her snowmen and - Voila! - she has slowly provided me with the cutest snowmen decorations ever since. One thing I like about being in a smaller house is that my decorations pretty much encompass our whole living area. Our home feels very cozy and festive! Merry Christmas!

Sup Santa

Today we went and saw Santa. We have the best Santa! Really. I've been looking at all of your Santa blogs and.....sorry, guys. Ours is the best. :) Look at his smile!

Of course, the boys asked Santa for many things that weren't on their lists. But Santa promised he'd bring them lots of fun toys.

Now I gift you with a little 'Flashback Friday'. Santa trips of old. However, Christmas of 2001 and 2002 did not include a visit to Santa. What was I thinking? Just another thing to add to my long list of regrets. (Take Theo to Santa, Christina!) But I included pics of Kobe anyway because he was so darling:

Persuasive Writing

(He's really just as good as he claims to be. Good to his core.)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Here is my boy's version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", made up, on the spot, on a lazy Sunday afternoon. A York Boys original (with a little help from Dad):

One the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,

12 dancing Santas,
11 elf hats,
10 self-portraits,
90,000 dollars
8 Christmas stockings,
7 sticky boogies,
6 big snowmen
5 SNOWBALL FIGHTS!
4 little boys,
3 smelly bathrooms,
2 stinky diapers,
AND 1 PAIR OF UNDIES!!!!!!

(I can't explain 'self-portraits'. It was Kobe's suggestion.)

At Last

I am finally an official graduate of BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. You may have thought that I already was graduated. You may have heard it straight from my mouth. But, alas, I was not. I left BYU with one class - ONE CLASS - unfinished. It was my advanced English G.E., English 315.

Jakob was ready to graduate and I only had one class left, a class that was offered through Independent Study. I was a dutiful wife, left BYU with my husband, and planned on completing that class through Independent Study over the summer. Well, I was so sick of school. And so sick of having to study academics when all I really wanted to do was study my baby, Kobe. And, they let me dress in a cap and gown and walk. They even handed me something that felt like a diploma. I felt graduated. So I took the summer off and decided I would complete the course in the fall.

Six years, three babies, one move, and one failed attempt at completing the course ($600!) later, I FINALLY FINISHED THE CLASS! Two summers ago, I stopped by BYU and paid for the course AGAIN, bought all the books, and vowed that this would be the year. I wanted to get it done before Tate was born, but June came and passed and I wasn't even close.

It was touch-and-go at the end. I even had to buy a time extension. I thought going to school with one baby was hard six years ago, but completing one course with one baby + three kids was a nightmare. I don't know how all the other student moms do it continually. Jakob was super supportive and made deals with me like, "I'll go and buy you a Snicker's Blizzard if you study for an hour." That's all it took. I was diligent in my studies EVERY DAY after that promise.

(We were really happy graduation day because we thought we were going to be rich soon. The world was so hopeful back then. Kids.)

I actually finished the course in November, but my final came with a traumatic experience that shook me up a bit, so I put off posting about it until now. I had to take my final exam through a proctor. I made an appointment to take it on a Thursday night at 7pm. The proctor turned out to be an 85-year-old woman who gives tests out of her apartment. She sat on her couch, knitting and watching 'Law & Order', while I took my final in the next room. It was a handwritten final and the last question was writing an entire page essay.

After 2 hours, just as I was getting ready to start my essay, Proctor Granny came into my room and said, "I had no idea your final was going to take this long. This is too late for me. I need you to leave." I was freakin' out. I asked for 20 more minutes and she annoyingly agreed. I wrote like the wind sentences like, "My research paper was interesting because my topic was good. I chose my topic because it was interesting. My sources were good because they supported my topic and they were interesting."

After the final I should have been jumping for joy because I was finished, but I was kind of traumatized. I wrote my instructor and told her the situation, and she was very sympathetic. (After I bought my time extension, my instructor was sugary-sweet to me. I'm sure she was just thinking, "Finish this course already, you idiot!")

Anyway, I eventually calmed down, got an A on my final, and GOT AN A IN THE CLASS! And this class was stinkin' hard. Possibly my hardest BYU class ever.

I am officially graduated. And, although my diploma will say December 2008, I will always claim my graduation date to be April 2002. I am pretty proud of myself for starting college, getting married, having a baby, and graduating in 4 1/2 years. Plus, I cannot let the hours of hypnotizing Kobe with Baby Mozart - so that I could study - be for naught.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

I need a little friendship therapy until I can afford the real thing. On Sunday, we watched the wonderful First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It was so peaceful, inspiring, and wonderful. But I have this cycle that occurs every time I hear a talk given almost anywhere.

President Monson shared a story about going to a nursing home and seeing a woman in a wheelchair waiting by the window for her son to come and visit. The son hadn't visited in years, but she was so sure that he was going to come that Christmas day. That story, of course, made me cry.

After the devotional, I asked Jakob what went through his head when he heard that story. He said, "Just how sad it was that her son hadn't visited her in the nursing home." I then shared with him what went through my head:

"That is so sad. These people need love and care and friendship. I need to plan a trip for our family to go to the nursing home. This needs to be a new family tradition. Maybe every Christmas day we will go as a family to the nursing home. What a great experience for my boys to learn to serve. But my boys don't really harmonize or sing well enough to perform carols. What should we do then? Maybe recite stories or poems. But to make it impressive they will have to have the poems or stories memorized. Then maybe we can decorate cookies or candies to give to people there that come to watch."

Jakob said, "Wow."

Thus, the cycle begins. The cycle starts with me hearing a message about good things that we should do. Then my mind goes crazy thinking about how I can do it. Then I start to get very stressed just thinking about it. Then a teensy-weensy bit of anger starts to build inside me because I feel overwhelmed with all that we are asked to do. I already feel like I have too much to do. Then I start to calm myself down by saying, "Someday I'll be able to do that," or, "That message was meant for someone older than me." But then I remember that we're not really supposed to justify our lack of service thinking those very thoughts.

So, therapists, what can be done to end this cycle? But, before you answer, I just want to say two things:

1. I feel very blessed to be as sensitive and emotional as I am. I know that sounds weird, but I like that I am extremely touched by other's misfortunes and want to help them. I don't want this trait to go away. I don't want to become numb to other's needs and not feel the need to help. But I don't want to feel so angry and overwhelmed by so much need in all directions (i.e. nursing homes, missionary work, handicapped, homeless, depressed, children with no Christmas, children with no coats, abused woman, adults who can't read, people with no water in Africa, orphans with no homes in Cambodia, etc.).

2. I have a strong testimony that we are supposed to be taking care of each other. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I don't think it is okay to not reach out and help people when there is a need. So I don't want to be told to just ignore the call to serve others.

Maybe I don't want this cycle to go away because someday, when my children are older, the cycle will end because my family and I will be able to act on these feelings and help people. But I just feel guilty for not doing anything right now. Like, I'm not being The Good Samaritan, ya know?

Okay, I am now ready to hear your thoughts.

So Close

So close. I was so close to not having to change the poopy diaper of the FOUR-year-old boy I am babysitting today. His aunt comes in ONE HOUR to pick him up. One hour. I was so close. He's already been here for five hours. It's been stressful these last couple of hours. I knew he was close to going. Last week he went in the first hour he was here. I have been watching the clock, just waiting. Then I see him crouched down, pushing, in my room. My room. The smell has now penetrated to my entire house. My entire house wreaks like a four-year-old's poop.

Did I mention that his mom included long-lasting cough syrup in the bag she brought for him? Refer to the post here about how my children take FOREVER to get over a cough, and refer to the post here about how I can't ever say 'no'.

So close. Feel sorry for me.

Happy Halloween!

My gift to you is a little Halloween in December. Today I went and got Tate's 1st Halloween pictures taken in his horsey costume. I had to wait until December, you see, because the other boys were between 6-8 months when their pictures were taken. Now that Tate is six months, I was free to complete my collection of First Halloween professional pictures.

Tate enjoyed being in his costume today just about as much as he did on actual Halloween. Not so much. It was nearly impossible to get him to stop crying, let alone smile. But we did our best. It's his choice if he doesn't want to cooperate in these pictures and he'll regret it one day when he sees how good his brothers smiled for theirs. :)

But, his pictures still make me smile.

The comparison.

A Conversation With My Spouse

(a repeat for my buddies in the Mother's Lounge)

Mindy: Oprah had an episode on why men cheat. And most men cheat for an emotional connection, not physical. So be careful about talking to other women and forming friendships because that could lead to other things and.....(30 minutes of lecture about cheating).

Jakob: (annoyed at hearing a lecture on cheating, once again) Well, how do I know that YOU'RE not having an affair? When you go off to the movies all the time by yourself, how do I know you're not cheating on me?

Mindy: Jakob, if I was cheating on you, I would shower more than twice a week.

SILENCE

He got served.

A Conversation With Myself

I have a question. You know when you are driving, in the right or middle lane, and you need to get over into the left lane? So you put on your blinker, and the car that is currently in the left lane, with his front bumper lined up to your back bumper, speeds up so that you can't get over instead of braking. My question is, will these people be punished after this life? What they did is not very nice. And more people do it than not, so I get very nervous that I'll never get into the left lane. I feel like this action should not go without punishment in this life or the next.

"Mindy, stop worrying about other people and their judgement. Just worry about yourself."

Okay. As for myself, I ALWAYS brake when someone has their blinker on and needs to get over. I don't like it. I'm in the flow of my driving and braking halts that. And it's just human nature to be competitive and not want anyone to "cut". So, will I receive extra blessings after this life because I always brake? Will the people who never brake have to bow down to me or clean my toilets in heaven? Will I receive a super nice car because I was a super nice driver?

"Mindy, your blessing is that you are probably a much happier person on earth because you are kind. Those who don't brake probably lead pretty grumpy lives."

Okay. So, if I'm so much happier than those who do not brake, then why have I been fuming angry since Monday over the guy who would not let me into the left lane for miles? I'm sure that guy has recovered from his little game, but I am still harboring extreme angry feelings toward him and anyone else who never "gives me a brake". Like, serious anger. If my only reward for being a courteous driver is happiness, then why am I so angry?

"Mindy, you can't control the things that happen to you in this life, you can only control how you react. If you react by getting very angry and holding a grudge for five days, then you will be held accountable for those actions. Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

Okay. So, because the person in the left lane would not let me over, I became angry and now I will be punished for it in this life or the next? Wow. Those drivers who ignore people's blinkers sure know what they're doing - in an eternal perspective.

Happy Holidays.

Six Months!

Today is Tate Jake's six month birthday. What a guy! This last month he has been more happy and content, so I think we're over the worst part with this guy. But, I'm realizing as he gets older, I think he may just have a super feisty, impatient personality. There are times where I know that he is happy, fed, and well-rested, but he squirms his little body around and grunts just so I'll stand him up to see his brothers or walk him around. He knows what he wants and is not afraid to fight for it. Not a bad quality when you're the youngest of four boys, to be sure.

He still loves to smile and LOVES to laugh. It doesn't take much to get him to laugh because I think he enjoys it so much. He especially laughs super hard at his brothers when they are playing with him. He has the cutest little squeal he does at the end of his really big laughs. I wish my computer let me do videos from our camcorder because then I'd show you.

He doesn't really like to be cuddled. Jude is my only true cuddler. Tate is only six months old, but really doesn't like to be kissed or rocked or snuggled. Even when I nurse him, he has one hand propped against my collarbone pushing me away while staying latched on. And sometimes, when I'm holding him up, I try to kiss his cheek, but he does this kind of dodging motion back and forth like he's avoiding a punch. What a rooster. :)

But he does do the cutest little love taps all the time. When I pick him out of his crib after a nap, he gives me non-stop love taps on my arm. So cute. I know that's how he says, "Mom! I'm so excited to see you! I love you!" He also does them to Jakob after he comes home from work.

And I'd say that he is sitting up all by himself now! He'll sit for five minutes or more, and then topple to the ground. But he's doing it without support! What a big boy. He is also talking a ton, but his talk sounds more like deep, bellowing yells. And, I think, he's already singing. He'll call out a single "Ahhhhhh" and hold it for 8 seconds. So pretty.

Regardless of his feeble attempts to thwart me, I still get a million kisses in every day. I love this little guy and his fun personality. Here are my favorites for this month:

His chubby, droopy cheeks.

How he lifts his head up the entire time I'm changing his diaper. It's the ultimate crunch. So painful!

His blue, blue eyes.

The way he always is sucking on his fingers or thumb.

The way, when I stand him up, he stands up on his toes like a ballerina in first position, relevé. His legs get so tight, and so do his cute, pale bunsies!

His barely visible but definitely there small dimples and slight cleft in his chin.

His gummy smile.



Jude's six month post.

Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. It was just our family again this year, and it was relaxing, slow, and laid back to the max.

The weather was mild, so Jakob got to put up all of our outside Christmas decorations. Kobe and Luke and (kind of) Jude helped, under heavy supervision. The helmets, however, were their idea. Safety first!

Inside, I was the dutiful, apron wearing wife cooking up our Thanksgiving feast. Actually, I was an unshowered, pajama wearing wife cooking up a Thanksgiving meal that would nourish our bodies. The meal actually was super tasty. Over the years I have collected the very best of every kind of recipe you can have, so I have quite the collection to draw from when I actually cook. This year, it was Judy's potatoes and Michiko's corn casserole. Those + salad + rolls + turkey made up the meal. I still have a lot to learn about cooking a turkey, though. Not to say that I couldn't, I just don't have the drive to do much more than thaw it and stick it in the oven. Marcia posted about wrapping the turkey in a T-shirt, which sounds interesting. Maybe another year when I have guests to impress.

Then we all gathered 'round the table to reflect on what we're thankful for and cherish this family moment. On this particular day, I was most grateful that my boys finish their meal and are full in five-minutes-or-less, because they rush from the table to go play and Jakob and I can finish our meal in peace. JUST KIDDING! (Kind of.) This year I was especially grateful for my sweet little family, for a good husband, for four beautiful, healthy boys, for a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for loving parents and parents-in-law who are shining examples to me, for our warm, cozy home, a fun town to call home and raise our kids in, and the many friends we have made here.

After dinner, we set up and decorated the tree. This is Jude's first Christmas where he really gets it, I think. He was so excited to be putting all the ornaments up and participating. I don't think he realized that the little ball ornaments were actually glass, because, with one quick pitch, he threw one at the tree and shattered it against a harder ornament. Glass everywhere, steam coming out of Mom's ears, but Dad kept the peace and made sure there were no tears (by Jude or Mom).

It was a beautiful, relaxing Thanksgiving day.

Luke and Dad's Day Out

A long time ago Jake took Kobe snowboarding. That was their special day. Jake was supposed to take Luke out sledding for their special day. We waited and waited for good snow at a good time, but, before we knew it, the winter season was over.

So finally, FINALLY, the next winter is here and we got some snow over Thanksgiving break. Luke and Jakob got to go out sledding. Jakob took Luke to this amazing sledding hill right near our house which - surprisingly - we had never been to. They had a blast and stayed out there well over two hours. They sled a lot and Luke even got to try out the snowboard of his new friend for awhile.

Speaking of Luke's new friend, his name is Curtis, he's eleven years old, and he is ALL that we've heard about since Luke's big day. Luke is very excited to have his OWN friend that is so much OLDER than he is. Sweet Seconds.

A fun father and son day!