Merry Christmas!

By the end of the day on Christmas Eve, we were more than eager to get the girls to bed. After placing the gifts and stuffing stockings, Brent and I watched Elf together. It's actually been a while since I've seen that one, and it was nice to cuddle up and laugh a bit.

Per tradition, the girls hung out upstairs while breakfast was made. We tried a breakfast casserole recipe from a fellow lady in our ward. The girls had to hang out upstairs until Dad rang the bell. Then they had to wait at the bottom of the stairs while I set up the photo.

A quick look.

After a peek at the presents under the tree, they each had to eat a full breakfast before getting into their stockings. Liesel was the slowpoke this year.

All this waiting is probably a little cruel on some level, but it's really entertaining as a parent so I really love dragging things out. It also makes the magic last just a teeny bit longer. Finally, it was time.

These girls were pretty thrilled with their gift cards to Barnes and Noble. My little bookworms.

On to the gifts! The sister gifts from the dollar store are always such a big hit and it warms the cockles of my heart to see them excited to open something they picked out for each other.

Nothing but love in this room!

They're getting good at picking out things they know their sisters will love. Brigitta adored the Minions goggles Ireland chose for her.

The Pringle Pic!!!

This year's movie was Finding Dory. 

It was at this point we had to abruptly halt the festivities to head over to church. I had cleverly braided their hair so I could quickly take them out and have a decent hairdo in good order, and we laid out their Sunday dresses. One more pic and we rushed off.

Ok, just one more pic.

It was lovely to see so many people we love and care about and be able to wish them Merry Christmas. Lornadee brought them gifts! It was so sweet.

Honestly I can't remember anything about church. We usually sit on the front pew but there were some musical numbers in the program so that was taken and we had to settle for the seats in the overflow. We got through church and continued the festivities. 

The girls discovered the movie candy that accompanied the movie.

And they all became mermaids! I saw these mermaid tail blankets on zulily and just couldn't resist! They snuggled down into these and watched their new movie while munching on Pringles and stocking candy. 

Joey and Lisa had our family for Christmas this year and I have to say they knocked the ball out of the park with their gift- a karaoke machine. These girls love to dress up and do performances of all kinds. The machine came with one microphone and a cd with only 2 songs. It wasn't long before we'd purchased an additional microphone and a nice, fat pack of karaoke cds. If I'm being honest, there have been times Brent and I ended up stretching our vocal chords a bit more than the girls. Taking a break from my day to day to belt out "Timber" is rather nice now and again.

Another fantastic Christmas in the books!

Holiday Happenings

Looking back on December, it seems almost like there was a time warp. You know how in horror movies the person standing in the hallway gets closer to you while the hallway elongates and gets further from you? That felt like December. I started the holidays off right by making sure everything but the stocking stuffers were wrapped and ready to go.

That glitter looked so charming on the roll in the store, but it was a nightmare to work with because tape didn't work. It would just fall apart so wrapping actually took much, much longer than it should have and we have a layer of glitter on the carpet I'm convinced will never come out.

Ireland, Brigitta and Sydney were invited to participate in the Festival of Lights parade in downtown Crystal Lake. Ireland marched with her Daisy Troop and Brent rode with the two little ones on a bus. The only person willing to keep me company on the parade route was my dad. We stopped in at Starbucks to warm up with some hot chocolate.

I'm trying to be better about taking focused pictures- not just pictures of everyone staring at the camera firing-squad-style with frozen smiles on their faces. I love this particular picture because you can see the ring Dad bought in South Africa. The black is actually hair from a giraffe's mane. The weather was indeed freezing, and even though I made sure we were near a bench so Dad could rest his legs, he stood for the entire thing. The parade was all kinds of small-town goodness which we both really enjoyed. I'm so glad I was able to spend that one on one time with my dad.

I also nabbed some one-on-one time with my mom! Our birthdays are exactly one month apart and Whitney and Reagan gave us tickets to see The Nutcracker in Iowa City. After the girl's dance recital, we headed out and so for a couple of days, I kind of got to be a kid again. I slept in, Mom made a fire in the fireplace, Dad handed me the remote to the TV, they slipped hot chocolate into my hand and gave me warm blankets to cuddle up.

I should have asked someone to take a picture of both of us, but we were headed to our seats and I had just enough time to snap this one of my cute mom!

This is the first time I've been to Hancher since it was reconstructed after the floods of '93. The place is pretty darn sweet!

This was Christopher Wheeldon's version of The Nutcracker which centers around the Chicago World's Fair. The characters come from more humble circumstances which makes the transformation all the more spectacular. All the numbers in the second half are different exhibitions in the fair. By far, the most memorable is what was done with the Russian Trepac which was done as Buffalo Bill's Wild, Wild West. The man playing Buffalo Bill had a fringed jacket and he could fly across the stage, seemingly suspended mid-air. It was joyous and beautiful. I really hope I can take my girls to something like this, and Iowa City was a homey (pun!) and easy place to see such a professional production.

The tire tread on the Pilot was way too low to safely drive in winter weather. One of the challenges of motherhood is dragging kids to places that are not at all kid-friendly and having to wait. 

Brigitta brought her Disney princesses so we played "Which Princess is Missing?". Mulan stumped me every time. I was feeling a little sorry for myself having to pay for new tires just before the holidays when a woman came in with a car that was smoking. After about 20 min, a mechanic came out and told her the issue with her car was irreparable and she couldn't even drive it home. He kindly offered to help her find a tow truck to take it to a junk yard but she broke down and sobbed. I stopped feeling sorry for myself.

I had a YW presidency meeting at the house and as we were wrapping up, Mom made shortbread. There's nothing like shortbread straight from the oven.

I think it's the first time the girls have ever had it!

Brent's work holiday party was fantastic, as always. I asked the bartender to make his best non-alcoholic drink and yet again, I had the most delicious drink to sip on while everyone else downed their stinky wine. Sorry, but does wine just smell like straight up sulfur to anyone else? After an evening around it, I honestly get a headache and of course beer smells no better. 

This year there was a photo booth which was a lot of fun. I feel like Brent and I are getting more and more reclusive at these events. I love catching up with his co-workers, but I also really value just getting to spend time with him. 

I was super proud of myself for coming up with this little gift for my visiting teachees. No Pinterest or Sugardoodle involved!!! Just my own little idea.

This sweet lady from our ward has a fantastic collection of Christmas books and she invited the girls over to read some.

She has tons of nativities and her home is really big and beautiful. The littlest ones kept getting up to explore, use the restroom, grab some water... you know how little kids can be antsy. Trying to be a good mom, I kept following them, supervising them, hovering to make sure we would be welcomed back. Finally, my friend turned to me and said, "Danika, they can do no harm here. Don't worry about them."

Suddenly, I felt a huge amount of tension-- that I wasn't even aware I was carrying-- leave me. She'll never understand what she did for me with that assurance that her home is a place where children are truly welcome. She also gifted us with a couple of her favorite Christmas books. I'm hoping we can make this a tradition, because it was something really simple but it added so much to our holidays.

After a YW activity at the Bishop's house, his sweet wife started giving away the gingerbread houses they'd made together- which is a big tradition for them.

She told the girls she had sprayed it with a special spray and it wasn't to be touched until Christmas. I intended to get a before and after photo, but the whole thing was completely gone by the end of the day on December 25th. I mean, gone, gone, gone.

I love my time with Sydney and we finally tried out a diner we've driven by a bajillion times. 

Diners are such happy places... with their antacids and gum at the register. 

Our friends introduced us to Pajama Run for Ice Cream. We unveiled the girls' Christmas pjs (we don't reserve them for Christmas Eve, we let them wear them throughout December) and put them to bed a little early. After they'd been tucked in for about 15 minutes, we ran screaming into their rooms, "Pajama run for ice cream!!!" Brent grabbed Brigitta, I grabbed Sydney, and the other two confusedly followed us downstairs as we threw on coats and Hunter boots.

We headed to Culvers where our friends and their kids- all in pajamas- were meeting. We refused to give the girls details so they whispered among themselves in the car, "Do you think we are really getting ice cream? Will they make us run? What's going on?" They cheered when we pulled into the parking lot and were delighted to find so many of their friends inside. Brigitta kept telling us, "You scared me to DEATH!!!" This is another one I think we need to make a tradition. It just added a little more fun and magic to the holiday-- and it was so simple!

Yup, we packed a lot in during the holidays!

Seeing Santa

First we saw him at his "house" in downtown Crystal Lake. The girls were all poised (or should I say posed?) to see him. Yeah, they really loved those new pajamas!

Can I say HALLELUJAH for our very first year with everyone looking at the camera and smiling? No tears, no eyes askance, no faces betraying a moment of misery. We finally have a decent picture of the girls with Santa Claus!!! One for the record books, for sure.

He spent a little time with each of them where Ireland took the opportunity to hand him her wish list...

..Brigitta cared more about her candy cane...

...and Liesel leaned more than sat on Santa's lap.

Sydney had looked at the camera and smiled for one iconic photograph, we couldn't ask any more of her after that.

Next, Santa could be found at the ward Christmas party. Maybe the girls were getting a bit wary at this point...

...but they ultimately embraced this one as well.

Finally, Santa was spotted at Brigitta's preschool. 

Brigitta asked for Disney princesses, but one of her classmates asked for a "live baby." The room went silent as the very non-pregnant mother clarified she really wanted a Baby Alive. 

I've never seen a Santa look so relieved!

 Thanks for all the memories Santa(s)!!!

Winter Dance Recital

The Winter Dance Recital isn't nearly the production that is the Spring Dance Recital. The studio tries to either re-use costumes from the previous recital, or loans costumes they have in storage, which I LOVE! Maybe it's the money-sensible Scottish side of my heritage, but paying money for something like a pricey costume to be used just once is kind of hard to take. As I discussed this with the studio owner, she told me many places will also tell parents the costumes are more expensive than they really are, and pocket the rest. I was shocked... as if dance doesn't cost enough!!!

Liesel had some, ahem, behavior issues as school started so we took her out of dance as part of her punishment. Brigitta showed so much dedication to ballet, I decided to see how she'd do with tap. Lots of "awe"s as she took to the stage in this number.



Her Beauty and the Beast costume isn't quite as fluffy as it was when it was new, and thank goodness those lights wash out the little stains that have accumulated! Brigitta wore this costume pretty much every day in the summer. It has been well-worn!


Ireland was bumped up a class to take Liesel's place. I'm so proud of how hard she worked- she really gives dance a lot of focus and dedication!



Ever the proud Dance Dad:

And of course I'm proud of my girls too!

Young Women in Excellence

I'd say I was about 50% less stressed about this year's Young Women In Excellence than I was last year. Not only do I have one of these shin-digs under my belt, but I get to work with really fantastic counselors, advisers and of course, my long-suffering secretary. The Laurel class picked The Princess and the Frog for the theme. Here's the invitation:

What we pulled from the movie was Tiana's determination to work hard and stay true to herself no matter what her circumstances. Her mantra of "I'm almost there" is a great reminder to endure to the end. We turned the gym into a swamp with pools of water, lilies, frogs and fireflies.

The display table with the streams of fireflies behind it was my favorite. I was so impressed with the girls and all they brought to display. We have a very talented bunch, and I'm proud of all they are striving to accomplish in their youth. There were crepes with fresh fruit, Nutella and whipped cream to munch on during the program.

Each of the lilies had a tealight and the warm, flickering glow made that cavernous gym feel really cozy.

The girls hear from me so much, I really didn't want to speak this time around. However, I strongly believe in the "return and report" philosophy so I did kind of a year-in-review rather than a talk. It was really fun to highlight some of the amazing activities we've done this past year, and to highlight the girls in the process. One of my counselors suggested we make it a tradition!

Here is the video. I've watched it over a dozen times and it always makes me tearful. 

I love these girls so much!

Pump It Up

Somehow Brigitta got it in her mind we were going to Pump it Up over the break. She sidled up to the kitchen table where the adults were chatting and with her tiny voice asked when we were going. Initially, I told her I didn't think anyone wanted to go. She quietly slid down from the table and took a poll among the cousins.

With the results of her thorough research at hand, she again sidled up to the kitchen table and informed me everyone wanted to go. Knowing how expensive it can be, and not wanting to put a financial burden on people who had already traveled across the country, I told her it would cost too much.

"How much?" she insisted. I gave an arbitrary number, like $130.

She quietly slid down from the table and momentarily disappeared... until she reappeared with $.40 and asked if that was enough. Her cousin Paisley quietly reported that Brigitta had shaken that change out of her piggy bank- which we strictly use towards college savings.

I was about to break the sad news that $.40 isn't nearly enough to cover $130 when my magnanimous mother stepped in. She had talked to my generous father and they agreed to make up the difference. I was honestly a little annoyed when I called Pump it Up. Brigitta and I often lock horns over a battle of wills and I was losing this one. Maybe they were closed for the weekend. Turns out they were actually open, and had a punch card deal which would only set my parents back $30. Game point Brigitta. The grandkids got together and wrote a big Thank You note for Grandpa. I have to admit, everyone was ready to get out of the house.

Oh man, those kids had a BLAST!!! Every time I saw Brigitta, her cheeks were a touch more red and she was a touch more out of breath. Even Whitney and Tim seemed to have fun watching the nieces and nephews attack all those inflatables.

Piper and Paisley made a triumphant return to the rock climbing wall. Encouraged by cousins, aunts, uncles and grandma, Liesel and Ireland mastered it for the first time.

Sydney was really itching to get her turn and well, let's just say the rock wall was not quite to her liking. 

I may never understand the appeal of these hurricane booths but the kids really love them. Piper cracks me up at the end with her thumbs up. 

My little negotiator Brigitta arranged a pretty fantastic afternoon for everyone. She didn't whine, or pitch a fit, she just persisted. I have to admit, I'm impressed... and we all really had a great time!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving around here was pretty epic. My parents, brother Logan (and family), sister Reagan (and family) and Whitney and Tim graced us with their presence. We borrowed some folding chairs and tables from our ward and for the first time, actually shared a meal in the dining room! We've been in this house for 2 years and never used the dining room because we don't have the furniture yet. Sitting on those folded chairs, it wasn't fancy, but surrounded by family, it was wonderful. 

After seeing the movie Dan in Real Life, I like to do a crossword puzzle challenge with guys against girls whenever family gets together. The girls team has Mom with her PhD in English but the boys team has Tim and Allen who both served missions in France- and for some reason that is a huge asset when working on crossword puzzles. The girls were so close to winning this time around, but the boys beat us yet again. Boo. Maybe next time. 

I put in a request to Piper for a reprisal of a cousin's play featuring "Wisdom Bird" and lickety split she created a script, started rehearsals with everyone and handmade all the costumes out of scrap-booking paper. She spent pretty much a whole day on it. Piper really outdid herself this time! This is my favorite cousin's play to date. 

After the big feast, we played a game introduced to us by Krystal where everyone writes down a person, place or thing on 5 slips of paper. In the first round, whoever is up can use words or actions to get people to guess. In the second round, they can only use words, and in the final round, only actions. Some standouts were Lindsey Lohan (didn't even know Dad knew who she was!), Caitlyn Jenner, taco salad, and kilt. We are hooked, and we can't wait to play again!!!

Quick shout out to Harley who is seriously the sweetest with her little cousins. She's old enough she could do her own thing-- and I never expect the older cousins to babysit the younger ones--but I always find Harley playing with the little girls, reading to them, engaging with them. I love her so much for it. Harley is a helper, and she doesn't make a big deal about it.

As the light faded outside, it was time to put the kids to bed. Lately Brent and I have done "inspection" which is really just a way to ensure the girls aren't sneaking out of bed because they need to brush their teeth or pee or get a book. We ask them if they've done all that and they respond with either a "check" or an "uncheck" and that determines if they pass or fail inspection. For the record, Sydney always throws in an "uncheck" even if she's done everything. Well, my Marine brother Logan happened to be around and has been through real, military inspections so we handed this one over to him.

He was pretty dang thorough!. It was really cute to see the kids snap to for him, I have to say. Once the little ones were all tucked in, Logan and Krystal had to get going but like I said, it had been a pretty epic Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful for my family and that they chose to gather in our little corner of the world for the holiday.

Aurgh, I need to stop leaving my phone where Reagan can get it!

Paisley! I consider you an accomplice to this crime!!!