Christmas Memories: 2011, Part 2

Christmas day was magical...really...I know it sounds so corny, but it was such a wonderful, peaceful, perfect day. Here's how it went...

We slept in until passed 8:00...so NOT expected. Some of the kids were up at 6:00 but they were quiet and nobody came to wake us up. We even had to wake 3 of the kids up after we got up.

Because we had church at 11:00 we decided not to rush the day along too fast. The kids opened their stockings then we made a nice breakfast of french toast and eggs, then we got ready for church. The presents waited untouched in the front room.

They were untouched because they were gated off from these two little partners in crime. But here's the HEAVENLY part....No one complained. No one asked if we could open presents before church. No one complained about going to church...(not a favorite of mine, when I was a kid)...but here's the thing, my kids get it better than I did. They are way smarter than Ken or I were at their ages. They know the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What could be a better day to do that than on a Sunday?

Church was beautiful. The choir was heavenly. The chapel was full to overflowing. The pews were filled with families. I watched as some older couples who rarely get to sit with their growth children, savored every minute of that meeting. Many with grandchildren sitting on each knee.  A spirit of peace, reverence, love, and gratitude abounded. I for one was truly grateful to be able to worship the Savior on this Sabbath/Christmas day.

After church we went home to continue our Christmas festivities. Some of the kids went straight back into their pj's, others remained on their church clothes.

The kids had a great time opening their gifts. Ken and I always have a great time watching them. It's so easy to feel happy when you watch your children get so excited, happy, and grateful.

This year we wanted to focus more on the spirit of giving rather than receiving. The kids earned some money by racking leaves for a friend this fall. Our friend was very generous in her payment and we thought about all the fun things that could be bought with that money. Then one of the kids suggested giving the money to someone else and all the kids jumped right on board with that idea. They needed no prompting and I heard no murmuring or regrets. They were so excited to share what they had worked so hard for. Ken and I told them about a family that could use some help this year. We agreed to add to their money contribution if they understood that by doing so their own Christmas would be smaller. Again they jumped all over that idea and we had the wonderful opportunity to pay forward some of the many acts of kindness that have been shone to us over the years. The kids really loved having the experience of being "the givers" this year. And I was true to my word...I shopped very frugally...I had to tell myself -NO, NO, NO, about 100 times whenever I was tempted to overdo it and buy more than they needed.

We were also blessed this year to be on the receiving end. We were visited by secret elves one night who left us with some very nice Christmas goodies. We were blessed by other Christmas angels as well. I can't help but feel so loved by the people in our lives. We have awesome friends. I don't know who to thank, but I wish the choices blessing on each of you, whoever you are. Thank you so very much!

We spent the remainder of the day eating yummy leftovers, playing with new toys, resting, visiting, reading, and enjoying each others company.

It couldn't have been a better day. I'm already excited for next year! 

G & G Robert's sent Aftyn a new Christmas dress so of course I got the camera out. She is not highly cooperative these days when it comes to pictures but I got a few anyway.

Last year at Christmas time I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little darling. I am so glad she is here. What a JOY she is!

Oh, what the heck...I might as well make this post a mile long and add some more...here goes.

I think Kay is on her tippy-toes. :)

The End!

Christmas Memories: 2011, Part 1

There are so many memories to record that I have to start with Christmas Eve. We spent most of the day running last minute errands, picking up last minute gifts, and cooking -getting ready for our Christmas Eve dinner. (I did not want to be cooking on Christmas day) That evening Tami, (Ken's sister) and her husband Darren came over to help us celebrate the holidays. It's always better with family, isn't it?

We ate LOTS of yummy food. About 5 lbs. worth for me. OUCH! I have some workin'out to do.

Here is Me, Ken and Tami. By the looks of Tami you would never know that she would be on her death-bed within the hour. By the end of the night, Tami, had the chills, fever and was puking every few minutes. Poor thing...it was really sad. She is better now, but she missed a trip to Cedar City to spend Christmas with her brother.   

Speaking of that brother...he emailed all of us a Christmas story that we read together as a family. It was a wonderful story, and Tim, though I doubt you ever read this blog...just in case, you should know that you made your little brother get all choked up. It really was a sweet story.

Now listen to how sweet my two darling oldest girls are...Sydney and Kaylie planned a surprise for their younger siblings. They asked me to take them to Dollar Tree earlier in the week so they could buy gifts for their brothers and sisters. But instead of just handing them out they decided to give the gifts anonymously by "door bell ditching" ourselves. After finishing Uncle Tim's story they quietly snuck out of the house, dropped two huge stockings full of gifts on the front porch, rang the door bell and ran. When the kids ran to get the door they quietly snuck back in the back door.

This was so fun to watch because not only were Sydney and Kaylie beaming from the excitement of it all but also because the younger kids were just in heaven. They each loved of the gifts that were picked out just for them. Only Tyler knows who the real gift givers were, the other kids just had fun guessing who it could be. I am so proud of Sydney and Kaylie for being willing to unselfishly spend their own money to bring smiles to the faces of their siblings.

As a tradition each year we get a new nativity scene and new ornaments to be opened on Christmas Eve. This year Ken picked out our new nativity. I really love it. As of yet it is our biggest set, it sits nicely on top of the piano.  

This year I did the ornaments a little different. Instead of buying each family member their own ornament we bought just two this year, in memory of Zachary. One is a small Christmas mug with Zachary's name on it. The other is this "Angels Embrace" Willow Tree ornament, representing a little boy in the arms of an angel.

After getting the kids to bed and waiting for them to fall asleep Ken and I got all the goodies out under the tree. Check out that tiny tree...I did everything really simple this year. And I love it! I did this so Aftyn couldn't crawl over and pull a big tree down on top of herself....but really, really...I just loved going small this year. That may not look small...but consider that is 8 kids worth, and we had a few unexpected, but much appreciated surprises of our own this year from our elf friends.

Thus ended a really enjoyable Christmas Eve, only to be followed by an even better Christmas Day.

To be Continued....

  

A Christmas Must Do

On our list of Christmas to-do's was going to see the lights at Temple Square.

Ken and I had the opportunity to go twice, once after the Mo-Tab Christmas concert last week, and once yesterday with the kids. Both times it was bitterly cold and massively crowded, but well worth it.

We had a great family night with the kids. 

I'm certain that one of their fondest memories of that night, aside from touring the Conference Center and seeing the magnificent lights, will be when our ginormous passenger van scrapped the roof of the underground parking. At one point the clearance went from 7 ft. to 6ft. 10 in., apparently those two extra inches were pretty critical cause not once, but twice, we hit the top of the ceiling.

We all exhaled a large sigh of relief when we finally made it up to the street.  

May we all remember the reason for the season as we celebrate the birth of The Christ Child - our greatest gift of all. 

Merry Christmas!

We hope it is filled with peace, joy, family and friends!

Losing It....Week 18

Wow! 18 weeks, it was exactly 4 months from yesterday that I started this weight loss adventure. In those 4 months I've lost 34 lbs. I am tempted to look ahead at how much farther I have to go, but that is daunting and a bit depressing. Instead I'm choosing to think about how good it feels to be 34 lbs. lighter and enjoy the journey of getting smaller one day at a time.

Results:

-4 lbs.

These last 2 weeks have actually been really fun. I was in a bit of a funk after the weather got cold and I couldn't walk the kids to school anymore. Walking in the morning always got me ready for my workout when I got home. I've had to readjust and in so doing I've reignited my love for my treadmill. I've been doing the performance programs on the treadmill each morning. Once upon a time...not too long ago... I couldn't finish any of the programs, now I can do all but one and I will master that one soon, I hope.

A week ago I went to Saver's to get a new pair of "too small" jeans. I can't tell you how excited I was to look through the rack one size smaller than what I was wearing. It's been a LONG time since I have seen that size. Imagine my surprise when I went into the fitting room and discovered that they weren't too small after all. Oh, Hallalujah! That is huge motivation for me. I can't always look at myself and see the results I'm looking for, but my clothes tell a different story and I'm liking that story a lot!

I have been amazed at the correlation between exercise and my mood. I feel so much better physically AND mentally. I am more capable of dealing with the everyday ups and downs that life throws at me when I am daily exercising. I recognized this during those two weeks when I fell off the wagon. My mood was up and down and I was more apt to feel disappointed and depressed. Exercise gives me a natural attitude adjustment that I think my whole family is grateful for. :)

As for food...I've mentioned before that planning is key to success. Having good healthy options in the house makes a huge difference. My problem lately has been that the month last longer than the money. I obviously failed at planning my budget around the holidays leaving less money at the end of the month and less options for planning good healthy meals. On top of that, it seems that the busier life gets the more convenient (aka less healthy) the meals get. So...my goal over the next few weeks is to plan better and make healthier.

I am SO very close to reaching my first goal. I can practically each out and touch it. My plan is to be doing a victory dance by my next weigh-in. I will have to be a very good girl over Christmas and New Years....wish me luck! 

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Ornaments

Do your ornaments tell a story?

Mine do...well at least there is a story behind each ornament.

 

As a child my mother would buy us a new ornament each year. All of those ornaments now hang on my tree. I have continued that same tradition with my children as well. Sometimes they get ornaments that represent something special in their lives that year and others years they get whatever I think is cute (and cheap, cause that's the way I roll).

Here are a few of my many favorites...

Each one of these ornaments represent something different to me, but each one holds a special memory.

Just this week a neighbor of mine picked up the last ornament and said "Wow! You guys look so young." As opposed to how we look now I guess. Sad for us. :(

Now that ornaments has 2 memories for me. ;)

Don't you just love ornaments that hold a memory and a story to tell?

I do. 

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Stories of Christmas

We are a reading family. There is no other family activity that I can think of that has racked in more time together than reading as a family. I love to compile all the Christmas books and stories I can find and read one each night to the kids during the month of December. Last year my brother-in-law, Tim, made that really easy for me.

Way back in 1993 when I was still in High School and Ken and I had yet to meet. Tim gave his family a wonderful Christmas gift. It was a compilation of Christmas stories put together in one book. It is set up to read one each day from December 1st - December 24th, ending with the story of Christ's birth found in Luke Chapter 2.

Over the years I have seen this little red book floating around the house. I have even pulled it out and read a few stories on different occasions, but not until last year did I pull it out and read it to my kids.

Last year I discovered what I fun treasure this little book really is. We had such an enjoyable time as a family sharing the stories of Christmas together. 

Even though it was given as a gift years before I entered the Roberts family, last year I felt like I got that same gift all over again. I love that is was given by Ken's brother. And I love that it is a gift that we can keep on enjoying each Christmas season. It's heart-warming stories help remind me of the true meaning of CHRIST-mas.  

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Missing Angel

At least once every year I can count on one of my children asking me.... "Mom, Why don't we have an angel for our tree?"

Then I get to reply..."Because someone else needed it more than we did."

Years ago an older woman lived alone in a small basement apartment near our home. She never married and never had children. She was alone. My children used to call her the candy lady because if they found her before church started on Sunday's she would always have candy in her pocket to share with the little kids in our ward. I know she was lonely and needed the attention and love those little children gave to her.

One year for Christmas we decided to decorate Connie's small apartment for Christmas. I went and bought her a tree, lights, some ornaments, and a few small gifts to open on Christmas morning. As we were busy decorating I realized that I had not bought anything to go on top of her Christmas tree. I went back home and got the angel topper off of our Christmas tree so that Connie's tree would be complete.

I have never replaced that angel. We have a semi-broken plastic star on the top on our thee this year, other years it remains empty. But without fail one of the kids will ask about the missing angel and I get to remind them of the year we gave it away. 

Christmas Memory Flashback: We're Towing Your Van

2004 was a very, very bad year for car repairs. We owned a bright and shiny red Plymouth, Voyager. The best thing about that piece of crud was the color. Throughout the year it spent nearly half the time broken down with one problem or another. We were in no position to buy anything new and our other vehicle was a very old Toyota, Camry with over 310,000 miles on it. However, we were grateful to have at least one running vehicle even if not all of our family could fit into it at one time.

During the month of December the van decided it didn't want to run anymore. We were hoping it was a quick and inexpensive fuse or something simple. But it wasn't...we needed a new battery (no big deal) AND a new fuel pump. The latter was not in our current budget so we planned to let the van sit until we could get our tax return several months down the road. It was not an ideal situation, but we had no other alternative. We were strapped and would just have to sacrifice and make due with what we had.

Then one day we got a call from a mechanic. He told us that our van was being towed to his shop and that the repairs would be taken care of by people who loved us. He would give us no other information about the identity of our secret Christmas Angels. Ken and I were floored. And humbled.

When we picked up our van a few days later, sitting on the passenger side seat was this card and the receipt of over $600.00 paid in full.

Though our Christmas Angels have always wanted to remain anonymous I know a certain friend of mine who has very faithfully used this very same mechanic for many, many years. These friends of ours are not wealthy, they are just GOOD, wonderful people with BIG hearts. Ken and I are deeply grateful for their friendship and will forever be thankful for their very generous and much appreciated act of kindness. It made us feel love and that is the best Christmas present ever!

Christmas Memory Flashback: Stockings in my Stocking

When I was growing up Santa did not fill our Christmas stockings. We had a tradition each year to draw names and we (the children) filled each others stocking. I truly loved this tradition. I loved the day we wrote down everyone's name and dumped them into a bowl. I loved the excitement of pulling out the name I picked. And I loved trying to figure out who might have my name. Some years we told each other, other years we tried to keep it a secret. This was the beginning of the Christmas season for me...the day we drew the names.

My mom and dad would take us shopping so we could pick out our stocking stuffers. This was as exciting for me as actually getting my own stocking on Christmas morning. We would spread out in the store or head to different stores. Making sure that we were divided so that no one with us was the one buying for us. Then we would make the other kids swear to secrecy if they knew what we were buying for someone else. I can't remember if we had a budget, I know my parents helped the little ones who didn't have money, but I think if I remember correctly when we got older we used our own money. I don't remember my parents interfering too much on our choices. I loved that part of picking out something I thought one of my siblings would love.

It's been over 18 years now since I've lived at home. It's been 13 years since I've spent a Christmas morning with my family (parents and siblings). But I still have some of my Christmas stocking spoils from all those many years ago. 

Most years if one of my brother drew my name I could count on getting socks in my stocking. I'm not complaining. Socks are cool. Some of my children will be socks in their stocking this year too. Perhaps this is a bit weird, but I still own and wear some of those stocking, stocking stuffers today.

These socks were given to me at least 18 years ago by my brother Bruce. They came on top of a can of hot cocoa mix. I love to roam around the house in my cozy cow socks even though the bottoms are nearly worn threw.

These socks (I do have a matching set of each) are probably more than 20 years old. They are either from Mike or Craig, sorry I can't remember. They came in a set of three, sadly I don't know where the 3rd pair ended up. These are also my cozy socks I love to where around the house on a cold wintry day. They also sport holes in the bottom, but I don't care. I love these socks. They remind me of Christmas. They remind me of my brothers.

This is not a tradition that Ken and I have adopted into our own  family as of yet, but I loved it.  Maybe when my kids get older (meaning when they have their own money) ;) we'll start this tradition of our own.  For now I'll enjoy the memories while I'm wearing my ancient, snugly, cozy, Christmas socks.

My New Stair Climber

No, I didn't get a new piece of exercises equipment. That's not the kind of stair climber I mean.

No.... my new stair climber comes in the form of a little-bitty 10 months old baby girl.

Aftyn has discovered the stairs. Take a look....



As you can see she is growing up fast. She really isn't so little anymore, she has plumped right up over the last month. She is just about 18 lbs. She crawls all over and loves to pull herself up to everything. She can stand by herself for a few seconds and sometimes she's even brave enough to try to take a step before she topples to the ground. She is such a joy for all of us. She is one lucky little gal, she gets to live with 9 people who just adore her and can't get enough of her. And we are so lucky to have this fun, charming little lady to love.

December Catch-up

This semester has finally come to a close. I am done with school for a few weeks so I plan on doing lots of blogging, reading, and playing with my family. I am so looking forward to being together I can hardly stand it. Ken has a few days left before he's done and we are all anxiously holding our breathe until we can have some much awaited family time.

Here are a few December happenings...

Sydney and Kaylie had the opportunity to perform with their singing group Music Express. It's always fun the watch the girl's singing and dancing.

This was at the BYU family Christmas party.

These two are best buddies. Really. They are such good friends. I love it!

One of our super great neighbors gave our whole family tickets to see The Forgotten Carols. I have always wanted to see that and this year was my first time. Ken was unable to go due to a boat load of homework so he stayed home with the little ones and I got to go with a few of our kids and my friend Tish and her daughter, Macey. It was really, really enjoyable.

Last week we decided to have an ice-cream cone celebration in honor of all the kids getting good report cards. They are all doing well and Ken and I are proud of their hard work. Thanks to a very sweet big brother, who was in a sharing mood, Aftyn got to have her first taste of ice-cream too.

Losing It....Week 16

Okay folks, it's once again weigh-in day.

Change is happening a little slower now and it's a bit frustrating, but I'm still headed in the right direction, so yay for me.

Results:

-3lbs.

Paraphrasing Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser last week he said something like this (he was speaking to Antone referring to John)...That guy never is satisfied, he never stops to celebrate...if he does start to celebrate his success along the way he'll never be satisfied...and mark my words, he'll end up gaining every pound back. 



I've been thinking a lot about perspective lately and how it really is hard to feel satisfied. I have lost 30lbs. in the last 4 months. I wear 2 pants sizes smaller than when I started. I get compliments on my progress regularly, but lately I've still just felt fat. I have already forgotten what it felt like to be 30 lbs. heavier. I have already lost my perspective. 

Until I stopped to look back...sure I have felt a little stuck this past month. It has been discouraging. BUT I am still moving forward. I'm losing weight right in the middle of "goodies galore" season. I am moving forward even if it is at a slower pace, and that's OKAY. Taking time to look back and remember has helped me regain my perspective. I am going to celebrate my -3 pounds, and keep on trekin'.

(silent dance party)

On a final note: This week as I was talking to a friend of mine she asked..."Your losing weight, other people can lose weight, why can't I lose weight?"

I've have thought alot about that and here's my answer. I had a DESIRE to lose weight for a long time before I did anything about it. DESIRE is not enough, you also have to COMMIT. It wasn't until I decided to commit that I had any results.

 

 

DESIRE without COMMITMENT is like a GOOD INTENTION without ACTION.

It's a nice thought, but it does no good.

 

 

One of the big reasons I was able to change desire into action is this...If you follow my blog you may remember me saying back in August that I was thinking about seeing a counselor. Well I did start seeing a counselor and during my first session he gave me an assignment to spend at least 30 minutes a day on myself...exercising. So there...it was an assignment. Something to add to my to-do list. Which was strangely motivating for me. All of a sudden the guilt was gone and I had permission to do something for me. So if that's what you need too here goes...You are now assigned to workout at least 30 minutes each day, you have my permission, guilt free. :)  Go to it!   

Oh, Heart Be Still

The Promise Of Forever

By Sydney Roberts

For art class, Sydney, was assigned to do a "stain glass window" picture using markers. She chose to make her assignment a gift for me featuring me holding both Zachary and Aftyn in my arms, something that my heart and arms yearn to be able to do someday. It's entitled "A Promise of Forever" because someday we will be together again. Someday I will hold both my twins in my arms together. The bottom says...*Until we meet again*I'll be watching from above*, it shows Zachary in Heaven watching over his twin sister, Aftyn. Just like I know he does, as well as watches over all his brothers and sisters. Sydney depicted Zachary looking like a missionary because we know he his fulfilling his mission on the other side of the veil. Although I miss my baby, I know his spirit is not that of a baby. This picture gives me both. It also gives me a glimpse into Eternity. Thank You, Sydney. I will forever and ever treasure this gift. 

November Happenings

Here are a few of the November happenings in our house that haven't yet made it to a blog post.

The day after Kaylie's 12th birthday she got her cast removed. Though she never once complained about having it on, she was one happy camper about getting it off. 

On the same day Tyler got to go to Clear Creek (outdoor school) for a day and a half. Even better than that Ken got to with him. Both father and son had a really good time together. 

Since this was Kay's 12th b-day she got to have a friends birthday party which we did the week after her real birthday. We had some crazy fun that night!

This is McKenna and Daric having a winter picnic together. They are such cuties!

And lastly we are now the owners of a bunny rabbit named Zoe. The kids are in love. It all happened rather fast, I'm not quite used to the idea yet. She is pretty cute though,  I think she's growing on me.



4 Adults + 15 Kids = 1 Awesome Thanksgiving

I'm feeling a little giddy over my Thanksgiving holiday. You see...it was really RELAXING. I know you are asking yourself how could this be humanly possible, right?  Considering I am the mom and the mom always ends up cooking for 2 days straight, eating for 30 minutes, then cleaning up for another 2 days.

Check out all the things I didn't have to do this year:

*I didn't cook a turkey

*I didn't make mashed potatoes or gravy

*I didn't bake rolls

*I didn't make stuffing

*I didn't start cooking the day before Thanksgiving.

*I didn't have to worry about cleaning my house for company.

*I didn't have to worry about anything.

WHY?

Because my friends did all of those things for us this year.

We went to our friends house for Thanksgiving, and had a wonderful time.

I got to sleep in and enjoy my family. I got to make a few of my favorite salads with the help of a few of my favorite kitchen helpers. Then I got to go enjoy good food and the company of good friends, all while my kids played and had a wonderful time.

It was a perfect day for me. I feel spoiled. And I'm liking it.

Thank you, Dione and Rory.

Here are a few pics from our at home Thanksgiving festivities.

Me and the kids made these fun and yummy turkeys together on Wednesday night.

I couldn't let Thanksgiving pass without taking a picture of the people I'm most Thankful for.

Love you guys