One Joyous Day

We had a joyous Christmas this year.

I especially enjoyed myself because compared to last year when I was only getting a few hours of sleep at night with a newborn babe and still adjusting to the new addition, I was so much more relaxed this year. A joyous Christmas for sure.

Here were some of the highlights:

I'm sure most of you know the story of our strings started by my great-grandpa during the great depression - since they only had one gift each, my great-grandpa would "help" Santa use string to reach their one gift, therefore extending the Christmas fun. Over the years, my grandma continued this tradition with her kids, my mom continued it with us, and we have continued with our kids. Usually the largest or most exciting gift is at the end of the string.

Here is Alicia with the epitome of joy reaction caught on camera -

And here are the girls with each of their end-of-the-string gifts:

Kimberly got a used pair of skis. In Utah, they give 5th graders a free season's pass for all of the ski resorts, so we thought it would be a good time to get her started. She is signed up for lessons in January, so I get to go up skiing every Saturday. To say I am excited is a pure understatement. I am giddy with joy. I love skiing having learned how to ski at the age of 12 with my mom. Now I am just praying the weather cooperates. Driving and skiing in yucky weather is never fun.

After the string fun, the gift fest began. Megan was more than ready -

Here are the pillowcases I made for the girls with my new (used) sewing machine. Yup, I am definitely addicted to sewing and have several projects lined up in the coming weeks.

My mom (the one who originally taught me how to sew, but I poo-pooed the idea when I was younger) sewed dresses for all my girls (Megan's dress was on the sidelines during this picture). They looked so pretty on Sunday, but of course, I forgot to pull out the camera, so I will have to take pics the next time they are all dressed up for church.

Here is me hard at work (it looks like Megan is helping too) with the gift John gave me:
In the background are the skis I got too, a very used pair of shaped skis since I've only owned the straight kind. Having rented shaped skis in the past few years, I can definitely say, shaped skis are the ONLY way to go. In fact, DI doesn't even take skis that are over 10 years old. Mine were about 20. Off to the dump they went.

John bought me a Lego set from Downtown Disney. A Seattle Space Needle to be exact. And yes, I had to put it together myself, but of course, John was right by my side if I needed any help.

It was a Success:


After we spend the morning and afternoon recouping from all the fun, we join up with the Rimington Clan for Christmas Dinner. Here are the grand kids (minus a few) in their Christmas pajamas. So cute!


A very fine day indeed.

Gingerbread Houses - Another Successful Year

Gingerbread houses are an annual tradition for us. This year, I made sure to take John with me to get candy as he has not appreciated my candy selection in years past (apparently the gummy bear year was not a hit for him. For the record, the kids liked having gummy bears to ice skate on their ponds). Anyway, we had a much better candy selection this year thanks to John. Good thing too because he is the gingerbread house expert having done them with his family all growing up.

Megan made short work of the marshmallows.

Okay, technically we did not use actual gingerbread for the houses. Thankfully, the Graham Cracker makers clued in and made specialized gingerbread crackers this year.

The Final Products:

On a side note: another Christmas tradition for us is making fudge. I whipped up a batch last night and discovered something unpleasant...I had a few small bites, and my stomach went into rebellion with the sugar overload. I was appalled! How dare my stomach betray me like that. In all fairness to my beloved keeper of food, there are 4 1/2 cups of sugar, 3 cups chocolate chips, 2 sticks of butter, and marshmallow cream in the fudge. Sure fire way for me to stay away from the dang stuff over the next few days if I don't want a tummy ache.

Another Crafty Hit

I was in charge of the craft today at Alicia's class Christmas party. We made marshmallow snowman.

It was a hit. Even better - it filled the entire allotted amount for each station. Nothing worse than bringing a craft that only takes 2 minutes, then having the kids endure my entertainment for the next 8 minutes.

Speaking of crafts, all of the 5th graders at Kimberly's school recently had an economics fair. Each student was responsible for making 24 items, or 12 and 12. They had to document how much everything cost, figure out how much to charge for the items, and how many of them actually sold. Kimberly sold out of her reindeer pens, which were pretty beastly to make.

I wish I could say my daughters inherited their craftiness from me, but alas, I think I got my craftiness from them.

Cops Everywhere!

This is the sight I got to behold in the wee hours of morning today. I was looking forward to a nice, sleep-in (if you can call 8:30 a.m. sleeping in) and relaxing Saturday morning to make up for the disaster experience I had yesterday with all 4 of my girls at the UPS store (think girls playing in the shipping popcorn, and that about sums up my experience).

Bus alas, it was not to be so. One of my editors called and asked if I would cover the Shop With a Cop event early this morning. I had done my prep work and chatted with the head-honcho in charge knowing full well they do a procession with nearly 50 (trust me, I counted) sheriff cars, patrol cars, dare cars, and paramedics filled with kids in need all headed for a local Walmart with $100 gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals (which for the first time included a check from us after being slightly guilted into it during a phone request last week).

My timing was impeccable as I got off the freeway just in time to be stopped at the light while all of the law enforcement cars proceeded past me. I was surprised at how emotional I was seeing all of the lights flashing and sirens blaring with kids' excited eyes peering out the windows. Nothing like getting a front row seat.

After all the cars parked in the Walmart parking lot, we watched and I held onto my notes for dear life as the life-flight helicopter descended with Santa Claus in tow. It was such an awe-inspiring event to which I was very grateful I had gotten up in the wee-hours to witness.


My awe-inspiring glow all but dissipated when I came home to clean up the swimming pool created from the overflowing toilet water in the bathroom while listening to the strains of girls fighting upstairs. *sigh* At least now the floor is clean and the din has finally come down a notch as the girls quietly eat their lunch. Nothing like a bunch of food to keep my girls' mouths occupied.

Lights, lights, and more lights.

Our tree has over 1,000 lights on it. Just thought you'd like to know.

It's a real tree.

With real pine needles.

Worried about our house getting burned down?

Needn't be. They are all LED and since they don't emit heat like the other ones, John lovingly filled my tree with massive amounts of lights because he knows how much I love a well-lit tree. He loves me. Good thing too, because I love him **THIS** much.

...and he even gives in to my need for a real tree every year, even if the fake trees are looking more and more realistic these days. It's still just not the same. Thanks dear.

Festival of Trees

We always go down to the Festival of Trees for Christmas and this year was no exception. This year the girls performed at the Festival with their school choir. Even better - a two-for-one event! And even better than that, they got to do it with some of their dear friends (Evie and Lizzie Tesch).

Speaking of friends, I have to put in a little side note here on how grateful I am that my girls have such neat friends. We live in a wonderful neighborhood where they are surrounded by some wonderful gals their age.

Back to the Festival - Megan only allowed us to stay for about an hour looking at trees before she informed us with her high-pitched squeals that it was time to go. Before heading out, we quickly grabbed our usual scones still hot and covered with a scrumptious sugar coating and then made our way over to the kids craft corner - the highlight of our girls' evening.

They are in craft heaven every year with about 15 different crafts to choose from. (If you don't remember, see my posting a few down about having all girls and the amazing craft messes that are produced). Megan thankfully obliged her sisters by playing contently with John for a few minutes while they made small purses, fur friends, and sand necklaces.

Seeing all the decked out trees makes me start pining over our tree, which thankfully will be retrieved tomorrow from the local Christmas Tree Farm.

Snow Games

We've been enjoying the snow here and I am starting to see, smell, and hear things that all remind me of skiing. I am looking forward to hitting the slopes again this year, but until then, there is always the fox and chicken game...


John remembers playing the game growing up, so when his brother mentioned he had set it up with his kids recently in the snow, John had to introduce the girls. The girls have protected the back yard for days now making sure it was footprint-free so they could play the game yesterday evening.

It was a hit - chicken squawking and all.

Odds and Ends

A few bits of miscellaneous items:

Miscellaneous #1: Our Christmas Shopping is 90% done. I am now an official online shopper. It all began 3 years ago when we saw a nice GPS for a great deal at one of the Black Friday sales. John got up early to pick up his Guitar Hero Wii stuff, then headed over to Office Max to pick up the GPS only to find out it was a bait and switch tactic. He tried a couple other stores, but they were either all gone or it wasn't a very good deal. I remember being quite sad as I had my heart set on one. Online shopping saved the day when we got an even better deal shopping from the comfort of our own home.

Then last year when we were hibernating with baby Megan, I did almost all of our shopping online. Now I'm just plain sold on sitting down at the computer and doing my shopping with a few clicks and - DONE - no more hopping across town from store to store. I even had John sit down and pick out the things he wanted to get. One stop shopping is my way to go - and we got some great stuff on sale with free shipping. For me, it can't possibly get any better than this.

Miscellaneous #2: I am now the proud owner of a Pfaff Sewing Machine, the only sewing machine I can actually sew on. And trust me, I've tried a lot - Bernina, Singer, Wal-Mart Special, etc. and for some reason, my non-sewer hands keep gravitating towards the Pfaff and its miraculous helper foot thingie behind the main sewer foot, thus making my sewing actually look good.

Over the years, we have continually borrowed my sweet mother-in-laws machine and every time reminding ourselves we really needed to get our own. Don't get me wrong, we have tried finding a nicely priced used one, but had no such luck, so when my neighbor said she was just going to drop her slightly used Pfaff at the DI unless I wanted it, I told her I'd be right over.

I hope you are sitting down for this announcement because it is so shocking....

I plan on making a few Christmas gifts on my sewing machine as soon as I get it back from the guy giving it a tune-up. I know, shocking, but I found some easy patterns that I'm excited to try. I will post pictures after Christmas as several of my blog readers will be my sewing gift recipients.

Miscellaneous #3: We had a fabulous Thanksgiving, filled with plenty of food and even better, surrounded by family. At one point during our feasting, a young woman came into the church house where we were at practically in tears because she couldn't find her family. She thought they were also celebrating at a local church house, but couldn't find them. I haven't forgotten how sad she looked and hope she found her family. I was grateful I knew where my family was and even those who were celebrating far away, they were close to my heart.

I think that's enough miscellaneous for now. Off to continue relaxing and fighting off the pumpkin pie temptations.

"But, It's Too Cold For a Parade!"

...this said by Kimberly as we bundled up with our parade blankets, gloves, hats and scarfs on the way to a parade in Layton celebrating the opening of the new freeway interchange and the road work on Main Street leading up to it.


I had to cover the event for my paper anyway, so I hauled all of the kids too so they could enjoy the massive amounts of free food they were handing out. I mean good stuff too - entire muffins, large pieces of yummy cake, popcorn, hot chocolate, cotton candy...my kids made out like bandits, and the cold was no longer an issue for them.

The parade was fun and not too long - even better. Of course, candy is essential for parades, and this one was no exception. It was pretty funny watching the kids trying to navigate candy wrappers with their gloves.

And who gets to see a parade with Santa waving from the driver's seat of a humungo front loader? (sorry no pics). I herded my crew over to see the lighting ceremony after the parade, then off to see Santa in one of the stores. When all was said and done, a very fun morning.

I think perhaps a big-miss-someone may be getting a titch too big for the big fellas lap.

And of course, no sign of Natalie going anywhere near Santa.
Does this really come as a surprise?

And in case you all were wondering, I have survived John's business trip as he comes home this afternoon - Yay! And just in case you missed it the first time, that would be YAY!! (yes, in very capital letters). Sadly, he may have another one in December, but I'll try not to think too much about that.

Since my Grandpa Joe needed to go to Virgina for a week, my Grandma Lynn joined me for a few days. We had a wonderful time, even enjoying a play put on by our stake last night. She also got up this morning and made Swedish hotcakes for us all. For those who may not know, this is a much-loved tradition I absolutely love about my grandma. I may have to have her come down more often when John is out of town.

A Glimpse into Our Life with All Girls...

Only one suit in the mix - poor John surrounded by dress fluff.

I was reading some of my friends blogs recently, (yup, it could even have been yours, oh fellow blog reader of mine), when I was hit with the realization that my life raising all girls is quite different when compared to families who have sons added into the mix. I had read a blog about one family's adventures with wrestling and basketball camp. I headed onto another blog reading about cub scouts, another with their son decked out looking oh-so-handsome on his way to a school dance, and yet another about their son's skate boarding party.

I had an ah-ha moment. I will never, no never, experience any of those moments. My life is filled with buying frilly dresses, (and yes, I know where and when all the great dress sales are - if you're wondering, Easter and Christmas), straightening, curling, and blow drying unruly girl's hair (and constantly fixing the beautician-to-be's continual hair cuts), totally girl-themed parties, overflowing boxes of dress-up, barbie paraphernalia everywhere, too many bins to count of kitchen dishes and pretend food, and the gazillion or so craft projects laying around with the gadgets and gizmels to accompany said craft.

In fact, we were at a cabin with some friends a few months ago and I had brought a few crafts to keep the kids busy. One of the dads, who has all boys, turned to me and asked how often my girls do crafts because, and I quote, "my boys just don't do crafts - ever." What? A house without glue sticks stuck to the table, glitter on the floor, and tape, markers, crayons, etc. littering my counters causing my OCD havoc?

By no means would I change any of it. I love my girls beyond words. Besides, am I really missing out on much when I have this in my life 24/7:

We go through at least a watercolor paint tray a month (no, make that two).

Kimberly

Alicia

Alicia working on yet another craft. I buy glue in bulk.
Oh, and all forms of tape are a permanent fixture on my grocery list.

Kimberly and Alicia's room after they "decorated" it.

Kimberly and Alicia

Alicia and Kimberly in dress ups

Natalie

Alicia - notice the Barbie stuff on the bed behind her.

Not one ioda of boy costumes are found in our Halloween box :(

...and yes, you are reading the time right on this posting. It is almost midnight. I really need to get my sleepy head to bed, but I have such a hard time dragging myself up to a lonely bed while John is on business trips (see posting below).

Survival Mode

I'm in survival mode right now because John is on another business trip. I need to get used to these because the current project he is on will require several more before all is said and done. So, that means, I have to learn how to make this work or I will go insane.

Things that help me survive:

* Cell phones so I can talk to John every day (not quite sure how that one is going to work out when he has to do the Italy and Australia trips, but gosh darnit, those airplane miles will sure come in handy down the road).
* Per Diem. Money in our pocket. Thanks John for eating homemade dinner at the condo rather than eating out so we can pocket the extra money not spent.
* Having older girls who can stay at home if I need to run a quick errand so I'm not having to drag the whole herd around.
* Dinner out (fast food of course so I can go through the drive thru) and movie nights with the girls. It makes the weekend manageable.
* My great family (and I'm lucky to have two sets) who have us over for dinner, let us spend time with them, and of course, long phone chats with various family members - thank goodness for unlimited long distance.
* Loving friends who invite me over for lunch, call and chat with me so I can have actual adult interaction, and help babysit my little ones so I can get out.

And last, but definitely not least, full-days at school for the older ones. I seriously was about ready to rip my hair out with the girls home early from school EVERY day last week for parent teacher conferences. Blessed quiet this week...here I come!! (That is, until 4 p.m. hits).

Learning How To Give

This month is Thanksgiving, right? Which just so happens to be a compound word. Yup, dragged that word out of my junior high English memory. A time to give thanks. I just so happened to finish writing a story about one of the biggest giving projects in the world. Funny, I'd never heard of it until now. There is something wrong with this picture. Regardless, I decided to jump on the giving bandwagon and get the girls involved.

The giving project you ask? Operation Christmas Child. In a nutshell, you buy simple toys, school supplies, hygiene products and cram them into a shoe box to send to another child in another country. From my interviews, I learned that over 500,000 volunteers worldwide hand-deliver around 8 million shoe box gifts to hurting kids around the world. This year the focus will be on the children in Haiti as well as children in 100 other countries.

I decided that my girls needed to learn how to think about others this season and decided to do a box of our own. While we were driving to the dollar store on Saturday so they could spend some of their recently acquired money, I talked to them about spending some of their dollars to help fill a box for another little girl who has nothing in a different country. One daughter was more than thrilled to help out. The other daughter took a little convincing, but once we started picking things out at the store, she began warming up to the idea.

One of the gals I spoke to helped deliver some of the boxes in Jamaica. Once they got past the resort areas, their team realized how devastating life was for the children there. They were living in slums and school was held at a compound surrounded by armed guards to protect them from the gang wars. The kids had nothing in the way of school supplies, so they had no way to do their school work. The kids there were so excited to get paper from the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, as well as flip flops to cover their bare feet, and a luxury - a toothbrush that one family shared as a family since they had none.

I was touched by the stories I heard while writing my story and decided we had to participate. One of the fun parts is the program encourages you to include your photo and a letter, and in some cases, the kids receiving the boxes write back. I hope my kids have learned something from the experience because I certainly did.

If any of you are interested in participating, the official collection week is Nov. 15 - 21. There are collection sites all over the country. Click here for more details http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

A Tale of Two Tires...by John

It was the best of roads, it was the worst of roads. Charles Dickens is rolling in his grave now! :)

Last week I had the pleasure of picking up a nail while driving through a construction zone on I15. Can you believe it, road construction in Utah! It doesn't happen very often. :) Half way through, my car started complaining about tire pressure in the right rear tire. Seriously, it knew which tire. By the time I pull over, memories of ten years earlier when I nearly cut the tread off the sidewall come back. Not a pleasant experience at freeway speeds. This time around, the tire had only deflated part way. Phew, don't need to buy a new tire!

I grew up fixing cars with my Dad, who grew up fixing cars with his Dad. Add a couple more Grandpas who have fixed a lot of cars, and I don't mind getting under the hood. It's kind of fun; I get to use repair words fixing the car! :D Anyway, I was taught that when the dash lights come on, it's too late. Many years later, I think I like these new dash lights that warn you before it's too late. Now, if I can only get the radio to work ... :)

Halloween Weekend-O-Fun (and rain)

We had a great Halloween weekend. With three Halloween parties on Friday, carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating on Saturday and Finger Making on Sunday - we lived the holiday up to its fullest.

This year John decided to cut carving time in half by bringing out his power tools.

Success. We were done in an hour, as compared to our usual several-hour marathon.

Oops. I was trying to take this picture so fast in the rain, I didn't notice that Natalie is completely blocking Kimberly's fairy pumpkin. She carved most of it herself.

And speaking of rain, this is how the girls went trick-or-treating this year because of the rain. Lucky John got to go out with them. They all came home sopping wet. Luckily, their candy managed to stay dry, though I'm not sure how. Miracle from the candy goddess I'm sure.

And last, but certainly not least, the infamous fingers. This year the girls did them all by themselves. John and I have been making them together for so long, we have a good system down - John is the perfect finger maker and I am the accessories gal. However, this year we decided to let the girls completely loose and make them all by themselves. I must say, it is the funniest tray of fingers I've ever seen! I especially love Natalie's 'blob' fingers.

Now I must begin taking down all of the Halloween decor and trading it our for Thanksgiving paraphernalia. Good thing I don't have a ton of decorations.

My Crafty Side Returns

My crafting dry spell is over - I finally got around to making this cute wreath with the help of my crafting friend, Melissa - a mere 6 days before Halloween! However, all that matters is that it is up in time for the cute trick or treaters coming by, right?

On another note, Megan has finally cut her top 4 teeth. She is back to her normal, happy self after a couple weeks of screaming torture for the Rimington household.