The Curtis Family

Can It Be True???

2009-11-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Boy do I have news for you! But, before I say anything, you may want to fasten your seatbelts because what I am about to tell you just might blow you away. Are you ready? Okay, here goes.... Our family actually took a vacation. Wait a minute, can it be? Did that really happen? Did we seriously just go on a family trip? No.....Somebody pinch me because it seems I must be dreaming. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe I am being a bit overly dramatic right now and I'm sure that Neal is thoroughly embarrassed that I'm making such a big deal out of this. Whatever the case, this truly was a very significant moment for me because the time has come for it to finally be OUR turn to go somewhere fun. Can I just say, boy, was it looong overdue! As you know, for the last several years we really haven't traveled much with our family due to Neal's residency program. The reasons for this are: first off, it's not exactly fun to travel when you don't have money. Second, how fun is it to travel when your husband is so tired he can hardly keep his eyes open? Third, any spare time was usually spent keeping things up around the house. And, finally, how enjoyable would it have been to either travel by myself with the kids or run Neal completely ragged (because that's exactly what family vacations do) and then expect him to have a good time despite knowing that a trauma week awaits his return. Ugh. Yeah, not too fun so we opted to putz around our house on the weekends and dream of an easier life ahead. Well.....that and go out to dinner several times a week. Well, we HAD to have SOMETHING to look forward to, right? Of course right. I know, sounds like a justification if you've ever heard one. Regardless, I don't EVER want to know how much $ I've spent on eating out because I'd probably have an anurism.)

Anyway, the trip was great fun and it just felt so good to get away and share some quality family time together. (That just sounded exactly like somethingmy Dad would say. I must be getting old.)

Some of the highlights were:

*Dining at the Space Needle in a revolving restaurant. I didn't think you'd actually be able to see and feel that thing move!

(Note to self-- Don't ever promise kids you're going to go somewhere until you know how much the thing is going to cost! Holy cow that place was expeeeensive!)

Livy patiently waiting for her food. It's tough being a 2 year old!

Livy finally decides to take matters into her own hands and finds a way to entertain herself--much to the amusement of fellow diners.

Britton pointing things out to The Dev. xox

Big Brother helping Little Brother up to get a better view. So sweet!

Neal whispering sweet nothings into Livy's ear.

Got to have a picture with the whole fam!

I'm on--top of the world looking down on creation and the only da-da-da-da-da-da-da. Sorry, I thought that song was only appropriate but that's all I know of it. Ring a bell Sandy?

Check out that view!

* Walking up and down Pikes Market. There are a hand full of places that I think are the highlights of our country and this is one of them. What a unique and cultural place to be! You've never seen more beautiful flowers, fresher fruits and vegetables or more unique souvenirs. Oh, and the interesting people that park themselves on every street corner singing , playing their instruments or performing other random acts are truly remarkable. What entertainment--and it's free! The vibe there is absolutely intoxicating and you just wish that everyone could have a chance to visit such a neat place. It's also fun to watch the workers toss one another the gigantic fish. Apparently they even like to play tricks on unsuspecting customers. The fish that Britton is squating next to is attached to fishing line and when someone gets to close the workers yank it causing the fish...and the person to jump.

Devin especially loved the pigeons. I never knew a bird could be so smart! The term "bird brain" definitely does not apply to the pigeon breed. I swear that bird was doing as many tricks as a well trained dog and I'm not exaggerating!

We decided to give Britton and Devin $30 each to buy a special souvenirs. Decisions, decisions!

Devin decided on a mesmerizing water/sand.....thing.

He absolutely loves it and takes it everywhere he goes (including school)

Neal trying to play a replica of the world's first flute.

Livy decides to get in on the action and is pleasantly surprised with her ability.

SOLD! Britton decides to buy the flute....and I've been

hearing the beautiful music it makes ever since. Sigh.

* Hanging with the Atwoods. What a classic family! I'm still fantasizing about the molten chocolate volcano dessert Melanie made. (I'm in desperate need of the recipe and don't plan on sharing any when I make it either. Sorry.) What good times we had--I swear my cheeks still hurt from all the laughs. There's only one "Rigs"--that's for sure! The Atwoods are definitely some of our favorite people.

Oh, and thank goodness that their hamster survived an attack with a pair of scissors. Dearest Livy-Lou! (It was the only thing skinny enough to fit through the cage and she wanted to pet it. Yes, I about had a heart attack.)

Enjoying "Happy Hour" at "Ruth Chris" steak house with the Atwood's.

* Visiting the Science Museum. If Neal and the kids had their choice then we'd still be there. I don't think there's another museum in the country that has more interesting exhibits. The museum consisted of multiple buildings and a huge interactive fountain park in the middle. Neal and I rode a bike that was suspended high above the ground and balanced on a thin metal track. I couldn't stop squealing at the top of my lungs. Why do I do that? Do you even know how many scenes I have made when it comes to anything that's remotely thrilling? I just can't resist the urge to holler and squeal at the top of my lungs the entire time! (I have my Mom to thank for that one.)

Having fun with different illusions. What's with the illusion on Neal's pants anyway???

Livy was terrified the dinosaur was going to eat her. I can't even count the times she pointed to the dinosaur and said "I gonna eat you, I gonna eat you. Go away, Naughty Rarrrr!" (She calls them "Rarrs" because she can't pronounce "dinosaur."

This was the butterfly room. Devin is freaking out that the blue butterfly was trying to land on him. Too funny!

Devin soon warmed up to the butterflies and couldn't seem to get enough of them. Livy, however wanted the "Yucky-Buggy" to "go away!"

Devin making himself comfortable inside of a dinosaur footprint.

*Sleep deprivation. Not exactly a highlight, just a fact.

GOING....................

GOING...................

GOING....................

GONE!

Neal carrying sweet Lu-Lu to the car. Sweet Baby Girl was absolutely exhausted!

There's nothing more celestial than a sleeping child. How I love my Livy and my Neal! xoxo

* Eating! I love vacations because there's just an unspoken rule that you can eat anything you want completely guilt free.

Devin and Britton are waiting anxiously as they watch their doughnuts being made in front of them. Talk about major grease bombs! Ugh.

*Consequences of said eating. This is the not so great part about consuming greasy foods. (This is also the story of my life. WHY??? I don't think I'll ever be able to understand the male digestive tract.) Anyway, I think Neal got the message.

*Trick or Treating. Need I say more?

Check out all those pumpkins. I wish I could say I carved them all with mykids but that is simply far from being the case.

Neal and Rigs looking mighty fine. This is no secret so I'll just say it now. Neal would make a very ugly woman. There. I said it. I'm so glad he's a man...for obvious reasons and I'll just leave it at that.

Poor little Livy was absolutely terrified at one of the haunted houses. The poor thing freaked out when an enormous man dressed up as an alien tried to greet her. Look how huge her eyes are! It's no wonder she woke up that night from a terrible dream crying "Yucky-Buggy, Yucky-Buggy!" I pray she's not traumatized for life...but boy was it fun to watch! Why is it so fun to see your kids get scared? I know, I'm cruel.

* Aquarium. It's no secret that I'm not the least bit into zoo's and aquariums. In fact, I pretty much have to muster every ounce of selflessness and unconditional love in order to endure 2+ hours of watching animals defecate, urinate, growl, and hump. The smells alone are practically nauseating but yet I try to do it once a year for the sake of the kids. Oh, and did I mention that I hate crowds? Yet another reason to avoid such places. That being said, I must admit that the Seattle aquarium is probably one of the very best in the country. The aquarium is actually situated on top of the ocean and has fresh ocean water pumped up to all the exhibits. They have a huge area where you can pet various star fish and other wild and crazy ocean life. Very cool...except for the two animal/plant things that looked and felt EXACTLY like private parts. I'm hoping it was just a coincidence that the male private part was situated right next to the female private part. I couldn't help but get a few laughs over it. haha! Sorry, no more crude.

(What a cool picture, huh!?)

I love my Neal! Britton took several shots of us and I have to admit that he is quite the budding photographer. This picture is one of my favorites because Neal has his little Sylvester Stalone lip going on. I loved that about him the day we met. xoxo

FINALLY, a few pictures with Neal.....smiling. An extraordinary feat has been accomplished here which is why I feel I must post these pictures for posterity sake! I never know when I'll get to have another picture taken with Neal smiling. Love you Neal!

* Jumping on the hotel beds. I don't know why but there's just something about going to a hotel that makes you want to jump on the bed. I managed to refrain but the kids couldn't get enough!

Naturally they want to jump wildly on the beds right at bedtime. Great. But I guess vacations are meant for breaking the rules a little, right?

Oh the simple joys of childhood!

Well, that was our vacation. Sorry I was overly thorough in discussing all of the details but I haven't blogged in so long that I fear I'm trying to make up for it. Anyway, I'm so grateful for the rare breaks in life when you can just step away from the daily mundane routines and make some wonderful family memories. We'd love to return there soon so if anyone wants to go to Seattle, we're game!

Redemption

2009-04-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Neal has been plagued for many years by a childhood trauma that only he and his brother Eric can fully relate to. This painful memory occurred when he was ten years old and involves the infamous......pinewood derby.

As a young boyscout, Neal relished in the thought of building the fastest car in the pack. Together with his Dad, Neal assembled his car in high hopes it would sweep the competition victoriously. Neal, Erik, and his Dad thought it would be a great idea to polish their car with lacquer to give their cars an irresistible shine. This would be the perfect finishing touch.

The night of the competition arrived and Neal and Erik anxiously awaited for their Father to come home from work and take them to scouts. It was around this time that the boys examined their cars only to discover that the lacquer was still a sticky wet sludge. Panic stricken, Erik and Neal looked to their Dad to remedy the situation who in turn decided that the situation called for a BLOW TORCH. Slowly the lacquer began to melt off....along with the brilliant paint job that was painstakingly and lovingly applied. Erick and Neal stood there gazing at the offensive impostor that once resembled a car destined to win the derby. Hoping that all was not lost, they scrambled to spray paint both cars in an attempt to cover the torched burns and prayed that all would go well on the track. Sadly, Neal and Erik's cars not only didn't win the race, but they both failed to even cross the finish line!

Neal left scouts that night with feelings of shame and embarrassment. He still vividly recalls walking home alone that night with tears plunging down his cheeks. Not only had Neal lost the race but he lost his pride as well. Perhaps the only solace that Neal found was through one word that seemed to echo in his head:

REDEMPTION!

Neal vowed that one day he would be made whole again....through his son.

Last month Britton entered the scouting program and was given a block of wood to shape into a race car. Hours were spent researching the best designs together and talking on the phone with Neal's brother, Erik, who has since redeemed this boyhood trauma himself through his own sons. The secrets were uncovered and Britton and Neal set out to accomplish their mission of building the fastest pinewood derby ever known to race. Neal even felt it necessary to buy a $100 scroll saw to achieve the best design possible. Britton and Devin eagerly assisted Neal as he labored over carving an ordinary block of wood into a fleeting force to be reckoned with. The kids and I left for Utah for a couple weeks and Neal continued to spend many nights laboring over this fine piece of workmanship even taking it to the dental lab at work. Neal continued on his mission of drilling, melting, carving, measuring and weighing and sanding the race car during our absence.

We returned the day before the race with still much to accomplish. The axles hadn't been put on and the wheels had yet to receive a graphite coating. Neal had a 12 hour surgery the next day and raced home with only 20 minutes to spare before we had to leave for the derby. This scene unfolded with an eerie resemblance to Neal's experience 25 years prior as we were pushed for time. Like the previous experience we had no other choice but to throw some spray paint on Britton's car. The paint was drying as we rushed to the church with Neal's pockets full of emergency supplies for any possible scenario. Britton weighed in his car at exactly 5 ounces. Perfect! (Neal actually took the car to the grocery store the night before to check the weight on a produce scale.) While applying the axles at just the right angle, Neal pressed a little too hard and a chunk of wood broke off. Ahhhh! Britton looked at me as I tried to mask my panic and replied "Don't worry Mama. Daddy ain't no dummy!" This is a family phrase that Neal and Britton frequently exchange. Sure enough, Neal whipped out his emergency stash of super glue and all was well.

The races began. Each scout got to race his car a total of six times so that each car was raced on every track against every boyscout. This measure was taken to guarantee total fairness. It was so exciting to look at Britton's face....and then Neal's face as his/their car took first place every single time! Britton won six first place ribbons in all with each run down the track at less than two seconds. Britton couldn't be more proud and Neal was practically giddy! The awards were handed out and Britton absolutely beamed as he received the "Fastest car in the pack" award. This was such a fun experience for the whole family. Who would have thought that 25 years later Neal would finally know what it feels like to receive the "Fastest car in the pack" award. Needless to say Neal went to bed with a huge smile on his face. Oh, and so did Britton.

Neal fine tuning the car just minutes before the race.

Going for a test run.

Still trying to perfect things...

Super glue to the rescue! (Boyscouts are always prepared, right?)

Yet another test run. (Everything must be just right.)

Britton feeling pretty confident about the race.

Britton wins the race!

Britton's car is on the right. He's whippin' them all! Wahoooo!

Winning sure feels good!

Neal is reveling in the glory of first place!

Britton's car takes first place again!

Livy cheering on her brother! Gooooo Britton!!!

Britton eagerly collects another 1st place win!

Devin and Livy eagerly watch the races.

Another win for Britton!

Britton on cloud 9!

Britt admiring his first place ribbons.

And the winner for fastest car in the pack goes to...... BRITTON CURTIS!!!

Britton can hardly believe his eyes as he gazes at his new trophy.

Congratulations Neal! You've waited 25 years for this moment! xoxox

My two Champs!

Photo op with the winners.

Devin clearly had more important things on his mind. We love our Dev!♥

PARTY TIME!!!

2009-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

So a couple weeks ago was my birthday which usually goes down without much excitement. This year, I must say, was a pleasant surprise. I assumed Neal was taking me out to dinner because he was acting kind of fishy so I anxiously awaited his arrival. Truth be told, I anxiously anticipate his arrival every night and actually count down the hours. I know, isn't that pathetic? But what can I say--he's my Baby♥ So about ten minutes after Neal got home I hear a pounding on my door and it's my friends Emily an Jeannette with a rediculously huge birthday hat. I shuddered at the possibility that I might have to wear that thing in public. Luckily, I only had to wear it behind closed doors. ha! Anyway, we went out to dinner at Olive Garden with several friends and then back to Jeannette's house to watch "The Bachelor." The absolute sweetest thing ever was that Jeannette had baked me a cake which was the very first cake she had ever made in her entire life. I guess she was a little nervous and hesitant because she knows I'm BIG into desserts and pride myself on my chocolate cake which literally makes your eyes roll to the back of your head. At any rate, Jeannette did an awesome job and it tasted wonderful. I am so thankful for such great friends!

Another incredibly sweet gesture was from my boys. I'll never forget how kindred it was to see Britton lean over and whisper in Devin's ear, run over to the keyboard, select the birthday song, and then both stand ever so humbly in front of me singing "Happy Birthday." Devin and Britton both seemed to take this tribute very seriously as they sang their absolute best. That was truly one of those moments that I just stopped and thought "Gosh, I am so lucky to be a Mom!" Heaven knows it's not easy but it really is sooo worth it. I also received a couple gifts including a tiny potted tree (hopefully it will live longer than a month) and a Wii Fit which took Neal almost a year to find.

Very quickly I have to tell you about Devin. Devin is the A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E worst when it comes to surprises. He literally cannot keep a secret because it drives him absolutely crazy. When he gets something on his mind that he's excited about (money, presents) he dwells and obsesses over it to the point where he almost loses function. If Devin happens to have a dollar, he MUST go to the dollar store now and hounds me hundreds of times. It almost seems as though he's experiencing actual discomfort or pain--it's that intense. Some instances aren't quite as intense but still illustrate his inability to keep a secret such as when we play hide 'n go seek. Finding Devin is always extremely easy because he just sits there and giggles and giggles and giggles and giggles. (You get the point.) One time I found him and Britton hiding in the coat closet and both Devin and Britton had their hands piled over Devin's mouth to keep down the inevitable giggles. You just can't help but love Devy. Anyway, Devin painted several ceramic animals and bought me my two favorite candies to give as my birthday present. Not being able to withstand the excitement/anticipation/secret, he insisted that I open the present several days before my birthday. I then had to rewrap and reopen the same gift on my birthday acting completely surprised so he could feel all proud of himself again. God bless little children~

We also attended a super fun ♥Valentine's Day♥ party at our church. A member in our ward is a DJ on the side so we (I mean I) had the best time ever dancing with the kids. (Neal had a fun time observing-haha!) Livy loved to dance but was mostly preoccupied with the dessert table. What a sweet tooth that child is! (I wonder where she got that from? Hmmm...)

This was one of 50 attempts Livy made at raiding the dessert table.

Britton had a blast dancing his heart out. (Notice the red cheeks!)

Livy Lou dancing the night away!

Devin hangin' out with his buddies.

Livy made a new friend and had fun hanging out under the dessert table.

Devy joins Livy and her new friend in the adventure.

Sweet & Sassy

2009-02-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Olivia was recently invited to her first birthday party. The party was held at "Sweet & Sassy" which is a spa for little girls. Each girl gets receives royal treatment as they select a fancy dress, accessories, have their hair and makeup done, dance and then walk the catwalk. Okay, yes, this might seem a bit over the top (Olivia is, after all, barely 2 years old) but it was such a precious sight to behold. I cannot even tell you how much I LOVE having a baby girl-- I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOOOOOOOOVE IT!!! Of course I adore my boys too but I love being able to relate to Olivia in all the girly aspects. I don't think I could possibly count the times I squealed (literally) that night just watching Lulu get all gussied up and dance with the girls on stage. I must admit that I think she may have some of her Mama in her too. (Ah oh!) After all, Livy seemed to feel very comfortable being front and center stage. She also insisted on staying on stage the entire time and repeatedly climbed up onto the stage after her turn. Little Livy just couldn't get enough....well, until the end when it was clearly her bedtime. And, by the way, I still have yet to be pampered to this extent nor will I probably ever experience this in my life time. Figures.

Olivia realizing for the first time that beauty isn't always comfortable.

Olivia in "Hair and Makeup"

Livy trying to decide which eyeshadow palate to pick.

Livy holding still for the makeup artist.

Olivia making sure she approves of the final outcome.

Olivia attentively receives instructions for the catwalk with the other girls.

Olivia contemplates her approaching debut.

Livy anxiously awaits in the wings...

Livy strutting her stuff with confidence!

Livy striking an appropriate (and predictable) "Livy" pose.
Got to love that thumb! xoxo

Olivia refusing to stay off the stage after her turn.

Mama so proud of her baby girl!!!

Time to dance the night away!

Lulu so excited to see her Daddy. (Notice her toes!)

Clearly it's bedtime and Olivia is in no mood

for group pictures. Time to call it a night.

Olivia contemplates next year's performance...

Still Trying to Catch Up!

2009-01-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

I know it's a month after Christmas but I'm still trying to get into a regular habit of updating this thing. Looking back I have realized that there were two fun parties that I failed to include so here goes. The first was a "Wear a dumb Christmas sweater" party with a bunch of my girlfriends. My friend, Emily, threw the party and everyone came dressed in their gayest Christmas sweater. Seriously, nothing dates a woman more than when she's walking around in her "Beary Christmas" sweatshirt, twinkling snowman broach, light bulb earrings and antlers perched on top of her head. Bless their hearts--I know they're just happy to be feeling the Christmas spirit and all but seriously folks... Anyway, not wanting to waste money on an outfit I'd NEVER wear again, I called my elderly neighbor next door and casually asked if she happened to have a festive Christmas sweater I could borrow. Fortunately she did so I showed up--antlers and all.

Then Neal and I attended the annual Resident Christmas Party. We all had to bring a white elephant gift. Neal made a mold of his pointer finger and turned it into an attractive tree ornament. The funniest part about it is that at first glance it clearly resembles something slightly different. Neal's co-resident, Hagen, got our gift and was all too thrilled. We ended up with the Farting Santa. Our boys couldn't have been more amused!

(This is Neal's co-resident, Hagen, who's bleary eyed and drunker than a skunk. I've seriously never met a funnier drunk in all my life. It's quite entertaining actually!)

"Oh Tanenbaum, oh Tanenbaum, how lovely are your branches!"
What the heck is up with the word "tanenbaum" anyway?

(That word really needs to be done away with.)

Me with my Baby

My sweet Devy proud and can be of the gingerbread house he got for Christmas.
(More than anything Devin wished for a real gingerbread house with a real gingerbread man. Unfortunately Santa could only fit this replica in his sleigh.)

Another snowman creation by the one and only Devy. (I know--it looks really possessed.)

Death of a Snowman

2009-01-15T21:33:00.001-08:00

MUG SHOT
Name: Olivia Rebecca Curtis DOB 11/20/06

Charges: Theft, Consumption of Private Property

Property of Shelby County Corrections Facility

I almost forgot to tell you about an incidence that occurred right before Christmas--it's way too cute to pass up. Okay, so Devin LOVES making crafts and had the ingenious idea of making a snowman out of miniature marshmallows. Devy took great pride in constructing the snowman with twigs for arms and secured with a twig drilled through the center of the body--usually protruding out the top of the head. It was Devin's hope to send an intricately designed snowman to each grandparent for their Christmas present. Great detail was put into creating the facial features using various crayola markers and only selecting the most perfect twigs for body parts. Devin completed the project with much satisfaction and eagerly anticipated the look on his grandparents' faces when they received his remarkable gift. Unfortunately, Devin made one grave error--he mistakenly placed "Mr. Snowman" on the counter within reach of imminent danger; aka Olivia Curtis. So there sat poor Mr. Snowman, helpless in the presence of a 2 year old girl with a massive sweet tooth. Little did he know he would soon meet his demise.

Suddenly, from the kitchen comes a loud shriek followed by dramatic sobs. I rush into the kitchen to find an inconsolable Devin holding the only remnants of "Mr. Snowman"--two twigs. The scene was ugly as the wailing continued. "LuLu ate my snoooooowman! Naughty, naughty LuLu!" On and on and on the sobs continued as I quickly tried to assemble another snowman for him to decorate. Fortunately, I have before and after pictures as evidence. Due to the graphic nature of these pictures, VIEWER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

As the evidence shows, the perpetrator was caught red handed and is now being held in the custody of her loving Mama. Charges are still pending.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

~Christmas Magic~

Wow! We had such a wonderful Christmas! Who would have thought that we could enjoy the season despite being so far from "home." I guess that's why I decided that rather than pity myself I should buck up and make the most of it. The fun began when we put up our tree. The kids could hardly contain their excitement. The tree was perhaps the most pathetic tree ever to exist. I guess it didn't help that I bought it last year on a Walmart clearance aisle....but it also doesn't help to have a busy two year old pulling off and shattering any glass ball she can get her paws on. Needless to say, there were only about ten ornaments left which all ended up at the very top of the tree in effort to escape extinction. Oh, and I can't forget our sweet little homemade gingerbread ornaments we made each loaded with 1/2 inch of paint and candy. Yes, if you can believe it, I Rebecca Brinkman Curtis, actually hosted a gingerbread making party to try and compensate for not being able to take the kids to Utah. (Does the guilt ever end?) Of course Neal had to work late which meant I had 7 kids all clammering for help at the same time. So if you're asking if I wanted to pull my hair out, the answer is YES! I wish I could say that hosting such events came more naturally to me, but truth be told, I was a stress case. I did however muster up the strength to put my best "June Cleaver" foot forward and pulled it off. In the end it was definitely worth it because the kids had the best time and I am now applying for the "Mother of the Year" award.

The boys had interesting Christmas Wish Lists this year. Britton had high hopes of getting his own mini computer (yeah right), mp3 player, and a dog (no way!) Devin on the other hand wished for "seeds to plant some flowers, paint stuff to paint an elephant, a REAL gingerbread house with a REAL gingerbread man, $200, and a boogar-making machine." Come again? Yes, Devin is a very original child. Unfortunately he is going through the boogar stage and professes proudly that one nostril produces cookie dough boogars and the other produces ice cream boogars. I'm really hoping he grows out of that phase quickly so I can quit dry heaving. Then again, this phase has lasted quite a while so maybe some things never change.

Christmas Eve turned into a rather large gathering. It was originally going to be just us and the Johnson family but ended with 23 wonderful friends crammed into one house. The food was great, the kids made gingerbread houses, the missionaries read a Christmas book and then of course, there was the nativity scene performed by all the kids. Britton was an angel (dressed in Devin's Halloween ghost costume) and Devin was the donkey. How thrilled Devin was to learn he got to enter with Mary(s) riding on his back. Yes, we had 2 Marys since two girls were dying to play the role of Mary. The scene was precious......Devin entered with one Mary and then turned around to fetch the second.

We ended the evening on a spiritual note but couldn't help but laugh as Devin and Britton began screaming outside at the top of their lungs as we loaded the car "Doooooooon't paaaaaaass us by Santaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! We're coming hooooooooooooome! Don't forget about us Santaaaaaaaaaaa! We're on our waaaaaaaaaay Santaaaa! Oh the excitement and wonder of a childhood Christmas! Here are a few of the Christmas highlights:

Devy and his beloved gingerbread house.

Britton enthusiastically portraying an "angel of the Lord."

Devy riding in with Mary who is great with child
(Notice Mary #2 waiting patiently in the wings.)

Olivia preparing to disassemble the Johnson's Christmas tree

Me with my wonderful friend, Flor Treadwell.

Neal with another great friend, Lanice Fronk.

Britton and Devin setting the stage for Santa's arrival complete with cookie doughballs, gingerbread houses, water, Santa doll for Reindeer to play with, oats, sponge and picture.

Britton and Devin tossed oatmeal in the air to attract the hungry Reindeer.

Christmas morning was, shall we say, memorable. The kids went to bed around 10:00 pm. Livy woke up at 12:30 am. with a 104.7 degree fever. I bathed her, gave her medicine and layed her in my bed to sleep. Unable to sleep with Livy trying to sleep on top of my back I put her in her crib only to have Britton wake up with an asthma attack. After giving him his inhaler I tried to finally sleep at 2 am. At 4 am. Britton and Devin came rushing in ready to start tearing open presents. Of course they had already peeked despite our threats and were therefore wired beyond belief. Britton said he had been awake and waiting since 2 am and both boys were in tears pleading with me to let them start the day. "If you were a kid then you would want to get up! You can't do this to us Mom! We've been waiting for TWO hours!" Perhaps I'm mean but I just couldn't start my day in the middle of the night so I dragged my sobbing boys back to their room and locked the door this time. You'd think I'd be able to get some sleep at this point but of course I had to return shortly since Devin was banging on the door because, what else, had to use the bathroom. Naturally both my boys take after their Dad which means going to the bathroom is a process..... things have to "work their way out." What in the heck is that all about anyway??? So there I stood for the next 20 minutes patiently waiting for Devin to finish his business while coaxing him to "Push! Bare down, Devin!" (or as my Mom would say "use the val salva maneuver!") Finally, at 6:00 we got up with the boys and had a wonderful but exhausted Christmas morning.

Well worth the wait! (Notice it's pitch black outside...)

Neal was barely able to contain his glee when he opened his Guitar Hero! Now he won't have to sneak down to BestBuy after work and rock out in front of an audience of kids. (Geek alert!) Bless his heart! I love my Baby!

I am so thankful to have had such a wonderful Christmas this year. Maybe it isn't about where you're celebrating, but who you're celebrating that really matters. When the spirit of Christ is present, you can always feel true joy and happiness. Love to all! Merry Christmas!

Where to Start?

2008-11-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Where to start? That is the overwhelming question. I better just put something down fast because I'm already embarrassed at how long it has taken me to start a blog. I'm almost positive I'm the last one on earth to catch on...or maybe just the last Mormon Mom. And that's okay with me because I am who I am and I have nothing to prove to anyone, right? (I'm sure Neal is rolling his eyes at this exact moment. "Poodah, (he'll say) You really probably shouldn't come across so strongly." At which point I'll retort with something like "I'll be who I want to be and that's that." Neal will then conclude with "Okay, but you might rub people the wrong way." That's a typical exchange when I start talking a little too much (according to Neal.) I'm telling you this because I decided that if I do a blog it's got to be more for me than for anyone else. That means I've got to be brutally honest without exposing too many family secrets. Although, for those of you who know me, you are well aware that there aren't exactly many of those "secrets" left. I will, for Neal's sake, try to be a little discreet. (Emphasis on "little") Love you Neal! Hee!Hee!

Neal is out of town for 8, yes, 8 days. I guess this isn't anything I'm not used to but that doesn't mean I still don't miss him. When he is home he's usually so tired from having started the day at 5 a.m. that he'll talk to me as he sits on the recliner with his eyes closed. That's right, closed. Do you know how frustrating it is to eagerly anticipate Neal's arrival all day long only to have him sit across the room from me and carry on a conversation with his eyes closed? He tries to convince me that he is, in fact, listening but when his responses become delayed I know it's time to hang it up and let the poor man go to sleep. "It's only 8:30 and he barely walked through the door" I tell myself. "I need time to connect with him and unload all of the days events." But, alas, my efforts are futile. Neal is off in a different galaxy and I'll be fighting another inward battle based on whether I should pity him or pity myself. Usually I pity him which doesn't make me a saint because if you saw the poor man you'd have the same compassion. There are, however, dark nights that I get frustrated to the point where I have to call my Mom. She'll answer the phone and I'll say "Hi Mom" with my nose clogged and my voice an octave higher than usual. (Pause) "What's wrong?" she'll ask. And then I'll have my sob session for the next 30 minutes. Nothing about the situation changes but I always feel a million times better when we're done. How exactly does she do that? My Mom always reminds me not to overlook my sacrifices because I put in equally hard days as a (virtual) single Mom. I try to convince myself of that but I've pretty much concluded that Neal definitely has it harder physically but I have it harder emotionally. So I guess that means we're both usually fried by the end of the day. That is precisely why I dread the bedtime routine. Why do the boys think it's time to play chase as soon as you announce it's scripture time? Why do they always seem to get the giggles during family prayer? I swear that 8 out of 10 times Neal or I will have to flick Britton and/or Devin on the head to remind them to be reverent. And WHY is it 10:00 at night right now and Britton is still babbling to me about his book? I have to separate the boys, you see, because they share a room which simply doesn't work at bedtime. As a result, Britton is in my bed now and "reassuring" me that the sound of my typing won't impede his ability to fall asleep because he'll sleep with a pillow on his head. How sweet, I know, but there's ALWAYS something to say. Frequently I announce "It's time to think your thoughts inside of your head." That tactic typically only works for a few minutes but I refuse to stop trying. Those few moments of golden silence are nothing short of blissful. Recently, Neal and I went out of town and had my friend babysit our kids for us. When we got back the first thing Angel said was (referring to Britton) "Man! That kid asks a lot of questions!" Finally, validation. I thought it was just me that was thoroughly worn out from answering questions incessantly every day of my life. "What's the difference between diesel fuel and regular gas? How do they make the gas?" Eyyy! I suppose he gets it from his father who can't simply walk through a Home Depot without picking the brain of an employee. Neal is an actual bonified brain picker if there is such a term. For example: Neal will be meandering through, lets say, the tile section and happen upon an unsuspecting victim...I mean...employee. The next thing I know-- "How do you do this, how do you do that? How do you do this and that with this?" Are we planning on tiling anything? No. Neal simply wants to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING. Maybe that's why he can do so much around the house. If that's the case then I suppose it has served me well.

Well, Britton has finally fallen asleep and all is silent which means it's time for me to crack open a book and enjoy myself. Until next time...
(Be sure to view pictures below!)