PARTY TIME!!!

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

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!

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

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

~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!