December

The month started out with a bang! Jefferson proposed to his girlfriend, Katie. They've been dating since February. He took her on a RZR ride to look at Christmas lights then ended at Cardon Park where we had a giant, blow-up screen that played a short montage of photos of them to their favorite song. There was a blanket with lights around it and a dozen roses too. They walked up and watched it then he got on one knee! Us sisters had helped with everything so it was really special to be apart of this moment. Yay for a new sister in law!

Prenda Pics!

At recess they designed a real posh habitat for the tortoises.

I taught the older kids how to cross stitch! I thought it would be a unique Christmas craft. I underestimated how hard this would be, haha. They needed LOTS of assistance and guidance. And we ran out of time, but I thought they turned out great and they seemed to really like doing it! 

Lucky Collin got to tag along for another mutual activity at Krazy Air! Now that they've gotten rid of Young Men's presidencies, Travis is super involved with the deacon's quorum as a counselor in the bishopric. They boys are lucky to have him!

Weston has been asking for lobster for awhile. I figured making it myself would be cheaper than going to a restaurant, but oh boy, it was still dollar signs! I was a little shocked at the register. I hope you appreciated this, Weston. :)

Leah is Mother Theresa incarnate. ALWAYS serving. Well, she had posted that she needed help wrapping presents at Jacob's Mission, which is a foster child center. I really justified in my mind why I was too busy, but very last second, ended up going. It was my precious kid free morning and I had so much to do, but I'm glad I ended up doing it. I had tears in my eyes the entire time, reading the names of the kids and their ages as I wrapped. Just imagining my own children. The sadness in this world overwhelms me. 

Trav's partner wanted to host the office Christmas party and we were happy to oblige! They have a perfect party house in north Mesa with lots of backyard and open spaces inside. They had Famous Dave's cater and families were invited so it was a full house! We helped bring tables and chairs and do a photo backdrop with props. They had a basketball court, playground equipment, fire pit with s'mores and toy room to keep the kids busy. Plus, Quin had an old fashioned tractor he hooked up to a trailer to take groups around the neighbor to look at lights, with Christmas music playing. Tanner was a BIG fan of that. Travis gave a speech at the beginning, recognizing Dr. Cook and giving him a plaque that will be mounted to this enormous elk statue they got for the front of the office in honor of him and all his animals he used to have in the office. Everything turned out really nice! So many things have been canceled this year, so it was nice to have this party to go to.

Tanner riding his OWN bike on our family bike ride! A first! I just love where we live. The silos were a great destination.

Back in October I had the thought that we should do the 12 Days of Christmas for the Arnett family. They've had such a difficult year, the details of which, few people know about. And Kristen's husband had recently gone on disability again. I wondered if by December, things would be better and it might be weird to go through with it, but I think it all worked out just as it was supposed to. I've ALWAYS wanted to do the 12 Days of Christmas but December has overwhelmed me too much. It just never came together or felt like it was the right timing. This time, everything came together perfectly. It didn't feel like a burden at all. Actually, it was probably my favorite part of December. It brought me more JOY and love in my heart than any other tradition or party. I found a really cute template on Etsy that made rhymes to go with each day and took a lot of the guess work of what to give, out of it. I had so much fun shopping, wrapping and trying to make each gift really special and pretty. The only stressful part was making sure the Arnetts didn't find out it was us. I lectured the kids up and down about not telling a soul what we were doing. We started the 12th day before Christmas Eve. The kids got to take turns being the one to sneak the gift up to the door, ring the bell and run. I usually parked on the next street over so they wouldn't see our car. It was all very exciting as whomever would jump into the car breathless and we'd take off. We tried to change up the time each night to be unpredictable. The kids looked forward to it every night. As did I! We never got caught, that we know of. I felt very humbled and grateful that we were in a position to do this. On the last day, I included a typed up card expressing our love for them (but anonymously) and I thought my heart would explode. I hope that our gifts lifted their spirits and brought some more cheer to their Christmas, but I'm certain we were the greater beneficiaries. 

I don't usually take all the kids with me to visit Grandma, but they got lucky this time! Collin brought out the Paddington Bear and Grandma told the story that Great Grandma Evans had bought that in London decades ago, back when Evan Hogle (the first grandchild) was just a baby. When he got old enough, we would put on those boots and walk around in them. And every grandchild since then would do the same thing. It's astonishing to me how well that bear has held up!! The fur is matted but the boots look hardly their age. (40+ years) As my mom would say, "That's how they USED to make things!" 

While we were there, Uncle Nick's kids and grandkids stopped by to carol and leave treats for Grandma. It was really fun to be there for that and get to meet so many of them. I guess one granddaughter is married to our area authority (John Schmidt), but he wasn't with them.

Paula does "Grandchild of the Month" where she spotlights the kids and this was Collin's paper. I wish I had taken pictures of the other kids' answers!

We've been doing a new routine for a couple of months now, where the kids have a list of chores and responsibilities each day and if they do them all, they earn money each week. It's really helped with organization and cleanliness around here! I walked into the boys' room and my heart melted a smidge. I mean, I am exasperated by all the stuffed animals in this house, but HOW CUTE is this scene??! I definitely took a moment to relish their innocence and this still- childlike stage. 

Notice they're al in pairs??! They all have a buddy. I can't handle how sweet this is!!

Rachel told me about these winter hair kits at Hobby Lobby! So easy and cute!

The boys' Christmas wish list. They've been begging for a dog for years but really laying it on hard the past few months. 

Our elf was in quarantine the first week he got here. Genius idea, whoever came up with it. I can't believe I didn't take a picture. I sewed him a mask and everything. He got into a little mischief, but as usual, nothing daily. I swear every time Elfie is doing something cute I give myself the biggest pat on the back. 

Tanner going into the weekend like....

Leah had told me about the new Queen Creek Botanical Gardens doing a little Christmas Festival. We got there early on a Friday to beat the crowd and we did it just right. The place was empty. It was much smaller than I was expecting, and I thought we'd be done in 30 min. but somehow we made it all stretch for a few hours. Lots of time on the bounce houses, multiple carousal rides (Weston felt a little sheepish getting on, haha), a train ride, petting zoo (the SOFTEST alpaca ever! I wanted to sleep on it! And cute, newborn goats running around!)  and the most disappointing hamburger/food truck dinner. But the kettle corn we got on the way out made up for it. We ran into Travis's old missionary friend, Tanner, got to meet Santa (without plexiglass or masks! Bonus!!)  and even enjoyed a little harp playing by an ensemble Tanner was drawn to. It was a beautiful place, great weather and I really loved being there with just our little family. It started out kind of scary when we witnessed a car accident right in front of us, but it ended on point with DQ blizzards. 

The tradition lives on! Our 4th year meeting Camilla and Posey for holiday tea! This place was in Tempe and I think it was my favorite so far. It was called DrinkMe Tea Room. The food was AMAZING!! Not only was it fancy and adorable, it actually tasted good too! The whole place was decorated like Alice in Wonderland plus Christmas. I think Olive's face says it all. 

Now, I think this backdrop looks a little more "Hugh Heffner Playboy Bunny" than quaint tea shop, but whatevs. 

The boys were able to have a modified piano recital that turned out perfect! Annie just did it in her home one Sunday evening. Weston played Carol of the Bells and Collin played Angels We Have Heard on High and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. My cousin, Kristen Ray, was there with her daughter, so it was fun catching up with her!

After the recital, Collin had his Priesthood Preview meeting at the church. So exciting for him! He's pumped and ready.

Sigh. I always color my own hair. The greys come in too fast to go to the salon that much. But I've been thinking I want to go lighter so I got a stylist recommendation from Abbey for a balayage. I went to Marigold salon and was there for FOUR stinkin' hours. In the process, I was unaware that she would be tightly backcombing my hair in thin strips all down my scalp. My hair tangles really easily. They spent at least an hour and a half just trying to comb out my hair after they washed it out. It was a literal disaster. I was near tears at the end and felt like my scalp was bleeding. And I lost a considerable amount of hair in the process. It's noticeably thinner with so much breakage. AND it cost me $300. The whole experience was awful. I can't even think about it.

Olive wanted in on chick flick Christmas movies so we started with my all time fav. 

While You Were Sleeping. 

I have loved this movie since I first saw it in theaters. I try to watch it every Christmas. I was shocked at how well Olive understood it all! She totally followed the story line and asked pertinent questions. When Lucy and Jack start to spend time together, Olive intuitively said, "Ooooo I think they like each other!" She never lost interest and completely loved all of it. But I think she liked the snuggling most. 

Weston had some great Primary activity day leaders and got to make gingerbread houses out of Pop-Tarts and Christmas tree ornaments! They said out of all the boys he paid the most attention to detail on his house.

I CAN'T EVEN!!!

My heart is a mushy mess on the sidewalk. Tanner in his Christmas jammies with reindeer antlers!! This preschooler is the absolute cutest!!

Got my Christmas present early from Rach and I couldn't help myself! A leopard, minky blanket?! This is my "don't you dare touch this, children" face. Even though they steal snuggles from it all the time. I want to be buried in it.

Annual Christmas Cousin Par-tay!!

I love making homemade, gingerbread cookies! My house never smells better than on this day. We ate Chinese food, decorated cookies, drowned ourselves in hot chocolate, saw (and ran under) Christmas lights and finished with the first part of the new Disney+ movie, Godmother. It's really so perfect having a sister with kids that all match up with mine!

Marcie and Abbey launched a new tradition of a couple's only Christmas party! The Lindblom party was canceled this year (it really was time for that to change anyway) so this was a great addition. Mom and Dad bought out Carolina's Mexican restaurant. YUM. Dad made his famous, indulgent, homemade hot chocolate. (When he told us the ingredients... bourbon aged pure maple syrup, dark chocolate cacao powder, gourmet Lindt dark chocolate bars, actual vanilla bean pods.... we figured it was about $15 a cup. Marcie and I decided he is where we get our cooking genes from! Everyone brought a game to play with a prize. I think David and Abbey's pizza box game was the best. We laughed so hard. Well, I screamed so hard. Also, Abbey rolling around on the rug trying to get present bows to stick to her was the spazziest, funniest thing I've ever seen. We ended the night chatting with missionary Craig on his birthday! He turned 20 on 2020! Pretty cool!

The Sunday before Christmas was so nice. We still aren't allowed to sing in church but during the special program there were some singing numbers performed. I've never bought all matching ties before so I loved that the whole family was coordinated! We laughed when we saw that the other counselor in the bishopric with Trav was wearing the exact same tie. So he definitely needed to be in our family picture, haha!

Right after our ward, I raced over to my parent's ward because my dad was the only speaker for their Christmas program. Their ward is hard core on the mask parade so it was a little awkward breathing free. When will this be over?!

His talk was wonderful, of course. Mary Jo and Trent's kids did a musical number so Aunt Marcia and Uncle Dea were there. I LOVE my Aunt Marcia so much. She is one of the loveliest ladies I know. Soft spoken, incredibly kind and selfless. And bonus, she reminds me so much of Grandmother. And I miss Grandmother hard. Getting a hug and a picture with her made my day. 

I don't like coffee cake, but Collin loves it, so I decided to make his day and have it for brunch. Luckily, I had just come across this new cinnamon roll, coffee cake recipe from The Food Nanny and it was BOMB. So if you don't mind 3 cubes of butter and 2 cups of sugar in one 9x13 dish, dis is for you. You won't regret it. 

We normally have leftover turkey flautas the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it had to be pushed back a few weeks. Collin was the fryer this year and he did great!

We had our Pre-Christmas Eve program where the kids do their talents. Tanner sang Jingle Bells, Olive played Away in a Manager and the boys did their piano recital numbers. It's fun to see everyone's talents!

I laughed OUT LOUD at this meme! Stupid California and their China state rules. This might as well say Arizona too with them coming here in droves and turning our state blue.

Another Grandma visit and this handyman made good use of his pockets! The boys had a BALL, digging in the retention basin out back. They dug for hours and could have stayed longer. Memories of our childhood playing endlessly in the backyard.

I didn't do a Grinch dinner this year, but I did invite my parents and Marcie's family over for dinner and FHE so we could do the old, traditional Udall program together. It was my favorite Christmas party growing up and we've done it just with our little family for years, but I thought it would be nice to include my mom and more family. It ended up being a really stressful day and I was strung pretty thin as everyone was showing up. I kept trying to give myself mental pep talks and relax. I have been doing so good all month to work on my thoughts and not go to my normal feelings of being grumpy and overwhelmed! And amazingly, it was working! But I failed this day. I wondered if I shouldn't have put this night together, but thankfully, it all ended up great. Reading the Luke 2 scriptures, interspersed with the Christmas hymns was exactly what my spirit needed. It was so cozy sharing it with Marcie's family and my parents. And it ended up being one of my favorite memories this season. I made homemade pizzas anddddd a Yule Log cake! Ha! I wanted to do something a little different and themed, and I found this online. I think I baked it too long because it was sort of tough and dry, unfortunately, but it was a fun dessert to serve! Very labor intensive. Maybe I can try again next year. After dinner and the program, the kids performed their piano songs. Such a special night!

I'll do a separate Christmas post, so this is the rest of December, after Christmas happened. 

Continuing with cakes... I made a chocolate, raspberry torte for Sunday dessert! I've been making this since Buffalo and I've missed it! So fudgy!

Random alert!

Did you ever see clouds so perfectly resemble ocean waves??!

Camilla wins at motherhood. She took Posey out on a girls night date and invited Olive. So grateful for them!! I hope these goofballs always love each other. If Camilla and I have any say at all, it will happen!

Soaking up those puppy snuggles!

Travis went for a yearly check up at the dermatologist and they found some skin cancer right on his sideburn area. It kind of looked like a skin tag. Basil cell carcinoma. Luckily, they were able to get the surgery scheduled before the end of the year which was great, since his deductible had already been met from all his hand surgery stuff. They did the Mohs procedure and needed two takes to get it all. The surgeon did a really nice job stitching him up. You can't even see a scar, although he says his ear buds don't fit quite right now. 

Leah, Sarah, Shelley, Marcie and I squatted at the park for a day! I love these hours of visiting while the kids run amok. And the older they're getting, the easier it's becoming! Leah had to scooter to my house for a potty break and I had to capture it, haha.