Happy Birthday Mitchell

Our Christmas baby turned one. One fast and furious year. Mitchie is...fun, loud, stubborn, the center of attention, busy, rough, a buddy to the brothers, and a show and tell for the sisters. What would we do without our little Mitch.

A Visit With Santa

So the boys and I went to the mall yesterday to visit Santa Claus and take the morning to be part of the Christmas hustle and bustle. We got an early start so the line would be bearable. Right when we got there Nate ran up to the little fence that encloses Santa and started calling his name and waving with a big grin and eyebrows raised like they are long lost friends. After waiting in the line it was finally the boy's turn to tell Santa their wishes. This Santa was a very cute Santa, he had a nice little visit with the boys asking them specific questions. He took the time to get out of his chair and walk over to Mitch and I and talk to Mitchell and hand him a coloring book. Then he had remembered Carter and Nathan's names and gave them a big hug.

Well, after the Santa experience was over, I couldn't resist walking into Willam Sanoma (risky with the little ones). We have wanted to get one of those fancy ice cream scoopers with the anti-freeze for a while. After several don't touch just look comments, we made it to the check out line with our scooper. While waiting in line, Nathan accidentally knocked over a display holding two big jars of scented oil. There was a loud crash, glass breaking and oil splattering all over a lady's nice dress pants. Nathan turned white and was apologizing to me as I was to the employee's. I purchased my item and couldn't get out of there fast enough. We were all quite embarrassed. As I was walking away, I knew I needed to go back and apologize specifically to the lady with the ruined pants. So we turned around and I had Carter and Nathan wait on a bench outside of the store while I went in real quick. I found the lady and told her how sorry I was. She was a bit irritated which is understandable and said that the store had offered to pay for the dry cleaning expenses. I offered my name and number and to replace her pants, but she declined and told me she understands. I started crying and told her that I really am sorry, she said she could tell and that she appreciated the apology and to enjoy Christmas with the children . As I was walking out of the store, an employee followed me and gave me a hug and told me not to let this ruin my day. I am so grateful for understanding, compassionate people and for my little people who keep me humble and on my toes :)

It wasn't until we were in the car on the way home (at least 30 min. later) that Nathan's chin started to quiver. I asked him what the matter was and he said he was sad because of the whole incident. I am always learning new things about my kids, and what I have learned about Nate, is that he doesn't ever want to show emotion in public. He kept that all inside of him until he was in a safe place. I love being a mom.

Monday Memory

Bratzlies are a Swiss cookie made from balls of dough pressed in a hot waffle-like iron. After they have been pressed, they are removed from the iron to cool on a rolling pin which give them a curved shape. The cookies are very thin and crunchy, almost like a chip.

Bratzlie making is a Carter family tradition at Christmas time. My father made these Christmas cookies with his grandmother and the tradition carries on with my family and the families of my married brother's and sister.

I loved making bratzlies with my Dad. My Mom rolled out long snake like pieces of dough which she then cut into individual balls to be pressed. My Dad's job was the pressing and my job was to place the dough on the iron. This is a job that cannot be accomplished without an occasional burn. My goal was to get the ball of dough in the exact spot so my Dad wouldn't adjust them with his wooden spatula. Even if I did get it right in the middle, it seems he always had to to a little adjusting.



The smell of bratzlies cooking bring feelings of warmth, family, Christmas, joy, and love. I am so grateful for this family tradition and find so much joy in continuing the tradition with my family.

:)

Last night as we were praying at the dinner table, I peeked (I get this from my Dad). What I saw was Nathan waving at Mr. Peeps up in our wreath with a cute smile on his face. Doug and I got a chuckle out of this. Christmas is magical at this age. Nathan is definitely our Christmas boy.

As Doug was tucking in Carter last night he asked him if the toothfairy had come the night before. Carter said that he had (in our house the fairy is a he). Carter continued to say, "Dad, I think that you are the toothfairy, and Santa Claus, and the Halloween Witch too." Doug dismissed the idea with a tickle, a hug and kiss. I think the tip off might have been the Halloween Witch candy that was left under his pillow!

Toothless

Thanks Grandpa for the help. Doug has been working on this tooth for the last week and when we were in Salt Lake my Dad sent him home with the perfect tooth extraction tool called "Dr. Slick". Needless to say, the toothfairy made a visit to our home last night.

Mr. Peeps Update:

This is our first year with Mr. Peeps. He didn't move last night because somebody touched him and his magic fades with each touching, but he is keeping a good eye on our behaviour. We like having him around :)

Mr. Peeps

Christmas is approaching, and this is the day,

Santa has sent Mr. Peeps to your house to stay.



He sends this small elf to your house and mine,

The day after Thanksgiving. He must be on time.



Mr. Peeps has a purpose. His purpose will be,

To whisper to Santa all the good that he sees.



Soon after he gets here, he moves only at night.

To high places, low places, he stays in plain sight.



In the kitchen, for instance, he sits high on a shelf.

Mr. Peeps can sit anywhere, for he is an elf.



He holds very still when he thinks you are watching.

His magic is precious, it fades with one touching.



He sits in the tree on Christmas Eve day.

He knows that Santa is soon on his way.



He waits and he waits without making a noise.

He waits until Santa arrives with the toys.



So you better be nice and mind what you say

because Mr. Peeps will tell Santa when he comes with his sleigh.



Once Christmas is here and Santa has come,

Mr. Peeps must leave, for his job is well done.



But, he will return next year on the very same day,

To watch your behavior as you work and you play.



-Sharon Reynolds

Dressed in White

We enjoyed a quick weekend trip to Salt Lake for Grace's Baptism. It was so neat to be able to have the baptism with her cousin and so many family members with us. It was an added gift to wake up to the ground covered in snow with big fluffy flakes falling throughout the day. What a special way to start out the month of December.

What a fun surprise to have girlfriends brave the storm to be with us. We love these girls and can't wait to get together soon. Thanks for coming :)

Monday Memory

Today, I am looking back to this time last year. I was big, uncomfortable, anxious, and excited to bring a new little spirit into our home. I was also totally prepared for Christmas. This time last year I was wrapped and ready to go; this year . . . I am just beginning. I never wanted to have a baby so close to Christmas, (Mitch was born on the 19th). It is such a busy time as it is, without adding to the chaos with a birthday, but I would have to say that last year Christmas was a sweet and memorable one for our entire family. The spirit that this new little baby brought into our home was so abundant. I am thankful to have been given this gift.

Christmas Eve

Chtistmas Morning