Christmas Tree Hunt

We finally got around to getting our tree yesterday. Because it's so much work to do the whole Christmas decorating thing, I've
been procrastinating. But, realizing that we had less than 2 weeks before Christmas, I decided we'd better get with it. Sometimes I think it would be a lot easier to just go and buy an already cut down tree from the store. In fact, we did do that one year, and the tree was dry and dead by the time Christmas rolled around. So, we prefer to get our permit from the BLM and head up the canyon to pick out a tree.

This year, the boys hiked about 1 1/2 miles before finding the perfect tree.

Back at home, we spent the evening pulling all the decorations out of the shed and making a mess decorating. Then, this morning I did a little re-decorating while the boys were away.

It was a lot of work, but I'm glad we did it. The boys enjoy it so much, and it really gets us in the Christmas spirit. Jason even put the lights up on the house. Just in time too, the snow is starting to fly. It's finally starting to feel like Christmas.

Abo

That's what we called our "survival" trips when we worked at Anasazi. I guess it's short for "aborigine". In order to experience an Abo, you must survive off the land for at least one night, preferably longer if you really want the full experience. You're allowed to bring water and clothing (only what you're already wearing), but that's it.
So last week, Regan decided he was ready to experience his first Abo. He and Jason decided to go Friday after school. Preparation was a breeze, since there was nothing to pack. They hopped in the car and headed off to Three Peaks, about twenty minutes west of here.

I was honestly surprised when they didn't return home until after 9:00 the next morning; I was expecting them home long before the sun came up, given that the temperature got down

to 18 degrees during the night. They looked pretty dirty and tired, but were excited to tell me all about it.

After arriving at Three Peaks, they set out on foot. Right away Jason found a sharp rock shard (pictured at left) that would come in useful later. They walked a half mile or so before finding a cave that they decided would make a good camping spot. It was a small cave, one that would barely fit the two of them, laying down. They used leaves and shredded bark for bedding. By the time they had gathered some fire material and settled in, it was dark. So Jason went to work. Using his rock shard and the fire material he had gathered, he made a hand drill and tried getting a coal. It was pretty tricky working in the dark. I think they were starting to feel a little anxious, so Regan decided to say a prayer. About ten minutes later they finally saw a coal, which Jason quickly turned into a roaring fire. They sat around the fire telling stories; Regan loves to hear stories about Jason when he was a kid. Eventually they settled into the cave for sleep. Jason woke sometime in the middle of the night, freezing cold. The fire had gone out a while before. He shoved some shredded bark into his shoes for insulation, then decided to see if he could get the fire going again. Luckily, he was able to find a coal, so he didn't have to start from the beginning. As he got the fire going again, the smoke quickly started to fill their little cave. He grabbed a fast asleep Regan by the ankles and yanked him out of the cave, which left Regan trying to figure out where the heck he was and what had just happened to him. Needless to say, they didn't get much sleep. I suppose that's to be expected on these types of trips.

When morning finally came, they hiked around for a little while before heading home.

When I asked Jason if they had fun, he replied, "Well....no, I don't think either one of us really enjoyed ourselves."

"Oh. So what's the point?"

He told me they actually had fun in the beginning and fun at the end, but trying to make it through the night was NOT fun. I agree. I've spent a few too many nights awake, freezing, and praying for the sun to rise, while working at Anasazi. No. Thank. You. I think my Abo days are over, at least in the winter time. I guess it's just another one of those things, you do it, not to have fun, but to know that you can do it. A sense of accomplishment, I suppose. That, or insanity.

Colorful Dreams

In case you've ever wondered what would happen if you put a Crayola marker in your pajamas before going to bed....

Santa

Tonight was our ward Christmas party. Jason had to work, so I wasn't sure it would be worth trying to take the kids by myself. I decided to go, mostly because I didn't want to cook dinner. As we were walking through the door of the church the kids let me know they were supposed to be dressed up for the nativity. Oops. Weston missed his evening nap and was beyond tired. He cried for at least 45 minutes before he finally fell asleep. I found out Ben really likes ham. He must of eaten 5 slices before I finally convinced him to stop. I felt bad for letting him eat so much after hearing that they ran out of food.

The real fun started when Santa came. Ben was standing in the aisle when Santa headed his way. He literally dove into the nearest chair and started crying. One of our friends picked him up and held him at the back of the room. He was terrified, to the point of shaking. We tried telling him that Santa was nice and gives out candy, but he wanted nothing to do him. He didn't take his eyes off him the whole time he was there and refused to be put down until Santa had clearly left the building.

When we got home, Spencer decided to show Ben what a nice guy Santa is. He got all dressed up and brought his bag of toys. Ben looked a little startled at first, but quickly recovered and climbed on "Santa's" lap. I think he suspected that it was Spencer. I'm not sure what gave it away. Maybe he recognized his size 2T pants that Santa didn't quite fit into.

I think this was helpful for him. Seeing the thing you fear the most dressed in pants five sizes too small has to help you overcome that fear.

(Whoops! Santa shouldn't bend over while wearing size 2T pants.)

Regan's 9th Birthday

Regan is my easy child. I'm not picking favorites, he's just lower maintenance than some of my other children. He's a good student, he does what is asked of him without making a big deal about it, he's a good friend, and he still likes to hang out with us. I gave him the choice again this year between having a party with his friends or doing something with me and Jason. He chose to do something with us. He wanted eat dinner at Rusty's, a nice restaurant up the canyon that Jason and I go to every year on our anniversary. I'm sure we would have spent less money by throwing a party, but it sure was easier, by far. We left all the other kids with a friend so it would be just the three of us. He thought it was really cool. So did Jason. We almost never go out to eat, so I think Jason was just about as excited as Regan. He's already been suggesting to Regan what restaurant to choose next year.
It was a nice evening, and the food was really good. We only ordered an appetizer, an extra salad, and one entree for all of us, and we still had leftovers. We were all stuffed, which is impressive, considering how much Jason and Regan can eat. Then they brought out some delicious chocolate truffle pie with a candle in it, and had the whole restaurant sing to him.
After dinner, we picked up the kids and went home for presents and cake, but we decided we were still too full to eat any cake, so we saved it for the next day.


I've decided I really like these types of birthdays. I suggested to Spencer that he do the same for his birthday. He was clearly appalled by my suggestion. I guess two easy kids in one family is too much to ask.

Bread and Butter...

or butter and bread. After getting Ben out of the bath yesterday, I ran downstairs to grab his clothes. Back upstairs, I found him making a little treat. Comfort food , I guess. Who wouldn't want to eat a pound of butter on a slice of bread...in the buff? Still, as much as I like to watch him enjoy his food, I couldn't let him eat his "heart attack on bread" treat. That did not go over well. But neither does anything else with him, so, oh well.

Six Months!

Weston just turned 6 months. Here are the results:

16 lbs 6 oz 25%

28 inches 91%

Head 17.25 48%

He's started this new 'sticking his tongue out' thing. It's hard to get a picture of him without it hanging out.

He's a good baby. He loves to grin at people. He loves to be in the backpack, which is where he spends probably 80% of his wake time. I don't know how I'd survive without it, it's the only way I can get anything done.

With him being my last (99.9% sure), I'm really enjoying him just being a baby.