Officer Murray

Yesterday, Jason got a ride home from a police officer in one of his classes. When they got home, Jason asked if it would be okay for Spencer to check out his cop car. The officer showed Spencer everything, even letting him turn on the lights. He also locked Spencer in the back, as if he were the "bad guy". Before leaving, the office gave him some police stickers. Spencer thought it was awesome. When he came back in the house he immediately set to work creating a police man costume. After he was all dressed, he asked me to take his picture. After reviewing the picture he said, "Wow! I look just like a real police man."

He made an office in his bedroom and sat at his desk, giving orders. He also kept a close eye on Ben so that he could "arrest him and throw him in jail" at the slightest infraction of the law (or at least his own interpretation of the law). However, he didn't like it when he found out police men still have to follow some rules, like cleaning their rooms. He had to call my dad and ask if police men really have to clean things. He was clearly disappointed when the answer was yes.

He decided that because he looked so cool, he needed to wear his costume to Regan's pinewood derby that night. I told him I thought that was great idea. Pinewood derbys tend to quickly get out of hand. It would probably be wise to have a police officer there to help keep the peace.

He thought that was a great idea too, until we got there. The scouts started asking him if he was getting ready for Halloween. He was suddenly embarrassed and tried hiding under Ben's coat for the remainder of the night. Poor Spence, if only it were possible for him to live in his own little made up world, he'd be content. Unfortunately for him, he must live in reality, which includes scouts who aren't afraid of his authority, and a mom who makes him clean his room.

My First Journal

I was reading through an old journal today and couldn't keep from laughing at my writings, so I thought I'd share. These are excerpts from the journal that I kept at age 8 (click on the pictures if you're having a hard time seeing them). I think you'll agree, my writing talents began at an early age:

I remember the kitten incident. The potato chips? No idea. Maybe we fed them to the dizzy kittens, or maybe we stole them from someones pantry.

Dang it! Here again, I leave vital information out of my description. I guess I wanted to make sure it wouldn't be used against me down the road.

Maybe this was the day that Elise and her sister locked me in her house because I wouldn't eat sweet pickles (true story).

Deep thoughts of an 8 year old.

My first case of theft. I remember it well.

Apparently, I was having a hard time getting over it. At least there's proof I had a conscience, even if I liked swinging kittens in pillowcases.

There she goes again. First stealing, then mud fights. Jaycie was always getting my in trouble.

As you can see, I've always been a talented writer. A loyal friend too. Actually, I'd like to think that I've improved some in both areas over the years.

My Recipe Blog

So I've been relentlessly hounded about the big release of my recipe blog. My cooking has become so famous that people are practically breaking down my door to get to my recipes.
Or maybe not. But I wanted this to seem like an important moment. Sooo.....(drum roll please)

cmrecipebox.blogspot.com

There it is. Actually I've had 2 or 3 people ask about recipes, so I thought it would be fun to create a recipe blog. I think it's more for me than anyone else, but take a look if you'd like. There's not that many recipes yet, but I'll be adding to it often, or at least that's the plan.

The Reality of Santa

Ever since Christmas Spencer has been giving the reality of Santa a lot of thought. I could tell it was on his mind by the comments he was making and the questions he was asking. Then, the other day, he asked that dreaded question, "Mom, was it really you that put all the things in my stocking? Please tell me the truth. PLEASE!"
How can I lie after that? I couldn't. "Yes, it was me."
Now, you have to know that I've come to expect the unexpected from Spencer. His mind works in curious ways. I'm often surprised and/or amused by the things that come out of his mouth. However, I was not expecting to hear what came out of his mouth next. In fact, it came as such a surprise that my only response was to burst out laughing.
After learning that I was responsible for stuffing the stockings, his eyes grew real wide, and he leaned his head in close to mine, then in all sincerity he whispered, " So, you're Mrs. Claus?"

Gingerbread House Success (for the most part)

After last year's gingerbread nightmare, I decided to try and make my own this year. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I made 4 batches of gingerbread dough the night before Christmas eve. Christmas eve morning I cut out the houses and baked them. No problems so far. Putting them up is where it gets tricky. We had a few cracks and breaks, but nothing a little hot glue wouldn't fix. That's one lesson I learned this year. Hot glue is a must in constructing gingerbread houses. Nobody actually eats the gingerbread anyway, so why not glue it.

I had enough dough for an extra house, so I joined the kids in decorating. It was fun. Ben was so excited that he was allowed to make a huge mess and eat a huge amount of candy and no was trying to stop him. He kept putting things up on his house and then eating it a minute later. He really had fun. This is what it looked like when he was finished:

Spencer later took over Ben's and finished it.






And, the finished products....

Family Pictures

We finally had our family pictures done today. Some friends of ours have all the equipment and were nice enough to take the pictures for us (thanks Matt and Trisha). We usually like to do outdoor photos, but it wasn't really an option with the weather.

Ben had woken up this morning with red, crusty, swollen eyes, so we weren't sure if we wanted to get the pictures done. Our friends don't live in town, so we decided we'd better go through with it, it's been two years since our last pictures. His eyes were still red by the time we got there, but not as bad as they had been.

As you can see from my blog header, it didn't take long for Ben to grow tired of picture taking. We did get a few cute shots, however. Here are a few of my favorites. I played with the coloring a bit on some of them.

Weston:

Ben:

Spencer:

Regan:

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas...

Thanks Mom, for all the thought and effort you put into these gifts, and the reminders of what's most important. I wish you could be here with us. Love ya.
Also, Merry Christmas to all our friends and family. I didn't bother getting cards out this year, but we love you all and hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Sorry for the blur.