Ewwww!

My oldest is growing up! Just this past week, kisses seem to be dis-gus-ting. Not sure what the change is, but now the sight or sound of smooches between me and his daddy gross him out. "Mommy " kisses are still acceptable, but kissing between boys and girls is yucky. This morning as I kissed Kit good-bye (a quick peck) I was informed by Jos that "it vexes his mind when we kiss." Where does he come up with this stuff?

That's okay. I don't mind him being grossed out by kissing...so long as it lasts 'til he gets home from his mission.

Blogging Stumped!

Or should I say blogging slump? Blehh! I hate when I can't think of anything to blog about...it is not that NOTHING is happening, just nothing noteworthy. Well, a lot of what I blog about isn't worthy, but you know what I mean. I thought I'd just share a few random things, if only to get something new up on my page.

We recently acquired another member to our household...Jean-Luc. He is a charming Elf, straight from the Cajun Elf-on-the-Shelf Academy. Where, I have been told by Josiah, he learned how to NOT move at all, not even to blink. He appeared in our house leaving a book for my sons to find. Josiah knew exactly who he was, since he has a special elf in his classroom, Jingles, and he heard about Demetri, his cousins' Russian elf. Gavin had a smidgen of doubt that poor Jean-Luc was real, he even poked him a few times with a piece of paper (not his finger in case he was real and would take away his magic) to prove he was just a doll, but Josiah claimed his fortitude was acquired with the training he has received. I was even so silly as to mention I thought Jean-Luc winked at me...Josiah promptly responded "Mom, he's not allowed to wink! Sometimes it is easy to imagine things, isn't it." My children have all been won over and look with anticipation each morning to see where our silly elf is hiding to watch our family.

Another fun addition to our house has been a darling nativity set my dad sent us. Crazy to think, but I didn't have a nativity set until he was so thoughtful and set me one. I never bought one out of the dollar store in avoidance of wings, etc and at least the ones I saw were kinda bleh. As a new tradition we have added a few pieces each night and discussed who they are and what part they have in the Christmas Story. My boys have been so cute in their anticipation and have reminded me to add the pieces each time. I love to see the Spirit of Christmas in their eyes and hear them speak about the real reason for this fabulous holiday time.

We are getting ready to go home to Oklahoma for Christmas. We haven't spent it with the Holyoak clan since Gavin was born, whew! four years ago! It will be a production, but oh-so-fun, with my sisters' and their families there and Mack, too. We will be missing my brother, Jesse, but we will definitely be thinking about him in Japan. So far away, often too far away!!!

Life just seems to be making its way...slowly at times and too quickly at others. I'm feeling large and bulky one day, then claiming I'm not nearly as big as I was with Gunner others. My boys make us smile and laugh, then pull our hair. Life carries on in its crazy, fabulous way.

Splurges

I was pondering splurges today. You know, adding up the little things I do for myself. I don't view myself as selfish really (but then, do you know a selfish person who does?-so, I'm hoping I'm not just deluding myself), but I have a few luxuries I allow myself. To start, I adore paper plates. I know, I know...I'm killing the world single-handedly with my splurge, but I don't have a dishwasher. Not an excuse, but I ABHOR dishes. Truly, it is my most hated chore and I would rather mop floors, do laundry and clean toilets than wash as many dishes as we produce by hand 3 times a day. Which brings me to my next splurge-bleach tablets for the toilets. Fabulous! I love the smell of bleach every time the toilet is flushed AND how easy the toilet is to clean. I also love color catchers for the laundry. They are my peace of mind in case of color mishaps. Love 'em!

I splurge on my appearance, too. I love the look of my nails being done, but cannot afford the upkeep. To keep my man-hands from looking so manly, I splurge and buy fake nails and apply them myself once a week or so. Ahhh, well manicured hands for a fraction of the cost. I'm going gray(blehhh!!!) and I am so not okay with it! So, to combat the old-tired mommy creeping in, I dye. I {{heart}} those little boxes. Phew, keep that gray away!

I also keep easy foods on hand for my beasties' lunches. Ramen and chicken nuggets have a continual place here in my home. I love the convenience of the quick fix for their hunger. Saves time; makes me smile!

Are you as selfish as I am? Or, am I telling you all my deep, dark secrets? I love hearing about other people's favorites and can't-do-withouts.

Thankful

Today I am thankful for the Thanksgiving break we were able to enjoy in a beach house with my in-laws. We had such a fun time and I love spending time with my sisters-in-laws and their families. I love how we've gotten closer over the years and they are such strong women. Every time I am around them I learn so much. Sydnee has older children than mine and I love listening to her experience raising them and being a stay-at-home mom. Her opinions on literature, the world and the gospel are invaluable to me. I love being with Ashlee and sharing the experiences we are having with our 2 year olds and being preggo together. She is so strong- working and having her sweetie gone often.

My little beasties had a blast! Picture scrawny little white boys in their boxer briefs, which somehow are still baggy on them, frolicking multiple times a day in the sand and water. I don't know how they didn't turn into little red-headed popsicles in view of the cooler weather and water, but they survived and thrived with enough energy to run in circles around the house.

I am also thankful for my brother, Mack. He was such a help on this trip! He was everywhere lending a helping hand with the kids, dishes and excitement :) ! I'm glad he survived to tell tales!

I am also thankful for the Thanksgiving season and for the segway it lends to put us in the right state of mind for the Christmas season. May my family remember the true reason for Christmas and be filled with love for our Savior.

Thankful for Primary Programs

Today I am thankful for Primary Programs. I don't know another time when you can watch children roll around, pick their noses, make odd faces and sing in funny voices and still feel the spirit so strongly. The children's sweet spirits come through and the Holy Ghost testifies of the truthfulness. Beautiful. Hilarious. I had the best seat in the house today (up by the podium) and had to laugh at a first for me. I got to witness a little boy pretending to be a beaver (thankfully NOT one of mine) and lick and gnaw on the seats. No means of persuasion could get him to stop. Truly funny, a little gross, but very, very funny.

Thankful for Freedom

Today I am so very thankful (as many of you are) for the wonderful country we live in. I am thankful for those who have fought and died to protect the rights of men and those who have fought and lived to stand as testimony to our need to protect those rights. I am also so very thankful for the fathers, mothers, wives and children who let their loved ones go with their support. How blessed we are!!

Thankful for Wal-mart

Wal-mart? I know...but when you practically live there, you gotta be thankful for it sometime. Despite often having limp produce, too little parking and WAY too many people, it fits my needs. I adore the fact I have one less than 2 minutes away and on a whim I can drive there for WHATEVER I might need. (Not to mention the quick little time-out I can give myself for these quick little errands!) Fabulous, let me tell you!