Saturday, December 22, 2007

Never Say "Never"!

I did it. I swore I never would. Not only because we are commanded not to, it is immoral, and because we are suppose to be examples for our kids, but because I want to sleep! Carden has not slept through the night in who knows how long. Sometimes up three times a night. I tried everything. Positive praise charts, reasoning, threats, ear plugs, letting him scream for hours only to have him wake Max, letting him go to the bathroom everytime he needed to, you name it. Finally, three nights ago, I did the unthinkable. I lied! I informed Carden about the Sleep Moster, I KNOW!!!!!!, that comes when you are loud at night or get out of your bed.

I always thought people that did these kinds of things were rediculous! Lie to your child. Come on. Well, I have officially joined the club.

I have not heard from him in three nights! I love it and thought I would inform him about the truth but now I may just wait for the story to fade and for him to continue to sleep.

It was perfect timing because I have been sick and very exhausted. Thank goodness I have only had to get up to take care of myself. It is amazing how much better you feel when you sleep more than three hours in a row. I am such a sleep person. Always have been. While in high school, I used to talk to my friend Becky on the phone at 8:30 and then we would go to bed! I need my sleep and even worse, so does Alan. We have been VERY grumpy around our house for awhile and thank the mysterious Sleep Moster for a new found love! SLEEP. I am so excited to go to bed because I used to dread the night time. GOOD NIGHT!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas Adventures

Saturday was a very busy day. We started with a brunch at my Mom's house where Santa showed up bringing gifts for each of the kids. Carden did not want anything to do with Santa and even told me to take back the present he gave him. (He is my strong willed litttle guy right now). Max had no idea what was going on but at least he did not cry on Santa's lap.
Next we headed down to Lindon to ride a miniature train to Santa's work shop. It was sooooo much fun. We watched the Polar Express movie while we waited our turn and then rode the train. It is very Christ centered and I left feeling the spirit of Chirstmas. It is a free activity and well worth the drive! We will definatley do it next year. It was very organized and the kids were SOOOOOO good. Check it out. http://www.stringtown.us/.




Alan stayed home with Max because he has been sick. I ended up in the instacare on Saturday night with him only to discover he had Pink Eye.

I can't believe Christmas is a week and one day away. Guess we should start our shopping. I mean, Alan should start our shopping. He has done it every year and I am VERY happy about that.

Oh, Christmas Tree

First, let me give my sister, Megan (Mimi) a HUGE thank you for helping Carden buy ornaments to decorate his own Christmas tree. It is his "Utah" tree. We cut down two trees the day after Thanksgiving with Alan's brother, John and his wife April. So, a HUGE thank you to them for letting us tag along. This year was much easier. We did not have to hike for hours and I was not eight months pregnant. I just had Max on my hip instead. Our tree may not be the most beautiful tree. It actually is not beautiful at all. But it had MEANING! It has ornaments Alan made starting in the 70's and other random things we have collected over the years.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Viva La Revolucion!

Once again, Alan created a trip for us to take. We started in San Diego where Jer and Suz Strong picked us up. We headed straight to Sea World. It was fun but the Polar Bear, Sharks, and Mantatees were closed. There was only a Shamu show at 2:30 so by the time we got there, Carden was exhausted. He fell asleep and we couldn't wake him until after he opened his eyes for two seconds and happened to see the whale jump in the air. Soon, he was wide awake. He loved it.


We then headed into Las Gaviotos, Mexico and stayed in a beach house. We met up with Matt and Bree Strong, and John and Heather Lake. It was beautiful but a little chilly. We had a fire going in the fire place most the time and I did not break out the flip flops.
We had some locals come and make some authentic food that was DELICIOUS!

We did get our swimsuits out but it was for an evening soak in the hot tub. When we got out it was POURING rain. We ran to the house in streams of water flowing down the street.
All the guys went surfing a few times (that was the main reason for the trip). We went into the little town nearby and bargained for Bubaloo (Gum) and some candies. We also had a lobster dinner that was delicious! We played shuffle board and just hung out all weekend.

Getting back into San Diego for our flight was a great adventure! Thank goodness we fed the kids some food before leaving. We thought it would be an hour or so at the most. When we got to the border, it was taped off with police tape. The second entrance was also. We spent many hours, yes HOURS, in line waiting to get out of the country. Almost four! I am thankful to be an American! We bought handmade churros, roasted corn, and coke from the street vendors while waiting. The kids watched many movies and Susie and I realized how much our husbands are alike! We sure do miss the Strongs...a lot! It was soooo much fun being with them. We made it past the border just in time to hit up an In and Out Burger. We then raced to the airport. We made our flight and came home to our Max. We missed him very much. Thanks again to Grandma and Grandpa for tending! It was nice to have one child on a trip.

Back to the real world! Without a cell phone that is. I left it in Mexico! OOPS! I have not heard the end of that one from my honey! SORRY> Guess we will just have to go back!

We are greatful for wonderful friends and for where we live. We are so blessed and look forward to the next few weeks of holiday parties and time spent with family and friends.