Christmas!

Christmas celebrations are made for kids. We are so tired but had so much fun with the boys. We managed to have the presents ready and a yummy breakfast of sausage, eggs, french toast and hot chocolate which the boys thoroughly enjoyed. They are just now exploring all of the new toys but the new sippie cups from cousin Linda were and instant hit.


Technicaly, it wasn't their first Christmas, but last year at 2 weeks old, they didn't react much to the activities. On Christmas Eve we went to Debbie and John's for a great of ham, citrus ginger sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, Amazing Salad, and Swedish rice pudding. It was all followed by a fun Christmas program. Michael and Sam loved dancing through the house singing "Nu Ar Det Yul Igen."

Last year Micahel was the baby Jesus, though but this year he made a dashing shepherd with a striking resemblance to a Jedi Youngling in his khaki gettup.








Sam and I were wise men. As this is possibly the worst picture of me EVER just look at Sam putting the crown on his own head. Way to go, Sammy!
The best part of Christmas was two Sundays before when Josh and I turned on all of the twinkle lights and wrapped the boys' gifts while we watched A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott. We opened one present that night - snowmen hot chocolate mugs with a frother and some Williams Sonoma peppermint hot chocolate from Dave and Liz. It really felt like Christmas. All month Michael has been pointing at the nativity sets and lights and tree and asking me "That?" I have loved showing them to him and explaining what Christmas is and why we have it. I tried to explain that without Jesus there would be no Christmas, no earth, no hope, no light, no . . . anything! All of this transpired while listening to Christmas music and feeling so grateful for the Savior and for children to teach about Him.

Another highlight was attending the local Lucia program on Saturday, December 15 at the Sweden House Swedish embassy in Washington. It turned out to be a performance for families only, no audience, and as I danced around the tree holding Sam, I cried with joy. He loved it and I was so happy to be passing on that tradition. We may be able to have the boys be star boys next year!

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So, because it was the first one with the boys aware of things and because I practically slept through it last year, this Christmas will be one I always remember.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday(s)

Happy Birthday to Michael and Samuel! Although they were still recovering from the stomach flu, Michael and Sam were still able to enjoy their birthday.

The day was pretty low-key with the exception of several spontaneous performances of the Happy Birthday song by mommy, but as dinner time approached I decided that sick or not, you have to have a cake on your birthday. So I made a vanilla cake - two 9" rounds - and frosted one in blue for Michael and one in green for Sam. Those have become their colors for things like bath towels, sippy cups and toothbrushes.

Josh got home early and we all ate dinner together. The boys were thrilled with their birthday cards. They kicked and giggled and spend a long time looking at and comparing them. They liked Granny's the best with the little boy and his dog in a rocket. Granny knows boys!

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It has been the best and busiest year of our lives. The busy part doesn't even matter. We have had so many moments where we're just full of joy and awe that we have a little family. Christmas has been especially wonderful as I have explained almost daily what the nativity set and Christmas tree are for. I cry a lot and I laugh a lot and my heart has grown about a million sizes.

Michael ate his little piece of cake in bites like a big kid.
I love you Michael Bear!

Sam preferred the approach where you lick all of the frosting off the cake before you eat it.
I love you Sammy Angus!

They loved their new walkers, books, and jack in the box. They're really moving on to toddler toys and have been having fun with them since they opened them. Of course, opening them was enough fun in itself!

Here's a reminder of how they looked last December.


We can't wait to live each day of the next year with our sweethearts.

A Flu Christmas

I've been inside for almost 2 weeks straight and had time to write this little ditty to the tune of Elvis' "A Blue Christmas". I know it's too long but I had to record the whole experience.

We had the flu with two little babies.
If you've had it too, you know it gives you the crazies.
Plus their dad sure feels bad, it’s the worst flu he’s had
Yes, we had the flu and two babies.

On Monday night, little Sam didn’t feel right.
He couldn’t sleep and we heard a little peep.
Josh picked him up, he threw up, and I had to clean up
Then we had the flu and two babies.

Then Tuesday night, little Michael didn’t feel right.
He couldn’t sleep and we heard a familiar peep.
His bed and his head – it was all cover-ed!
Then he had the flu, my poor babies.

Then Thursday night, Daddy Josh didn’t feel right.
He stayed in bed and I said I can't handle this.
But the days all went by, and the flu passed me by

'Cause I never caught it from the babies.

I did my best to keep up with the mess.
Towels, sheets, and clothes, heaven knows, laundry woes.
Then what to feed? What do they need? When’s the last time they peed?
Now I have two dehydrated babies.

We watched TV, quietly, by the Christmas tree.
We drank sports drinks, looked up web links, used up the Lysol.
On the couch, my bed made, oh yes I sure prayed!
And I never caught it from the babies.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful visit from Grandma and Grandpa. Within minutes of their arrival Dad was reading books to Michael and they became instant friends. Sam was teething and took a little longer to warm up but both boys loved the one on one attention.

Our table wasn't fit for royalty, but we had turkey, rolls, and all the fixin's and we listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "Bless This House" as we ate, so it felt like home.


The boys became so attached that they crawled all around the house the day they left looking for them. We had fun just hanging out in our pajamas and eating meal after meal.

Grandpa did the dishes for me after every meal and Grandma helped with all of the cooking and even took the stroller out for a spin!

We watched "The Shop Around the Corner", got PF Chang's takeout, and Josh and I even got to go out and buy the boys birthday presents and go out on a date.

Now that they're gone we miss them as much as the boys do. Thanks for such a fun visit!