Monday, December 19, 2011
Chippy
Chippy is our elf. Reese insisted that be his name. Christmas is so fun this year. The twins really get it! everyday the first thing they do is look for Chippy. Thanks to pinterest, our elf has had some fun hiding places this year:
Christmas 2011 & Stuff
Wow! Christmas has come fast this year! I guess it always does. I don't normally blog with lots of writing. I am mostly a picture kind of gal. But I have just a couple of things I want to remember about this year, so I'm writing them down! I've had 2 kind of "ah-ha" moments this season. Just little moments of peace and reminders of why I do what I do.
1- Last week we had our first snow. Bodee had been begging me all day to go out in it. But I kept putting him off. Finally at about 4:00 I couldn't put him off any longer. So I bundled him in his snow outfit and sent him out back. I kept hoping one of the other kids would join him, but they all had friends over and didn't want to go out. After about 20 minutes, Bo came knocking at the back door asking me to go make a snowman with him. Really? I mean, the house was a mess, Reese and her friend had just dumped a huge box of fishy crackers down the stairs and the other kids were trampling the crumbs all over the basement. I had been doing some sewing that day so the house was a disaster and I needed to get dinner on. Normal, right? Well I told him to wait while I vacuumed and then I'd go out. I really hoped he'd forget. But when I was done, I saw him sitting on the back porch in the freezing cold all by himself patiently waiting. So I reluctantly threw on my boots and coat and went out to make a snowman with him. I spent about 30 minutes working with him and listening to his sweet chatter about how fun it was to make this big, big snowman. It was so peaceful and fun. Just time when I could focus on only Bodee. I loved every minute. When we were done, he was ready to come in with me. It was perfect. And a good reminder of what is most important. I'm so very glad I took those 30 minutes with him.
2- Last Sunday's choir practice was our last chance to work on and perfect the songs. This week's practice was a full run through with solos. As the practice began, everyone was late and no one brought their music with them. I let them take it home to practice, but if they don't bring it back, we're kind of stuck. About 15 minutes into the practice with people still slinking in and me trying to arrange seating so everyone can see music etc.. I started getting really frustrated! As we started singing and I had the one bass in front me who hardly ever hits the right note. The choir didn't sound good and I was mentally trying to figure out how I would find time that week to fix all the music issues without killing myself in the process. I was losing it and I could feel myself getting super uptight. When all of a sudden it was like a voice said to me "This is the perfect offering". And I remembered that we weren't the mo-tab. I had an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude pour into me for all these faithful choir members who come each week and support me, even though it might not really be their "thing". I instantly was able to focus on the practice, which went beautifully. And then at the end had a chance to express to each of them my feelings for them. It was a really special experience for me.
On a side note: Our choir actually sounds awesome! We may not be the mo-tab, but I've never heard a better ward choir! So much talent! The solo's are perfect. Everything flows beautifully. We actually have to add folding chairs to the seating we have so many people come. Even alot of the young men and women. So I am super proud of them. At the same time feeling super blessed! It will be a beautiful program. Last night the choir gave me the most wonderful gift. This plaque:
I love it so much! I say that to them all the time when I'm tired of rehearsing a certain part, or feel they should have it by then. Or if it's a background type thing and I just don't have anymore time to spend on it. So thoughtful and cute! (Thanks Angie Martinez!)
1- Last week we had our first snow. Bodee had been begging me all day to go out in it. But I kept putting him off. Finally at about 4:00 I couldn't put him off any longer. So I bundled him in his snow outfit and sent him out back. I kept hoping one of the other kids would join him, but they all had friends over and didn't want to go out. After about 20 minutes, Bo came knocking at the back door asking me to go make a snowman with him. Really? I mean, the house was a mess, Reese and her friend had just dumped a huge box of fishy crackers down the stairs and the other kids were trampling the crumbs all over the basement. I had been doing some sewing that day so the house was a disaster and I needed to get dinner on. Normal, right? Well I told him to wait while I vacuumed and then I'd go out. I really hoped he'd forget. But when I was done, I saw him sitting on the back porch in the freezing cold all by himself patiently waiting. So I reluctantly threw on my boots and coat and went out to make a snowman with him. I spent about 30 minutes working with him and listening to his sweet chatter about how fun it was to make this big, big snowman. It was so peaceful and fun. Just time when I could focus on only Bodee. I loved every minute. When we were done, he was ready to come in with me. It was perfect. And a good reminder of what is most important. I'm so very glad I took those 30 minutes with him.
2- Last Sunday's choir practice was our last chance to work on and perfect the songs. This week's practice was a full run through with solos. As the practice began, everyone was late and no one brought their music with them. I let them take it home to practice, but if they don't bring it back, we're kind of stuck. About 15 minutes into the practice with people still slinking in and me trying to arrange seating so everyone can see music etc.. I started getting really frustrated! As we started singing and I had the one bass in front me who hardly ever hits the right note. The choir didn't sound good and I was mentally trying to figure out how I would find time that week to fix all the music issues without killing myself in the process. I was losing it and I could feel myself getting super uptight. When all of a sudden it was like a voice said to me "This is the perfect offering". And I remembered that we weren't the mo-tab. I had an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude pour into me for all these faithful choir members who come each week and support me, even though it might not really be their "thing". I instantly was able to focus on the practice, which went beautifully. And then at the end had a chance to express to each of them my feelings for them. It was a really special experience for me.
On a side note: Our choir actually sounds awesome! We may not be the mo-tab, but I've never heard a better ward choir! So much talent! The solo's are perfect. Everything flows beautifully. We actually have to add folding chairs to the seating we have so many people come. Even alot of the young men and women. So I am super proud of them. At the same time feeling super blessed! It will be a beautiful program. Last night the choir gave me the most wonderful gift. This plaque:
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