The Grinch

*Day 362*

How the Grinch stole Christmas (the Dr. Seuss version) is my favorite Christmas movie.  I was going to list some of my favorite quotes form it, then I realized that I have too many.  I will just refer you to the book.  OK, I'll pick one.  "The Grinches small heart grew three sizes that day."  And I'm holding myself back from adding more. 

We just finished watching this show on TV.  I love that my son can quote it and has just as many favorite parts as I do.  The whole show is someones favorite part.  And Logan can point out the differences between the movie and the book.  Like, in the movie the Grinch uses black thread to tie a big horn on the top of Max's head.  In the book, he uses red. 

Classic show, and it has a great meaning.  We read the book yesterday, the movie today, and I'm sure it's not the last time we'll read or see it this holiday season.

It's Nice To Be Loved

*Day 361*

Sometimes it's nice to feel loved.  I work at my sister Lynn's house.  She has this adorable little girl that I've seen just about every day of her life.  (Now if seeing your aunt every day of your life isn't just the coolest thing ever, I don't know what is.... j/k.)  Jessica is, well, Jessica, and I love the girl, but sometimes I'm glad I don't have to take her home with me.  She's 3, what more do I have to say.  But, somedays, I would do anything for her.  I mean she loves her aunt (me)!  When I left today she gave me a hug, kiss and the electric "I love you" sign.  Then she told me to come back again.  I told her I'd come back tomorrow.  And she got excited!  Like I don't come back every day.  One day not too long ago, one of the kids left while Jessica was in the bathroom.  She heard me tell them goodbye when they went out the door.  She started crying and throwing a fit because she thought I left and she didn't get to hug me or tell me to come back.  When I yelled to her I was still there, she calmed down.  It's really sweet to feel so loved.  But this new one takes the cake. 

But this has to start with... Backstory!  When I was three I nearly choked to death.  Here is my version of the story.  Put together from what I remember in my unconscious state and what I have heard over and over through the years.  We'd been grocery shopping.  We got home and Renae, who was a baby, was hungry.  So was I, but being the middle child, no one cared about that.  (Just kidding, that's for you mom!)  Anyway, mom, was feeding the baby.  (I don't hold anything against Renae.)  I just got too hungry, so I decided to do something about it.  We had bought this loaf of bread at the store.  I took a big bite out of it.  Then, I choked on it.  My mom was still feeding the baby.  Sherry, bless her, noticed something was wrong, and went to tell mom that I was turning blue.  Mom came and got me.  She tried to get the bread out, but couldn't.  She started to call 911, then I passed out and she had to stop dialing the number to catch me.  This was old rotary phone times, so she had to start dialing again.  Still she couldn't get the bread out.  She put her finger in my mouth, and I bit it!  Then, she remembered this new thing that they had just learned in Relief Society.  So, she tried the Heimlich maneuver.  (Really, it was new!  I just figured people had always known the Heimlich maneuver.  How many people died from choking before they figured this out?  And, so glad my mom goes to Relief Society.)  Anyway, with my tiny unconscious body trying to slip out of her hands, she tried the Heimlich maneuver.  The bread finally popped out.  Then the neighbor came in to see what was going on because the paramedics were there but no one was opening the door.  I remember waking up.  My mom was sitting at the table, holding me, soaking her finger in a bowl of ice water.  I think that's when she cried.  I have always admired my mom's ability to get through a crisis with a calm head.  If she breaks down, it's always after everyone is OK and taken care of.  I hope that I inherited that quality from her.  And, I'm also glad I haven't been tested yet to see if I have it.  But, mostly, I am just grateful for mom for saving my life.  When I sit and think about what really could have happened in that situation.......  Well, I love my mom, and I'm glad I'm here today.  So, that's my backstory.

This weekend, Jessica and some of my other nieces and nephews were eating at my mom and dad's.  Jessica has this new bad habit of stuffing tons of food in her mouth.  And she doesn't like to sit still and eat.  (Ask Lynn, I'm very sensitive to the threat of choking.  I am always telling the kids to be careful so they don't choke.)  Anyway, Jessica was running around with food in her mouth, so my mom told the kids the story of when I almost choked to death.  (Logan loves to hear that story too.  It's one of his most requested.  Maybe he likes to see me cry.)  Well, that night when Jessica said her prayers, she stopped to ask Lynn if it was her mom that saved me, Lynn told her yes, so Jessica continued,  "Thanks for moms mom for saving Aunt Kirsty so she can be with us today."  Isn't that just sweetest thing you ever heard!  Yeah, sometimes it's just nice to know that you are so loved.   Electric "I love you"!

Fingernails

*Day 360*

Oh my gosh, I finally made it to the 60's!  That means this is my last week of blogging everyday.  Wow.

Logan wanted to paint my fingernails.  He also did my toenails. 

Strawberry Shortcake

*Day 359*

Looking around at toys and gifts for Christmas I notice that a lot of the toys we had as kids are back again for our children to enjoy.  Seeing them brings back some childhood memories and remind me of the things I loved as a kid.  Well, here's a weird, random memory that came up after seeing these toys.  I was talking to my sister, Sherry,  the other and she mentioned that there was a sale on Strawberry shortcake dolls and she was planning on getting some for her daughter.  It instantly reminded me of the Strawberry shortcake doll that Sherry had when we were kids.  It actually smelled like strawberries.  We were playing with it one day (and by playing with it, I mean smelling it.  That's all I ever remember doing with it.) and one of my little brothers (I don't remember which one) wanted to smell it.  So Sherry it up by his nose and when she pulled it away, there was a big booger on Strawberries hat.  It wasn't intentional, but funny.  I wonder if that's when Sherry became a germaphobe?  

Thanksgiving Celebration

*Day 358*

We went to Salt Lake yesterday for Thanksgiving dinner with my family.  Now it's been a couple of days since this "blizzard".  I figured they had plenty of time to clear the roads for holiday travelers and we would be fine driving down.  The roads were ice packed!  We were skidding and moving maybe 20 mph.  By the time we got to Wellsville, Matt was talking about turning around because he didn't want to drive all the way in those conditions, besides we wouldn't be there in time for dinner.  But, we went on and found Sardine Canyon in perfect condition.  Wha?  I guess they concentrated all their efforts on the canyon and didn't worry about city streets.  Oh, well, at least we made it the rest of the way at a decent speed.  And, we were on time for dinner.

Dinner was great and then we got to enjoy some basketball and football.  Good times.  Then it was time for what Matt has termed "Pie Fest".  OK, so maybe we get a little carried away with our pies sometimes.  You have to have the traditional, but then this is the oly time of year the I make/eat pie, so we have to try some new stuff.  Like eggnog pie, pumpkin spice cake, orange cream, cookies and cream, cherry chocolate, pumpkin cheesecake, peanut butter pie, and so on and so forth.  So, you kind of end up with a lot of pie.   I think it's OK when we eat "dinner" around lunch time and then have pie for dinner. 

Today we got to go Matt's dads and enjoy another delicious meal.  And some fun games.  Me and Matt rocked at pictionary!  Cornstartch!  Unfortunately, Matt is the only that can decipher my drawing, and because of a late night last night, my brain shut down half way through the girls vs. boys game, and I wasn't much help.  Sorry ladies.  I still had fun laughing at myself. 

I love this time of year.  We get to spend time with family, play games and eat food.  Bring on Christmas!

Thanksgiving

*Day 357*

Family and food.  Two of my favorite things! 

Pie

*Day 356*

Ahhhhh..... pies are finished.  Apple, Banana Cherry Cream and Coconut Cream.  Now the hard part.  Waiting!

Blizzard!

*Day 355*

Well, we got notice last night that the schools would let out early today because of the blizzard warning.  I've lived in Utah my whole life and I only remember ever having one snow day in all my years of school.  It snowed a few feet overnight, and they cancelled school.  So, we stayed home and played in the snow all day.  I was in middle or high school.  Me and Renae wanted to make use of our day off, but we didn't have good boots or gloves.  We knew that if we could keep dry, we would be able to play outside longer.  So, we used bread bags to keep us warm.  We put on socks, then a bread bag, then more socks and then our shoes.  We did the same for our hands.  When we were little, and didn't have gloves, my mom used to put socks on our hands to keep them warm.  So, we put socks on out hands, then a bag, then more socks, and went out to play.  It worked!  We played outside forever, and we didn't get wet, so we stayed warm. 

One time when I was in college, they cancelled church because it was so cold.

Today I lived through my first blizzard.  It wasn't as bad as I expected a blizzard to be.  Of course, I planned to be home, and stay home.  It did get very windy for a while.  And there was snow that made it very hard to see.  At some points, we could barely see the neighbors house.  And, I think the school district feels justified for the early release.  The storm blew in, right at time that we would have been going to pick Logan up from school.  I think the storm has mostly passed now.  We have a bout 8-10 inches of snow, and it is cold.  But, we survived.  And we didn't even loose power.  So, while we were waiting out the storm, we introduced Logan to another classic.  We watched the "Princess Bride" while drinking hot chocolate.  He liked it, laughed in the right places and went to bed quoting, "mawrage, mawrage, is what brings us togever today." 

Now, I hope it's about done, because I have to go shopping tomorrow for my Thanksgiving food.

Happy Birthday Daddy P!

*Day 354*

When I married Matt, I was blessed with some wonderful in laws.  His dad has always been very supportive and willing to help.  He is such a loving man.  And a good cook!  Hope your birthday was wonderful! 

Parsnips

*Day 353*

Yesterday we got parsnips in our Bountiful Basket.  Today we ate them for dinner.  Everyone liked them! 
That's what's been fun about getting baskets.  We get to try things I probably wouldn't buy, and find out that we like them.  And we get more variety in what we eat.  Plus, it's like Christmas every time, because you never know what you're going to get.

Saturday

*Day 352*

Today I:

*went for a run in the rain.  (I didn't know that it was raining until I walked out the door.  I just thought it was really windy.  But, I went anyway because I really felt like running.  It was a good run.)

* helped with the Bountiful Baskets.  It's kind of amazing how fast and efficient they can be.  And we got good fruits and vegetables.

* played volleyball.  Our women's team took first place in region!  It's been fun to play with them.  It's nice that they let me play.  They are all so much better than me.  Just every now and then I get a really lucky hit and they think I can play a little.  Now I'm just going to have to do something about the soreness that's setting in. 

Eggnog Fudge

*Day 351*

Matt loved this.

Eggnog Fudge

1 T. plus 3/4 c. butter, softened, divided
3 c. sugar
2/3 c. eggnog
2 T. heavy whipping cream
1 package (10-12 oz.) vanilla or white chips
1 c. marshmallow cream
1 c. finely chopped walnuts
2 teas. vanilla extract

Line a 13 x 9 in. pan with foil and grease with 1 T. butter, set aside.  In a large saucepan, combine sugar, eggnog, cream and remaining butter.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat, cook until it reaches 238 (soft ball stage), stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat.  Stir in chips until melted.  Stir in the marshmallow cream, walnuts and vanilla.  Spread into prepared pan.  Cool to room temperature.  Using foil, lift out of pan.  Discard foil, cut fudge into 1 in. squares.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Logan Time

*Day 350*

Matt's gone.  Logan and mom time included homework, a trip to Macey's, dinner and video games.  Something for everyone.

Fight!

*Day 349*

So, I was just about to walk out the door this morning when the phone rang.  I checked the caller ID and it said Logan City Schools.  As I picked up the phone, I was really hoping that it was Jennifer.  But it wasn't.  I dropped Logan off at school for breakfast, after he eats he always goes back outside to play before school starts.  Turns out he got in a fight and I had to go pick him up from school.  She said they had put some ice on his eye and they didn't think he would need stitches.   Awesome.

OK, so that's not really what happened.  We just wanted to see if people would believe it.  The school called and Miss Shauna (the secretary) told me that Logan was hit by a swing while he was playing before school.  She told me he had a small cut on his eyelid.  She didn't think he would need stitches, but they needed a parent to make that call.  I said I would be right over.  He was sitting in the office with ice on his eye.  He looked pretty banged up.  I realized later that it wasn't as bad as it looked.  He wasn't all scraped up, it was just blood on his face.  He looked better after we cleaned him.  He looked so sad though.  (Probably because his eye was swollen.)  He wanted to come home, and I wanted a second opinion about the whole stitches thing, so I brought him home.  We finally decided that we didn't think he needed stitches.  He was glad.  His eye is still puffy and is turning colors, it hurts a little, but he's OK. 

It turns out that they were playing a game running behind the kids on the swings.  He got kicked in the face.  He tells me it doesn't sound like such a fun game anymore.  I told him he better not, because next time I'll take him get stitches.

Wonder

*Day 348*

I almost went all day without using the computer.  I wonder what that would be like.....

Eggnog Mini Loaves

*Day 347*

Tis the time of year for eggnog.  We have been enjoying it and have used it in some recipes we found.  We liked this one.

Eggnog Mini Loaves

2 1/4 C. flour
2 teas. baking powder
1/2 teas. salt
1/2 teas. cinnamon
1/2 teas. nutmeg
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 c. eggnog
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 teas. vanilla extract
2 teas. rum extract

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, eggnog, butter and extracts; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Pour into three greased 5 3/4 in. x 3 in. x 2 in. loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. 

Sunday Confessional

*Day 346*

I hate blogging on Sundays.  I would prefer to just take it easy and not have to do anything on the computer on a Sunday.  So, when I finish this challenge that will be my first day to go. 

Also, this last month of blogging is dragging on forever.  I don't know if it's because I'm so close to the finish and I think it should be flying past faster, or if it's because other people have already finished their year of blogging so I feel like I should be done too.....  Anyway, it's getting frustrating typing those numbers everyday when they don't seem to get any higher.   (Andrea, have you checked to make sure I've counted right?)

Happy Birthday Breanna!

*Day 345*

I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but being an aunt is the best.  I'm grateful for all my nieces and nephews, especially the ones that try to keep me in touch with what's cool out there.  Thanks Breanna!   You're a beautiful young woman.

Happy Birthday Dax!

*Day 344*

Happy birthday to a cute, funny, spunky, tell it how it is, active, creative, sometimes rambunctious, smart little boy.  I miss seeing you everyday.  Happy Birthday Dax! 

Happy Birthday Aaron!

*Day 343*

Hmmmmmm.... How to describe Aaron?  I always describe him as a big teddy bear.  He's always been very sweet and willing to include people and help them out.  Heather got lucky with him because he knows how to be gentleman and take care of a lady.  He is also a hard worker and willing to lend a hand when it's needed.  He's just a good guy!  Happy Birthday Aaron!

How to Train Your Dragon

*Day 342*

We don't see movies very often, so we're always behind on what's out.  And, it only took us three days, but we finally finished "How To Train Your Dragon".  (Or as the preschoolers call it, "Dragon Train")  I liked it.  I thought it was a really cute movie.  I couldn't wait to see how it ended.  I almost stayed up both nights and watched the end by myself because I wanted to see what happened.  I would recommend it. 

Answer

*Day 341*

This is a fuyu persimmon.  We got them in our bountiful basket this weekend.  We are neutral on them.  It wasn't bad, but it wasn't super great either.  Of course, I don't even know if they are ripe yet.  So, maybe they could be better.  

Pop Quiz

*Day 340*

Do you know what this is?

Decorations

*Day 339*

Logan said we have can't decorate for Christmas yet.  We need to decorate for Thanksgiving.  I bet he'll like it when our Thanksgiving decoration is a tree and everyday he has to write something on a leaf that he is thankful for.

Shopping

*Day 338*

Today I got to go shopping with my mom in law and sister in law.  Every year before Christmas, we head down to Layton to hit some of the stores we don't have in Logan, like Toys R Us and Target, and try to get some of our Christmas shopping done.  I'm not usually a big shopper, but I look forward to this trip.  Maybe we just don't have the right stores in Logan to get me excited about shopping.  But, I think it's the company.  We always have a good time, and see some fun stuff.  This year I didn't get much shopping done.  Maybe it's a little too early in the season?  But, I did get a lot of good ideas and some prices to compare.  I love Thanksgiving and I think it's a great holiday.  It's good to spend time counting our blessings and having an attitude of gratitude.  And sometimes I think that Thanksgiving gets skipped over (especially in the retail world).  But, after doing nothing fun to celebrate Halloween or get in the spirit, I'm almost ready to start decorating for Christmas.  Even though it's warm outside.  At least I know it would get done and we'd be able to enjoy it for a while.  Then I'd feel like we get to have at least one really fun holiday this year.  And shopping puts me in even more of a Christmas mood.  Good Day!

Loganism

*Day 337*

I was waking Logan up.  I really like to wake him up because he doesn't want to get out of bed so he gets all cuddly and gives me these sleepy smiles, which are adorable.  Then he offers to read to me.  It would be wonderful quality time if it wasn't making us late for work and school.  So, I love it, but we don't usually have time for it.  Until I can get up earlier.  And that would probably be worth getting up early for, but then I would probably fall back asleep in his bed, and we'd be really late.  OK, now I'm going to get back to my original thought. 

The other day I went in to wake Logan up.  As usual, he got cuddly and was hugging me.  I said something to him that ended with, "My only son."
And Logan says, "I'm not your only son."
Mom, "Well, who's my other son?"
Logan, "Dad."

Just Thinkin'

*Day 336*

* It feels lonely without so many people blogging everyday. 

* I had a good idea for a blog post, but I'm too lazy to find the pictures to go along with it.  I guess it's time for me to admit that I'm not going to get any scrapbooking done any time soon, and find a way to organize my pictures so that we can look through them and actually enjoy them.  Or find the ones we want to blog about.

* Chelsea asked me about traditions at my high school.  I must be getting really old, I hardly remember high school.  It's kind of sad that I can't think of anything.  I guess I'll have to keep blogging and get down some of those memories before I forget them completely.

* I'm tired of being sick.  In the last couple of months, I've had two colds, the flu, and now it feels like a sinus infection.  I'd just like to feel all the way good sometime.

* Did you know that you can't buy egg nog during the summer?  I found this recipe for egg nog bread that I wanted to try, but until a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't find egg nog in the stores.  Tonight I made egg nog bread.  I have two different recipes.  After we try them both, I'll let you know which one is better.

* What are the chances that I will get to bed early tonight? 

Logan's School Picture

*Day 335*

Logan's school picture.

Is it just me, or does he look really old!  And finally... a picture where they didn't make him show his teeth.  He looks much more natural this way.

Laugh

*Day 334*

Have you ever laughed so hard that sound stops coming out and you just shake?  That happens to me sometimes.  More often when I'm tired.  And usually caused by Matt.

2 Cars

*Day 333*

We're almost a 2 car family again.  My dad and Darrell came over today to help Matt put a new starter in the car.  It works now!  But it sounded kind of horrible, so I don't know if we're going to have to do something else big.  It took them all afternoon to put in the starter.  They have to take half the car  part to get to it.  When they were finishing, I laughed because this is the shirt my dad was wearing. 

 I hope it didn't really ruin his whole day.  I really appreciate my dad for be willing to help us.  And Matt for working on figuring it out, and crawling under car even though he got grease all over his Jets shirt.  It's a huge relief to be able to take care of these things without having to pay someone a ton of money I don't have.