Pork Chops

The presentation of this dinner leaves something to be desired (Adam's "nice" description of it was that it looked weird, but I knew what "weird" meant), but it is oh, so yummy! The pork chops were falling apart they were so tender. I may try adding more seasoning next time, but serving it with mashed potatoes and green beans, using the built-in gravy . . . mmmmm . . . and who can complain about crockpot dinners? It's so nice to smell it cooking and have it ready for you when it's normally time to start scrounging around for ideas. Try it, you'll love it!

Max's Blessing

We blessed Max last Sunday, December 7. Daddy gave the blessing, which was beautiful, despite the microphone being muffled for some reason. Here he is with the men that were in the circle, with the exception of the bishop and Grandpa Doug, who came to the luncheon later with Grandma Linda.


Apparently we were photo challenged that day, since I have really no great quality pictures from the day. (Notice the closed eyes on Grandpa Ellis above--I took 5 shots, someone had their eyes closed in every one.) I really wanted a good photo of the kids together in their cute Christmas clothes, but here is the winner of the "Best Picture of Our Children" award for that day:


Max has an adorable matching outfit, too, so I'll try to take pictures again when they are all dressed alike. Speaking of Max's clothes, though, don't you just love the blessing suit? Of course, I don't have a great shot of him in it from the day, but still . . . . It's so special to me because my mom made it for Isaiah from the same fabric she used to make my wedding dress. I'm so glad to have it to use for all our boys (and some other boys in the family!).

It was a special day, and I'm so grateful we are surrounded by family that loves and supports us. Thank you, everyone, for your help and participation!

A Bad Day

This was how I felt yesterday: the game was definitely over. I could definitely identify with Alexander and his "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." You don't need the details, and I certainly don't want to relive them. It basically boils down to being only 6 weeks postpartum and struggling to get back to some semblance of normal--during the busy Christmas season, no less.

I will share what broke the awfulness of the day: three very kind acts. The first was when Adam, without hesitating, spent an extra $8 on something not really worth that much to make sure I wouldn't have to stress about it. And then he took care of the fussing baby, Isaiah and a friend, and made dinner while I took a short break from life. This, after attempting all day to make me feel better and not succeeding; he didn't stop trying because I refused to be made happy. The second was when my mother, whom I had ungracefully yelled at less than an hour before, offered to fix something for Katie that desperately needed fixing but would have never been done if left to me. (There are only so many hours in a sleep-deprived new mother's day!) The third was when Shelli took Katie out of our house for a couple of hours during the worst time of day for me to spend with her. This is said with all the love a mother can have for her daughter, don't get me wrong. I just needed a break from my darling 3-year-old's speaking decibel level. From the depths of my heart: thank you, each of you!

And today was a better day, including accomplishing tasks, snuggling children, and fulfilling responsibilities. We'll see what tomorrow brings . . .

Muffin Tin Monday

Okay, so I haven't done this again until now . . . but to be fair, I was hugely pregnant and then had a new baby. I finally got my act together since the kids have asked for it at least weekly since our first Muffin Tin Monday. Here's what we had this time:

From the top row, right to left: apple slices, vanilla yogurt, celery sticks, baby carrots, cottage cheese, dried cherries, graham crackers, ranch, oatmeal squares cereal, craisins, peanutbutter, and broccoli. I gave each child their own muffin tin this time, although I'm not sure it was a good idea as there was a lot left over. Too many choices? However, it sure is nice to have a meal where they are more than happy to try new things, especially new combinations. (They both at least tasted something from every cup!)

Dear Santa

Adam oversaw the letters to Santa this year, which was a good thing for them, because if I had been in charge I would have limited them to two requests apiece. Instead, he coached them, reminding them what they had been asking for, and said that they could ask for anything but that Santa would only bring what he felt they should have. They are blessed to have a dad that makes everything so fun and easy, and who doesn't get frustrated easily or place unnecessary limitations on them like their mom does.

Once again, Katie has requested a star for Christmas. I'm not sure what she is expecting, so I hope she doesn't set her hopes too high. Last year, she got a star Christmas ornament--I wonder how consistent Santa needs to be, or if she is expecting him to be creative and come up with something new this year . . . .