Christmas: Before, During, & After

LaVor was able to get the day before, and after, Christmas off and since we were with his parents this year (and had a missionary farewell in Livermore on the 28th), we drove down to the Bay Area for the festivities.

After helping my sister out on Wednesday morning (poor thing threw her back out), and loading up the car with presents, we braved the hour and a half drive, which included Doodlebug screaming 3/4 of the way and random torrential downpours.

Not long after we arrived, we called The Lime's favorite pizza spot to find out if they were open. "'Til 6:00," they said. An early dinner was fine by us, especially since they also had spaghetti and that's a Christmas Eve tradition in my family. We gobbled up our dinner and set out to look at Christmas lights. (Forgot my camera for this part of the trip...shoot!)

After we got back to LaVor's parents', his dad read the Christmas story from the scriptures (a tradition in LaVor's family).

The Lime gets distracted easily so we had to reel him back in by sitting next to Papa, having him act out the nativity with Little People, and finally whipping out a book that had pictures.

Doodlebug just ate all the animals while the story was read.

Next, LaVor's mom read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The Lime started off wrestling with LaVor, while Doodlebug paid attention, but soon became intrigued and wanted to find out what happened next with the story.

Next, we opened up pajamas, built a miniature fort, put out some cookies for Santa, and got ready for his arrival!

To our surprise, The Lime went right to bed and didn't get up once during the night. Definitely didn't inherit that from me. And I wish I could say the same for Doodlebug.

Around 7:00 Christmas morning, The Lime woke up and was ready to start the festivities. I quickly snapped some photos before he had a chance to see what Santa brought him.

LaVor and I had to check if Santa came and sure enough, he did!

The Lime got his wooden balance bike three years ago for Christmas and has TOTALLY outgrown and mastered it. He was content riding it but we knew all year that Santa was going to bring him a bike. He couldn't wait to take his new bike for a ride and he was a pro! The balance bike did its job.

We switched off from opening presents to LaVor's parents Skyping with his siblings to eating to The Lime riding his bike and then back to opening presents.

We spent the rest of the day at the park, where The Lime rode his bike some more and then we enjoyed a yummy prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and rolls and a homemade banana cream pie for dessert.

The next day, we were on the hunt for a Christmas tree (ours is shedding its fake needles) but didn't find one in the price range I had set. Naturally, we went to lunch at La Piñata, and then spent a couple hours with my sister and nieces and nephew. The Lime and I got to test out their new karaoke machine and it was F.U.N!

That night, we drove to LaVor's grandparents' where we ate dinner and exchanged gifts. Something in the Chinese food didn't agree with The Lime and instantly caused his throat to get itchy and bumps to form around his mouth. Have I mentioned how much I hate food allergies? A teaspoon of Benadryl and we were as good as new (it has a permanent spot in my backpack, next to his EpiPen).

There was a whole heck of a lot of celebrating and it's hard to believe it was already a week ago. Only 51 weeks to prepare for next year.

San Francisco

I've been wanting to go to San Francisco for months but with an unreliable car, we had to put it on hold time and time again. Since we were in the Bay Area last week, and we have a car that works, we were able to pay the city a visit.

All The Lime wanted to do on Saturday was go to the park. After realizing our favorite BBQ restaurant was closed for the holidays, we drove to Hayes Valley where I got my macaron fix and The Lime got to play.

There was some spiderweb-like structure that he could have played all day on.

Although I know it's obvious we're not locals, especially when I have my camera out, I like going to the smaller neighborhoods. You had kids playing on the playground, an elderly man doing stretches on a bench, hoodlums hanging out at the picnic tables, and hipsters ordering their green juice across the street.

I happened to look up at the sky for a minute and noticed the clouds doing some crazy things. I wonder if this has an official name?

After we had a chance to play, everyone was getting hungry for lunch. We had so much to choose from, just within 100 feet. Hot dogs, Stacks, Patxi's, La Boulange, and Flipper's. (Side note, when I was in high school, my German teacher would take us to dinner at Suppenküche up the street. We got to the city early one night and relaxed in Flipper's patio until our reservation.) We decided on Flipper's.

Doodlebug was tired and hungry, which made for an exciting hour of keeping him quiet and calm. Thank goodness for the enormous amount of avocado I got on my burger. Doodlebug hates anything I feed him but gobbled up the avocado. Good to know.

Since The Lime ate half of his huge burger, he earned a scoop of ice cream from Smitten. We had stopped here a year and a half ago on the way to the Avon Walk and loved their vanilla. The Lime ordered mint chocolate chip and this was the real deal. I held his cup while he put his seat belt on and got a whiff of a plant. I sniffed around and then realized it was the fresh mint they put in the ice cream. His 4 year old palette ate some of it but wasn't able to finish the whole thing.

From there we drove a couple blocks to Alamo Square so we could show The Lime where Full House took place. The actual house is on the other side of the city but we didn't get a chance to see it. The Lime kept asking where everyone was. I have to remind him often that what we watch on TV is just pretend and that Becky and Jesse aren't really married.

Wouldn't you know, Alamo Square also had a park. You better believe The Lime went straight to it. Doodlebug also had fun trying things out, even if he was freezing.

The weather was starting to get to us and the boys needed naps, so we called it good and headed back home. We'll have to go back soon, though, so we can get our much anticipated BBQ and check out a few more parks (I really want to take The Lime to Dolores Park...I know he'll love it!).

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 7

-Still no teeth and still drooling like a machine.
-Sits up all by himself.
-Pulls up on things low to the ground (couch, toy box).
-Likes to play with his hair when he nurses.
-Hates when Mommy leaves his sight.
-Has had rice cereal and bananas.  The banana upsets his stomach and made him throw up two weeks ago.  Nobody enjoyed that night.
-Possibly said "Mamamama" last week but it hasn't happened again so who knows.
-Sleeps horribly.  I don't let him cry it out because I don't want him to wake LaVor or The Lime up, but I'm getting to the point where I might have to.
-Still army crawls all over the house.  Has gotten up on all fours but hasn't quite figured out what to do when he's in that position.  He was crawling around the kitchen on all fours on 12/18.
-Met Santa last week and didn't even flinch, except when he tried pulling on his beard.
-Has so much hair, I don't know what to do.  It grows lightning fast but we don't want to cut it, in fear that it might get darker if we do.
-Is following in The Lime and LaVor's footsteps and looks so stinkin' cute in hats and beanies.

And he can't keep his tongue in his mouth, just like his big bro

Farmers Market

Kale, lettuce, kettle corn, apples, oranges, potatoes

Growing up, my mom would occasionally take us to the Farmers Market.  I loved buying flowers there, especially sunflowers.  There was a Dutch baker that had delicious cinnamon bread and other pastries.

When we lived in Livermore, we couldn't wait for May to come around so we could walk to the market every Thursday night.  Sometimes, the strawberries wouldn't even make it home.  Because we were there every week, people began to recognize The Lime from his cowboy hat and wooden bike.  We always ran into friends, usually Mike and Chelsea.

One of the perks of where we live now is that our city has several year-round markets that we can choose from each week.  We even paid a visit a few weeks ago when it was raining cats and dogs.  I was never so happy to see my apple guy.  It made being wet worth it.

Yes, I have an apple guy.  The most delicious pink lady apples for $1.50 a pound!  $1.50!!!!!  Can you believe that?!  I can't remember the last time we bought apples at the grocery store.  I will forever give the apple guy my business, even if he doesn't give me my two cents in change.

The carrots from the market are so good, too.  And the strawberries.  I've never heard LaVor enjoy a piece of fruit like he does those strawberries.  And this week, the potato lady found a heart potato for The Lime.

I can't wait to start making Doodlebug's baby food with all the yummy, fresh produce we have available at our fingertips.

I'm anxious to see what treasures we find next week, in addition to my apples.

A Visit With Santa

Months ago, I saw that our city was putting on a special (free) Christmas event. I meant to put it in my calendar but plum forgot. Thankfully, I woke up Saturday morning and realized that was the day! Unfortunately, LaVor got called into work not too long before we were ready to leave. It just about broke The Lime's heart but I managed to convince him we'd still have fun, sans Daddy.

As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw a familiar fire truck that was going to bring Santa to the event. When we walked into the community center, we couldn't believe how packed the place was. The people running the show handed us our raffle ticket for a picture with Santa, showed us where everything was, and told us to have fun.

Our first stop, and everyone else in the place, was the train. It was in the far corner and trying to maneuver the stroller through the craziness was a sight, I'm sure.

We waited in line for a bit but the boys did a great job and enjoyed the quick, but fun, train ride.

My "good" camera wasn't working so I had to resort to my flip phone

After that, The Lime wanted some popcorn so we patiently waited in line. He got his bag and we headed to the bleachers to sit and enjoy or snack. We passed the cookie/cupcake decorating station but he passed on that fun. I grabbed him a cup of punch, which left a nice pink mustache on his upper lip.

As we were enjoying our snack, they called our number to go see Santa. While we were waiting in line, LaVor called me and told me he was done at work and he'd see us soon. In a matter of minutes, he was standing behind us in line. Totally made The Lime's day.

The Lime knew exactly what he wanted to tell Santa and wasn't one bit scared to sit on his lap (good or bad thing?). Doodlebug could have cared less that he was a stranger and just wanted to pull on his beard.

It's taken me a while to get used to our new home and area. But events like this make me so grateful we're here. The people who organized it did such an amazing job, obviously putting tons of time and effort into making it special and magical for families. We'll be back next year!

'Tis the Season

Almost three weeks since a post...yikes!

I love this time of year but hate how busy everything and everyone gets.  And I don't even have kids in school or extracurricular activities.  I can't imagine what next year will be like!

I've been spending more time on the computer in the last two weeks than I have all year.  Working on Christmas stuff and getting teacher binders ready for next year's primary have been my life, aside from my normal life.  I'm anxious for January to get here!

We had some sick visitors last week and whadda ya know?  Doodlebug started sneezing and coughing Friday night.  His sleep is pretty much non-existent and I hate seeing him not feel well.  Poor little guy still smiles at the drop of a hat, even though his eyes are watering, chest is congested, and nose is running.

On a happier note, I won a twitter contest and will be receiving two free tickets to an A's game as well as an inning in the radio booth.  For a girl who used to dream of being a radio DJ, I'm so excited!  I don't think I'll be on the radio but just seeing how everything works is going to be a treat!

There will be new posts this week.  Rain, Santa in the Park, Doodlebug's seven month mark, and whatever else might come about between now and then.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyZ

Z = Zeek Braverman

I have a love/hate relationship with Thursdays.  It means Parenthood is on but it also means we're one episode closer to the series finale.

I was telling me mom the other day that I feel so foolish being so upset that a television show is ending but I really feel like I know these people, and that they're real!

Like Zeek Braverman, the dad in the show.  He reminds both LaVor and me SO much of our friends' dad.  The wisecracks, the facial expressions, what he gets upset about, what he laughs at, how he deals with things.  He has me laughing, and crying, in every episode.

At the beginning of this season, Zeek had a heart attack and required surgery.  He's been doing well since the surgery but on last week's episode, he woke up in the middle of the night, barely able to whisper his wife's name.  The last scene of the night was her calling 911.  Talk about emotional!

This is so silly, but I really felt like I was watching a loved one suffer.  So I tried covering my face from LaVor as tears fell from my eyes.  It's so stupid and I don't know why I let fictional characters get to me, but I've grown to love and appreciate Zeek and the rest of the Bravermans.

Now I have to wait until January 8 to find out what happens next.  Eeeeekkkk!

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxYz

Y = Youngins

youngin (plural youngins)

1. A young one: a youth, a child

Sometimes, I wish I was still a little kid.  What I wouldn't give for someone to make me go to sleep, for someone to make all my meals, iron my clothes, wash my dishes, pay for everything I need.  It would be so nice to have your biggest worry be that you got your Wranglers dirty (that's how The Lime is).  You could argue with people one second and be their best friend the next.  You are able to forgive at the drop of a hat and are blind to all the negativity in the world.  

I'm grateful for these two youngins and the time they get to be together, being just that...youngins.  Today, they were trying to make a snowman out of mud.  Sometimes they play house or ride their bikes or decorate cookies.

I love that I can learn things from youngins, especially that cute youngin on the left.  He's such a smart, funny, happy boy and he makes me want to be a smarter, funnier, happier mom.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwXyz

X = X________________________

"Sign here," we heard over and over and over again.  At the end, I even seemed to forget how to write my name.  I'm not sure if it was the starvation that was getting to me or if I had written it so many times my mind thought it could work on auto-pilot.  Nevertheless, I'm grateful for having to sign at the X because it means I no longer have to drive in fear that my car will break down!

It started back before Doodlebug was born.  My car would randomly overheat and it eventually became a regular thing if I sat in traffic or we drove a long distance.  We chugged along for over six months, making the situation work, said lots of prayers that we'd find a car for our family, and those prayers were answered.

I really can't tell you how grateful I am.  Lots of gratitude prayers have been offered for this blessing and we're so stinkin' excited to be able to expand our driving more than 30 minutes from our home.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvWxyz

W = Warm & snuggly

For us California wimps, it's cold outside (like in the 30s at night)!  Normally, we would be burning lots of fires in our fireplace but a certain little person discovered it recently so we need to get a gate.  Our house has been in the 60s, and although I find it FREEZING, I refuse to turn the heat on.

So at night, we snuggle up in warm and snuggly blankets.  I am currently sleeping with 3.5 blankets and I wrap Doodlebug up in 3.  LaVor and The Lime sleep super warm so they barely use 1.

I'm not sure how they manage.  I can't sleep if I'm cold.  I do love and am thankful for the warmth and coziness my blankets offer me.  If I could, I'd get flannel sheets for even more warmth and snuggles but LaVor would sweat to death.  

Warm & snuggly Doodlebug!

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuVwxz

V = Venturing out

Our Target is down the street from In N Out and whenever we pass it, The Lime inhales and says, "It smells so good!"

We love In N Out but could not get The Lime to eat anything other than their french fries.  When we went camping last year, we pretty much force fed him one of their grilled cheese.  That was 16 months ago so we thought we'd try our hand at it again.  This time, though, we were moving up to a burger.

He requested just the meat, bun, and pickles which we were okay with.  At least he was willing to try something.

Not only did he try it, he ate every stinkin' bite.  I'm so thankful we can now go to In N Out as a family and have everyone order burgers!  

It's my own fault that The Lime is delayed in eating certain foods but I'm grateful he's willing to venture out from his normal choices.  He's good about trying new things and 95% of the time likes it.  I'm also glad he doesn't have to miss out on this deliciousness anymore!

abcdefghijklmnopqrstUvwxyz

U = Uninterrupted Sleep

Joni Mitchell first sang, and then The Counting Crows, "Don't it always seem to go. That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone."  Ain't that the truth!

It has been over a year since I had a night of uninterrupted sleep.  From the second I found out I was pregnant, I was waking up numerous times in the night to go to the bathroom.  Now I have a stinker bug Doodlebug that wakes up (still) every two hours to eat.  Hence why I look like this...

That's my yawn, and extremely fresh hair.

I would love to be able to sleep in, or catch a nap without fear of it being 30 minutes because Doodlebug isn't consistent with his naps.  I also wonder how much happier I'd be and better I'd feel if I actually fell into a deep sleep and didn't have to sleep with one ear open.

So please be grateful for your uninterrupted sleep because I wasn't when I was getting it, but I sure am grateful for (and miss it) now.

abcdefghijklmnopqrsTuvwxyz

T = Talks

The visiting teaching message this month was to present one of the conference talks to the sisters.  There were so many great ones to choose from but for one of my visits this week, I chose Elder Bednar's.

If I weren't already a member of the church, this talk would have converted me.  The story of his boys' immediately caught my attention.  Just like his son spreading the good news of the band-aids healing power, why wouldn't I want to share the gospel with those around me and testify of the Atonement?  I just loved it.

Another favorite of mine is, again, from Elder Bednar.

One of my favorite quotes from this talk is, "You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people. However, we do determine how we will act. Please remember that you and I are agents endowed with moral agency, and we can choose not to be offended."  

I've been reminding The Lime to stop and think if what he does/says is a good thing or a bad thing before doing/saying it.  I need to follow my own advice and take a moment to remind myself that I have the choice to be offended or not.

This is another one that I love and think of often.  And not just because I have one of his quotes hanging on our living room wall.

It is such a blessing to be able to do a simple search, of essentially any topic, and find a talk that fits the criteria perfectly.

abcdefghijklmnopqrStuvwxyz

S = Standing Up

Have I ever shared the story about my friend standing up for a kid in our ward, while we were in high school? I know I've shared it in talks at church so please forgive me if you've heard it before.

This boy, his mom, and younger sister were new converts to our church. At school, he could usually be found by himself, whether it was at break, going to class, or at lunch. On this particular day, he was in the library, as was my friend, when she noticed a group of boys bullying him. Rather than ignoring the situation, she exemplified what Christ would do and stood up for the boy.

Even though this situation took place over 10 years ago, I think of it often, especially when I'm put in a position where I need to stand up for what's right, even if it's not the cool thing to do or what ramifications I might face for doing so.

For example, same-sex marriage.

It's unfortunate that when someone stands up for their beliefs of marriage being between a man and a woman, they're labeled as a hate-filled bigot.

During Proposition 8, my parents had their "Yes on Prop. 8" sign in their yard and woke up one morning to their garage door covered in raw egg. The sign didn't say anything degrading or discriminatory. They were simply standing up for what they believed to be right.

There are lots of arguments about this topic, even among fellow church and family members. I, too, have questions regarding this matter that I'm not sure anyone can answer. But when it comes down to it, I believe "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) I believe that we are sent to earth to gain a body, to be tested, and to return to our Father in Heaven if we keep the commandments and live according to the laws of the gospel. I know that when the Prophet and Apostles speak of this matter, they are a mouthpiece for the Lord.

I am grateful for their examples, my parents' example, my friend's example and anyone else who is courageous enough to stand up for what's right, no matter who is watching. I don't want to find myself, when the time comes, trying to come up with an excuse as to why I didn't stand up for what's right.

abcdefghijklmnopqRstuvwxyz

R = Relaxing

I'm a very high-strung person. I'm always worrying about something and I'm actually surprised I don't have ulcers. Going to bed used to be a nightmare because the second my head hit the pillow, and all was quiet, my mind would think about everything under the sun that was concerning me. That would delay my falling asleep, thus causing me to worry more...

I don't remember when I started this, a couple months ago I think, but it has worked miracles! And it's weird, so just be prepared.

As soon as I get in bed, I lay straight up and down (to promote proper draining) with my arms barely tucked under my sides. I close my eyes and take deep breaths, imagining my lungs filling up, and then slowly release the breath. As I breathe out, I can literally feel any tightness I may have flow from my arms, to my legs, and to my feet. Once it reaches my feet, it leaves my body. If I don't feel that sensation, I continue with my breathing until I do. I only have to do it about five times before my body is relaxed enough and I fall asleep within minutes. Minutes, people! This has never happened to me!

It's so freeing to be able to literally release the worries. I'm thankful for the time I have to relax my mind and body and allow it to rejuvenate for the next day of stress and anxiety.

Doodlebug - Tally Mark 6

-Is all over the place in regards to crawling.
-Still isn't too stable when sitting up.
-Doesn't take great naps nor does he sleep well at night. Like, he's up every two hours.
-Loves to smile.
-Likes shoes.
-Loves The Lime's cheetah, Lucifer.
-Does great in the Baby Björn.
-Still no teeth.
-Gets the hiccups when he laughs a lot.
-Gets up on all fours but then falls down.
-Loves playing peek-a-boo.
-Has horrible eczema behind his right ear and under his left eye.
-Loves to grab hair and beards.
-Wants to be just like his big bro.

abcdefghijklmnopQrstuvwxyz

Q = Quality time

It's been exactly six months since it was just The Lime and I hanging out together all day.  I wouldn't trade having Doodlebug here for anything but I sort of miss that one on one time I got on a daily basis with The Lime.

We try to do something each day, outside of the home, so after visiting teaching, we headed to the mall.  Doodlebug was long overdue for a nap so I put him in the stroller and reclined the back.  He was out like a light before I knew it.  That allowed The Lime and I over an hour of much appreciated quality one on one time.  We went to Pottery Barn Kids and played store with their ADORABLE toy cash register.  We went to Build A Bear and The Lime played around with the bath machine and teased me with a SF Giants bear.  We went to the arcade and blew through $5 way too fast.  We went to H&M and looked at clothes for me and he tried on a big, fluffy orange snow jacket with a furry hood.  We went to the toy store and got some Christmas present ideas.  And we finished our visit off with a stop at the Disney Store where he would have loved to buy all the planes from Planes: Fire & Rescue.  

It was so pleasant to be with my best little friend.  There was no arguing, whining, begging, disciplining...nothing!  I am grateful for The Lime and the quality time we get to spend together before he's off to school in nine months.

abcdefghijklmnoPqrstuvwxyz

P = Pre-existence

Nothing gives you the sense that heaven is closer than when a baby is born.  It boggles my mind to think that one second, their spirit was in heaven and then it's here, inside of a tiny little body.  My mom has often said that babies can't talk right away because they'd tell us all about the sacred, special things that happen in the pre-existence.

I was a single parent at church today and during our break from Sacrament meeting, we were walking through the foyer.  On one of the walls, The Lime noticed this photo:

"Is that Heaven?" he asked.  I told him yes, more specifically when Jesus Christ comes again.

I could see the wheels turning in his head as we continued down the hall.

Later on, I was bouncing Doodlebug in the back of the primary room when he got the happiest look on his face.  I turned around to see this picture:

Same picture as above, just more focused on Christ

He wanted to get as close to it as possible and began talking to it.  At that moment, I knew he saw a familiar face.  I understand that when we come to earth, we pass through the veil and don't have a recollection of the pre-existence.  But Doodlebug is still new enough that the veil isn't as thick as it is for The Lime and I.

Doodlebug could have spent the rest of the day interacting with that picture of Christ.  He was talking to his friend and didn't want to stop.

I'm grateful for that tender moment I was able to witness and for the testimony I have of the pre-existence.  I know we were with our Heavenly Father before we came to this earth and I know we have the opportunity to return to his presence again one day.