The 10 Best Gifts I've Received

Today I received a two gifts that made the list. These are in no particular order.

1. My dear friend asked me to be at her house at 9:30 this morning. She didn't tell me why. If she would have, I certainly would have tried to stop her. She dropped me off at a fantastic spa for a massage and took me to lunch.

2. When leaving my parent's house after a nasty snow storm I went out to my car. My step-dad had been there first. He scraped it and warmed it up for me. This is my least favorite chore. I felt very grateful.

3. Logan's first real smile was on Mother's Day.

4. Once when I was out of the house for the day (and very pregnant), Topher cleaned the whole house (oven, microwave, did all laundry, scrubbed showers, etc.) and made dinner.

5. When I was six I got an electric keyboard.

6. The Christmas after my dad died, someone left a little Christmas Mouse on our front porch with $100 in it. My mom gave my brother and I each $20.

7. My friend made us a hand crafted Settlers of Catan game. Any Settlers fans out there? You've GOT to see this!

8. On my 26th birthday my sister-in-law wrote a list of reasons why she loved me.

9. My mom has spent her whole life sacrificing for me.

10. This one is under the tree. I'm reserving a slot for it. I think it is going to be fantastic. I'll be posting about it if it is everything I hope it to be.

Another Bedtime Negotiation

My aunt with 6 kids has been giving me some parenting advice.  One of her great secrets is to teach her children to chew gum from a very young age.  She thinks it helps them be quiet in church.  We've tried this a few times with Logan.  He will now chew for about 30 seconds before swallowing.  He continually opens his mouth  to show us that it is still in there.  We haven't done chewing practice for weeks. 

Last night after bath, jammies, brushing, reading a story, and hugs:

Mama: "Logan, it is time to go night night."

Logan: (Starts gnashing his teeth...pause...thinking) "Piece of gum?  I'll chew it?"

Mama: Laughing hard (I always try very hard not to do this.  I know.  It reinforces.  Sorry, sometimes you can't help it!)

Who Needs Disneyland? Costco is Just Around the Corner!

I went to Costco last Saturday afternoon.  Whoa!  For anyone planning a trip to an amusement park soon, you may want to try Costco instead.  A weekend December trip to the warehouse includes crying children who are in serious need of naps, very long lines, and at least a $100 bill.

Costco also has the added benefit of closer parking and free food samples from smiling elderly folks in aprons.  Honestly, I'd way rather have free food than an autographed notebook from mute caricatures.   

Our Beach

My favorite holiday tradition is going camping on the beach between Christmas and New Year. Since before my infancy aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins have all packed up the day after Christmas, and taken off for the sandy, sometimes sunny, shores of California. 

Spectacular sunsets

Long sandy beaches perfect for a friendly football game

Caving for the brave

Tide pools for exploring

Only 23 more days!