... one whole year.

I have managed to blog something I'm thankful for every day this year. Actually, at 434 posts, I've managed more than once a day! I'm proud of myself - I was sure I would make it a month or two and then run out of steam.

I'm not sure I'm going to keep up this pace next year, or even if I want to try. The positive side for me has been that every day, and especially on bad days, it has forced me to find the silver lining in any problems that arise. (Like when the main plumbing line broke, or we struggled with potty training, or Ryan spent weeks in China). At some point during the day I start thinking about how I'm going to spin my experiences into something I am thankful for.

I'm thankful, too, for all my friends and family that keep up with my blog.

Happy 2009!

... a cute jacket.

Check out the cute jacket I got for Rachael today at Children's Place! A whopping $8 on sale. I love sales. And cute fleece.

... cupcakes.

It started out innocently enough. Our treat for FHE tonight was chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting. We did lots of sprinkles; Rachael of course had Princess Sprinkles. (This one has Snow White red apples on it.)
Of course this is what it looked like when she was finished. Not bad, usually for Rachael a cupcake is just a vehicle for frosting. She licks all the frosting off and hands it back. This time she ate some of the cupcake.
Then she decided she should wash her hands. (The above picture is very deceptive. Her face is really pretty clean. Her hands are a disaster.)
And this was what the bathroom door and doorknob looked like when she was finished.
Thank goodness clothes and kids wash. And the walls and doorknobs. So I can laugh and take pictures instead of getting frustrated. (The entire job took 10 seconds with a damp paper towel. yay!).

... a good Christmas.

All in all, we had a lovely Christmas. Everyone got some great stuff, we spent four days mostly in our pajamas and enjoying being together. We reflected on our Savior's birth, watched lots of Christmas movies, and ate lots of good food. When the weather got really nasty all over the country we were really glad we were not traveling this year. I still miss lots of family at Christmas, but after all the chaos last year I have developed a new appreciation for our quiet Christmases at home. Happy Holidays.

... a fun toy.

Our Christmas gift this year from Ryan's parents is a new Wii. It's a fun toy! I especially like that it's more interactive - you have to get off the sofa and play.

Wii are sore from playing all weekend, but Wii will play more this week, Wii are sure. Wii are a little out of shape and could use the exercise! Wii both like bowling, tennis, and 9 ball.

... and a hamburger party.

It's Friday Night Party Night! Well, food party at our house anyway. A Hamburger Party, to be specific.

We had grilled onions and mushrooms, bacon, cheese, and to top it all off, fry sauce. We also had homemade french fries to go with our fry sauce.

Now all I need is a raspberry shake from Arctic Circle...

... the Christmas coma.

I love that point on Christmas Day when you realize all the presents have been opened, most of the treats consumed, and the living room looks like it was hit with a Cat 5 tornado carrying wrapping paper, toys, and boxes. Ahhh... and it's a nice long weekend, so there's nothing left to do but enjoy all our great new stuff and spending time together.

... she's polite.

Nearly every single time Rachael opened a present today she would say thank-you, totally without prompting. For example, she opened a doll from Nana, and as soon as the paper was part of the way off, she exclaimed, "It's a Fancy Nancy Doll! Thank you Nana!" It's too bad most of the gift givers were not here to hear it, but I was so proud of her for remembering to say thank you every time.

Occasionally there are bright spots to parenting... this would be one those times!

... and the tree made it.

Our poor Christmas tree is so dry that you can hear needles falling off at random. Most of the needles are hanging on by sheer will and there is a pile of green all the way around the bottom of the tree. (Think Charlie Brown here.) As you can tell by the branch in the foreground of this picture, anything close to where we walk by it every day is pretty bare. But from a distance it's still green, and I'm glad it made it until Christmas.

And next year we will be working on a better watering system for the tree...

... Christmas Eve.

Tonight we will have our family feast, watch Joy to the World, read the scriptures, play games, and just hang out together. Tonight Santa will visit and we will make sure he has Diet Coke and cookies. I love spending time with my family, even when it's just the three of us. And I love the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

... more baking.

Tonight we frosted sugar cookies. It was suppose to be our family night activity, but after we got back from taking treats to our friends last night, it was too late to get started. That's OK, Ryan had the day off today and we worked on them this afternoon. Rachael, of course, had a fantastic time. And devoured about four cookies when we were done!

... Christmas baking.

Christmas is such a great excuse for baking all the things I love to eat!

... the choir program.

Whether I sing with the choir or just sit with the congregation, I always look forward to the choir program at Christmas. (Well, at Easter, too, to be honest.)

This year our program was really amazing. Our choir director either composed or arranged all the music, and it was really beautiful. Because he was the one to put it together it had a very cohesive quality that is difficult to attain. I was blessed to be a part of it!

... Daddy's girl.

A couple of days ago Ryan took Rachael out to dinner and shopping. (I was at choir rehearsal). They went to McDonald's, then shopping for Christmas presents for me.

I love when Ryan spends time with Rachael, just the two of them. She always talks about it for days afterward. And I especially love when they shop for me!

I have promised not to ask what is in them - because Rachael probably would tell - and I have promised not to try and prompt her into telling me. I can't stop her from spilling the beans if that happens, but so far I have done really well at avoiding the subject entirely. I hope we make it to Christmas!

... spreading Christmas cheer.

Rachael and I did the grocery shopping today for what I hope will be the next week and a half. (I know it won't last that long... but hope springs eternal). She spent most of the trip around the store singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" or "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Usually at the top of her lungs. But if I had a nickel for every person that smiled or waved or chuckled out loud, I would have earned a lot of nickels today. I'm glad she's doing her part to spread the Christmas spirit.

... indulgence.

This is the time of year when I really appreciate that my husband loves me. I am a little crazy about Christmas... for instance last night someone asked how many trees we have. I had to clarify how many are up in the house (three, counting Rachael's pink one) versus how many I actually own (four, again counting Rachael's tree; plus we get a live one every year). Might be a bit excessive. Although I did see an article this week on a woman with 61 trees. I don't think I need quite that many.

Ryan's family always said he was the Scrooge in the family, but I have to say, since we have been married he has been quite tolerant. He doesn't throw himself into it quite the way I do, but he lets me do pretty much whatever I want, within reason. Early in our marriage I used to get a budget for Christmas decorations every year; now that we are approaching 15 years together, I have noticed I have acquired quite a bit of stuff. He also hauls the boxes up from the basement every year, waits for me to decorate, then hauls the empty boxes back to the basement. Then we do it all again in January to put them away.

I'm grateful that even though he doesn't appreciate decorating for Christmas the way I do, he is generous and helpful.

The bonus for him? The two days after Thanksgiving we always watch all of the Star Wars movies.

... No Room at the Inn.

Rachael got to participate in a nativity scene as Mary tonight. The Young Women did an activity called "No Room at the Inn," where they try to go caroling but get turned away at every door. Then they came back to one of the leader's houses to try caroling, but instead find a nativity scene in the garage. Rachael was Mary, and our neighbors Andrew and Trace were respectively Joseph and a Shepherd.

The Shepherd was totally embarrassed to be there (he's 11, and all the Young Women were there). Joseph really had no interest in participating, but then argued hotly with Mary over who should get to hold the baby. Mary, of course, being the youngest and most bossy, told everyone what to do and shushed both the boys and then all the Young Women because she was told everyone needed to be quiet. All in all it was a great three minutes. I hope the Young Women had a good time because I laughed myself silly.

... Christmas dishes.

Not to long after we got out of school I decided I wanted a set of Christmas dishes. Many members of my family (although I should point out right off the top, NOT my dear husband) scoffed at me for wanting dishes that you only use for a couple of weeks ever year. I ignored them and bought myself a set. I pull them out almost every year for Thanksgiving and we use them until I put away the Christmas decorations in January. I know they are totally frivolous, but they make me happy. Maybe because they are frivolous.

I've noticed over the years that other family members have bought Christmas dishes, too... maybe I'm not completely crazy.

... scriptures.

We have had lots of lessons in Family Home Evening about obedience. Rachael is three, I expect we have a lot more in our future.

We usually try to read one or two verses of the Book of Mormon; I read and Rachael repeats back. I once figured out that at the current rate it will take us over 150 years to finish. But tonight I think we came across the first scripture that Rachael found relevant, 1 Nephi 2:3.

"And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him."

(The scripture is about Lehi preparing to take his family into the wilderness).

Rachael immediately recognized the word 'obedient' and was pretty excited about it. So was I!

... many things.

I'm thankful I got a break from playing the piano in Primary. It was nice to not have such a frantic Sunday.

I'm thankful Rachael only has two more weeks left in nursery. I'm pretty excited for her to be in Primary.

I'm thankful we had a good choir rehearsal this afternoon. The Christmas program is next week and I'm feeling like we will do all right.

I'm thankful I didn't crash into that car when I drove to the Stake Center tonight. Even though he really really deserved it.

I'm thankful I ended up sitting by the soprano soloists at the Messiah sing-along. I got dumped off the bench I was originally sitting on, but then I ended up with all those great sisters who can really sing.

I'm thankful I went to the Messiah sing-along because it's fun to pretend I know how to sing and it sounds pretty good when you sing with an entire group.

... it's just a phase.

Rachael has been so obstinate and irrational lately. Sometimes I swear she's 13, not three. And I don't know if I'm glad for this little preview of what her teenage years will really be like or not. Some things are better left a mystery.

Fortunately, I know with her that it's just phase, and she will outgrow it. I'm hoping for sooner instead of later!

... a new tradition.

Last year Rachael and I went to see Southern Lights. It's a neat light sculpture exhibit that goes all the way through the Kentucky Horse Park. At the end, they have displays set up, a chance to see Santa Claus, pony rides, even a petting zoo. Rachael had such a great time we decided we needed to drag Daddy with us this year. Rachael loves the lights, but I think the petting zoo is her favorite.



Apparently I have a tradition, too. I took this picture below this year:

And I took this picture below last year. In case you can't make it out, it's a Star Wars speeder and ATST walker.
I'm good.

... and visiting preschool.

Today Rachael and I visited the preschool at the Church of Christ. Her friend Clark goes to the program they have for three and four year olds, which is once a week on Thursday mornings. Rachael was reluctant to see anything at first, but then warmed up as the morning went on. She didn't actually stay for class but Niki showed us around the building and the different classes and activities they have.

With any luck, we will have Rachael signed up to start going in January. Hooray! I think Rachael is excited about it, too.

... Necco wafers.

When I was a kid we made a gingerbread house almost every year. And we almost always used Necco wafers for the roof. In recent years when I made gingerbread houses - and if it's a house - I usually use Frosted Mini Wheats. Partly because I like the frosted, thatched roof look; and partly because I could never find any Neccos.

I found them at Meijer this year! Hooray! Long live the Necco wafer roof. I can't wait to finish it.

... crazy pose day.

Today in ballet class the girls we making a "sandcastle," where the teacher had them each strike a crazy pose. The first couple of times they really didn't get it but by the end they were having a great time. The moms sitting outside all had a great laugh each time, too!

The picture is not that great (once again, with the camera thru the one way mirror); Rachael is the one standing. Part of her pose involved one foot up but she kept losing her balance. I hope they do this again sometime soon!

... the remote for the lights.

A couple of years ago I picked up this really ingenious remote for the Christmas lights. There is a brick that plugs into the wall (actually two, one labeled A and the other B), then you plug the lights into that. Then you can use the ON and OFF buttons on the remote to turn the lights on and off.

I love it! Besides having the obvious technology coolness factor, it's great to leave the remote on the counter so we can turn the lights on and off whenever we want. I like to have them on when we are home, but off when we leave because it's a live tree. Last year I put some lights on the deck and used the B plug to run them. It's so fun to turn on the lights like magic!

... a good dentist.

One of the things I despise the most about moving is finding new doctors and dentists. I'm still after a good doctor, but I think we have discovered a good dentist. We had cleanings a couple of weeks ago and today I had some sealant done, and I really like the dentist, the office, the office staff, etc. (If you live here in KY it's Dr. Gambrel & Madison Dental Associates).

I have to admit dentists kind of have the deck stacked against them; my dentist growing up was a family friend. He is the only dentist I remember as a child and he was our family dentist until we moved to Kentucky 3 1/2 years ago. But this new one is pretty good, and has the benefit of being extremely close by.

... double duty decorations.

We have several things that are designed to be decorations which have been dual purposed this year as toys. Some stuffed animals, a cute nativity (Rachael says "A-tivitiy") and the pink tinsel tree are all marvelous play things. I'm glad we have lots of things for Rachael to play with - it keeps her away from my tree covered in glass ornaments!

... Christmas letters.

I am agonizing over our annual holiday letter; what to say, which pictures to use. The bright side is that soon my email and mailbox will contain the same type of letters in return and I can't wait to hear how everyone is doing. It makes all the stress of writing one worth it!

... rescuing Rudolph.

Tonight Rachael and I went to the Richmond Christmas Parade. We left Daddy home; he's fighting off a cold and the 20 degree weather would not have agreed with him. We were suppose to go to a friend's house who lives right on the parade route, but we didn't make it in time before the roads closed, so we ended up at a different spot. Despite the below freezing weather Rachael had a marvelous time. She's pretty sure the entire parade was just for her enjoyment.

The best part of the night for me was later, though, when we realized we had left Rudolph. She wanted to take him to the parade, but in rounding up all our stuff at the end he was forgotten. I have had Rudolph for awhile; I bought him at Media Play when we lived in Westminster. (At least 9 years ago!). Rachael has become quite attached to him lately. I threw on my coat over my pajamas and headed back to our spot.

I made it! I saw the clean up crew heading down the street but got there ahead of them. There was Rudolph, waiting for me. I feel like a hero tonight.

... Christmas decorations.

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it - the music, the decorations, the gift giving, the choir program, and especially the reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

We have been decorating the house for Christmas; it always feels so much more cheerful this time of year when we are finished! Rachael has really gotten into this year, too. She has her own pink tinsel tree that she adores.

One night after we were finished with the family tree, she asked me where all the nutcrackers go. I told her the kitchen. (They do - most of them go up on top of the cabinets). A few minutes later I found she had set them all up in the kitchen... but down at Rachael height. It was a shame to move them!

... Photoshop.

I just finished touching up the pictures I took last week, and I think I got a couple of good ones. I'm glad we have Photoshop - it helps make a good picture into a great picture. Here's my favorite one:I'm glad for the experience, too. I learn something new every time I try something new.

... my shopping buddy.

I love shopping with Rachael when she's all dressed up and being cute. I went out in a sloppy sweatshirt and a pair of jeans... and no one cares what I look like. Everyone is interested in the little girl and her cute hat.

... a fun treat.

Today Louan and I made dipped pretzels for our Relief Society sisters. I am doing a demonstration of these at our activity tomorrow night, and we thought it would be fun to have some done up already to hand out as treats. They turned out really cute!