Christmas 2010

It's our 3rd Christmas in Ohio, and our 3rd Christmas Eve dinner at Nagoya.
The kids were a little more adventurous this year. Jake tried swordfish, fried rice, and soup. Emma ordered shrimp.

All evening we referred to Jacob as "LumberJake" because of his new plaid Christmas shirt.

Rick and I ordered avocado and cucumber sushi (no raw fish for me).

At the end of our meal, we went to the very spot where we watched Crystal Bowersocks perform just a year earlier. The restaurant had parked a gorgeous Christmas tree there.

Jake is literally a head tall than Emma. I'm only hunched over an inch or two in this picture.

We never did get an opportunity to take a Christmas picture with Santa this year. This shot will have to do.

Christmas morning was lovely. The kids didn't wake us until 7:30, which we appreciated. We had a scrumptious breakfast of homemade waffles before diving into the presents. Jake was excited to get a new bath robe that actually fits him.

Daddy got a Superman Snuggie from Jake.

Emmy, our family's only Michigan fan, got a Wolverine Snuggy. Do you sense a theme here?

I was delighted to get a warm new scarf and mittens.

Many of our gifts this year were of a "cozy" nature. We got the kids flannel sheets, electric blankets, socks, and slippers. And yes, they were actually EXCITED to get those things - hahahaha. I guess it's time to move back to AZ. We're freezing out here!

While the kids are staying snuggly warm, they can cuddle up with their new books from Lala and Papa.

Even Shelby tried to stay warm by snoozing by the fireplace in her "Santa Baby" outfit.

We hope your Christmas was every bit as cozy and restful as ours was!

Tis the Season

It has been a busy time of year as far as kid concerts go. Emma is in an audition choir called Junior Jazzers. Each year at this time they visit 2 or so nursing homes each week for concerts. Here are some of the featured numbers.



Jacob is also busy with piano and violin. His orchestra concert was this past week. He's all business with the bow.



Audrey has also been busy with her Seminary class. They made a reinactment of the Christmas Story. You be the judge of it's accuracy.

Day 19 and 20 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment #19: What do you want to ask the Savior when you meet him?

When I meet the Savior I will ask why I was saved for the last days and placed in a loving family that already had the gospel. Also, why did I end up in America instead of some 3rd world country? How come I was lucky enough to have a normal, healthy body? What did I do to deserve such and amazing husband that I could marry for time and all eternity? Oh! And why in the heck did he pick me to be a seminary teacher?

Assignment #20: Write down the goal to continue writing in your journal. What have you learned from this experience?

I will keep writing, though not every day. That’s not a reasonable goal for me right now. This experience has taught me to think beyond the daily grind when posting on my blog. It is way more interesting to write about my thoughts and feelings than to write about the things I’ve check off on my to-do list.

Day 18 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write about your favorite scripture and why you like it.

One of my favorite scriptures comes from Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

When Joseph Smith suffered for several months in Liberty Jail, the Lord comforted him with the revelations in sections 121-123. The verses from 121 come to mind whenever I start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. They help me keep my “troubles” in perspective. They also remind me of potential should I choose to press forward rather than sink into despair.

One of the personal application exercises I like to do with the scriptures is to put my name in the verse, as if the Lord were speaking directly to me. When I do that, D&C 121: 7-8 means even more:

Audrey, “peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

I also like to put the scriptures in “Audrey speech” sometimes:

Audrey, relax; this problem isn’t the end of the world. Cheer up and carry on. God will help you overcome anything that stands in the way of your eternal progression.

I know, the original version sounds better. You get what I mean though, right? Now, what's your favorite scripture and why?

Bring on Christmas

You may have noticed that I tripped at the finish line of my goal to write 20 consecutive days. I'll tell you why...I've been dang busy! The tree lighting festivals, practices, piano lessons, winter concerts, nativities, seminary lessons, and cookie deliveries have demanded all my attention. I'll get back on track after I give you the week's highlights:

Emmy performed with the Junior Jazzers at the Perrysburg tree lighting ceremony. She sang and danced her little heart out, despite the freezing cold.

Only 7 more Christmas performances to go...

For family night, we decked our halls and such. It was a group effort. Rick set up our new pre-lit tree. I unwrapped the nativity displays.

Emma curled up in a chair to read Christmas books (hahaha).

Jake found the Christmas mugs (of which we have more than enough, thank you).

For activity day Emma got to build her "gingerbread" house. The best part was that she didn't construct her sugary dwelling at our house.

The candy was eaten in a matter of days.

Here's a glimpse of the tree:

Emma had a 5th grade music concert one night. She was the best part of course. Look at her Christmassy green dress!

Yay! A real smile.

The weekend was totally taken up with the Interfaith Nativity Festival at our church. I performed with 3 other gals on Saturday night. We sang 10 different numbers, switching parts and all playing piano for each other. It was a blast getting ready for it. We also donated some of our nativity displays to the event:

People from all over the community donate their nativities. Some are gorgeous, some are exotic, and some are just plain funny.

Emma didn't get away without making a minimum of 3 crafts.

Now to get back to the grind. Only 6 more hours until I get up for seminary!

Day 17 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: What talents do you have and what hobbies do you enjoy doing?

I love teaching! It’s more than challenging, and completely exhausting, but it’s totally rewarding too. Perhaps I enjoy teaching because I’m a giant nerd who likes to study. Maybe I get my kicks from all the attention. It may even be possible that the old adage is true, “those who can’t, teach”. Whatever the reason, teaching is my passion. It’s in my very blood and I can’t deny it.

Currently I teach early morning seminary, aerobics, and proper bathroom cleaning technique. In the past I’ve taught piano lessons, Sunday school, preschool, and elementary school. By my track record you’d think I’d be quite the expert instructor. The kicker though, is that I’m not. I’m still learning. Just when I think I’m getting the hang of it, I have an experience that totally humbles me.

So, I keep on keepin’ on. I’m always shooting for that ultimate lesson, never quite getting there. (sigh) I suppose that’s part of the fun too.

Day 16 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write a letter to your future spouse or children.

Since I don't plan on getting a new spouse or children, I’m going write a brief recap of my birthday week.

Monday: At 5:45 in the morning, I walked into my classroom to find streamers, balloons, and bows everywhere!

My seminary students brought a cake, sang Happy Birthday, gave me hugs, and told me that they loved me.

It was a wonderful way to start my birthday week!

Tuesday: My family took me out to Famous Dave’s for my free birthday dinner (valued at $50).

They all ate the trash can lid full of meat and I had a side salad and cornbread – hahaha!

It was a treat not to cook meat for them.

Wednesday: Rick and I went out to a Japanese Hibachi Restaurant called Nagoya. Then, we did some Christmas reconnaissance for the kids.

Thursday: Thanksgiving with the family. Rick cooked the turkey and stuffing. I cooked the veggies and rolls. Jake had some friends over to spend the night.

Friday: Recovery day! I slept in and cleaned house. Emma had a “late over” with friends.

Saturday: My 34th birthday! I taught 2 aerobics classes in the morning. Then, I took a birthday nap so that I’d be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the evening’s festivities. Rick and I went to see one of my seminary students perform in the Nutcracker ballet.

My favorite performer (next to Esther, of course) was this beautiful Great Pyranease that pulled a sled across the stage.

Afterwards we got dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant where we enjoyed Aloo Gobi, Chana Masala, and Malai Kofta (sp?). Needing to walk off our dinner, we went to Target and bought my birthday present: new workout clothes. To cap off the evening we devoured the ice cream cake Rick made.

Delish!

Day 15 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Explain your goals and aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.

I think I’ll focus on just one rather superficial goal tonight, since my time is short.

Rick and I have scheduled a cruise to the Bahamas for spring break, so we’re both motivated to ditch the Midwesterner look.

I no longer believe diets work (having been down that road before), so I want to ramp up my exercise efforts and scale down on my sugar consumption. Both areas have become problematic since I started teaching seminary. The days I don’t teach aerobics I’m “too tired” to workout. And, as a stress reliever, I find myself turning to ice cream a little too often.

I plan to achieve my goal of being svelter by exercising 6 days a week and limiting my sugary indulgences to the weekend. This should help me maintain my current level of fatness, er fitness, during the holidays. Come January I foresee some gradual changes in the tummy and tooshie department.

Day 13 AND 14 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment #1: Think of a book you’ve read, and explain why it has made a difference in your life.

Last summer, I finished reading The Book of Mormon for the umpteenth time. I will continue to read it over and over again because I know that it is a powerful and true witness of Christ. This book has been translated correctly from ancient records made by people who lived on this continent thousands of years ago. I believe the promise that if I abide by the principles taught in the Book of Mormon, I can deepen my relationship with God and Christ.

I have mastered pathetically little during my 34 years on this earth. I am hopeful that I can inch myself a little closer to who I want to be by learning and practicing what is contained inside The Book of Mormon. It truly is worth a lifetime of study.

I turn to the Book of Mormon when I need answers, comfort, encouragement, and humbling. As a mother, I use this book to teach my children right from wrong. As a wife, I use this book to understand how to keep my marriage strong. As a friend, I use this book to know how to better cheer, lift, and support others.

The Book of Mormon helps me keep an eternal perspective when making decisions big or small. Because the Book of Mormon prophesies about these last days, I can know what it is I must do to prepare for the Lord’s coming. The challenge lies is in the doing!

I hope that my friends who read my testimony feel how important the Book of Mormon is to me. It is my sincere desire that this powerful book will not be dismissed by friends because of misconception or false rumors. Read it. Pray about its truthfulness. Try the promise found in the final pages of this record:

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” [Moroni 10:4]

Assignment #2: Write your impressions of world events and other important happenings.

The chaos in the world is a warning for all of us to prepare for the Lord’s second coming. For more information on how to get ready for that day, study the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and The Doctrine and Covenants. Also, read the most current messages from our modern-day prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

Day 12 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write about what you’d do if you were given a million dollars.

With the first ½ mil I’d pay off ALL our debts (Rick’s student loans, our mortgage, etc.). I’d save the rest for the kids’ college, missions, and weddings. The End.

I’m boring.

Thanksgivving 2010

We have never made our own Thanksgiving meal before. We've always had a family reunion or something. Since Rick and I have been married almost 15 years, we figured it was about time we cooked for ourselves. Rick was in charge of the turkey and stuffing. I was in charge of the vegetables and rolls. Costco was in charge of the pumpkin pie. The kids were in charge of getting along nicely while we worked in the kitchen.

Rick followed a recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens magazine to cook the turkey. He said it turned out really well. We both enjoyed the vegetarian stuffing he made too.

The Rhodes brand multigrain rolls turned out great, as did my mashed potatoes and almond green beans. It was a very respectable dinner.

Rick took a moonlighting shift from 4:00 to 10:00, so the kids and I stayed busy by going to see the new movie Tangled with friends. We absolutely loved it. It wasn't the princess movie we were expecting. Even Jacob said he wants to buy it when it comes out on DVD.

After the movie, we went to a dessert party at the Torres's house. Hours had passed since our Thanksgiving meal, so we were in prime condition for eating pie. Fortunately, there were many options from which to choose. We ate the night away with our friends!

Amber, Ashley, and Kaitlin:

Georgia:

Jen and Anthony:

Jared and Catharine:

Wendy and Rey:

Jess and Christy:

Max and Jake:

Penny and Christy:

We weren't with our family, but we had the next best thing. This Thanksgiving was a keeper!