Fudge vs. Cookies - It's a draw!

A few posts ago, I wrote about the fudge vs. cookies debate, and I have to admit, it was a very close race. I expected fudge to post an annihilating victory via TKO in the first round, however cookies had a couple of well-placed blows early on. Towards the end, it looked like fudge was going to win by decision, but cookies has held its' own round after round. In the end, after subtracting the additional point for Bryan's vote for fudge (only because the computer wouldn't allow Summer to vote after Bryan had already voted), the scores are tied. The final score: Fudge 6, Cookies 6. That being the case, Summer and I have respectfully agreed to disagree on which is better - it was a good fight.

Merry Christmas 2007

This was our second Christmas here in Cleveland and we were very excited to enjoy some old traditions passed on from our families, as well as begin some new ones...

Christmas Eve... eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel... tracking Santa on his blog and on NORAD... opening new pajamas... leaving cookies and milk for Santa... spreading oats on the lawn for the reindeer... reading the Christmas story together...

On Christmas morning, Bryan and I woke up around 8am, amazed that the kids hadn't gotten up yet. We even tiptoed into their room just to make sure they hadn't gone downstairs without us - but they were still sound asleep! When they finally woke up (I think Bryan and I were as excited as the boys), we went dowstairs together to find that Santa had indeed found our house! We must have been very good this year beacause, boy, were we all spoiled!

Of all the toys, I think the biggest hits with the boys were the RoboSapien from Nana and Papa Thompson, and the Wacky Wigglers building set from Grandma and Grandpa Anderson! (Though I have to admit that Bryan and I have played with the Shake 'N Go Crashway together a few evenings after the boys have gone to bed. That is one fun toy!)

After a leisurely day of playing with our new toys and chating with family on the webcam (I don't think we even got dressed until 3pm!), we enjoyed a yummy dinner of soup and fondue with our friends, the Weights. Later that night, we opened family presents with the Thompsons in Utah via the webcam.

What a great Christmas! This year was especially fun because Andrew was old enough to really get excited about Santa... and Logan just does whatever Andrew does! Bryan and I had such a blast watching the anticipation build for them as Christmas approached, loved sharing special family traditions with them, and then thoroughly enjoyed watching the excitement on their faces as they opened their presents! We both agree that Christmas is definitely more fun with kids!

Farewell, Noorlanders!

Last week, we had our friends,the Noorlanders, over for dinner and a Christmas cookie decorating party as our last hoorah before their move. I wasn't sure how we were going to get all those cookies decorated, but as you can see, we had some awesome cookie decorators to help us out!

By the end of the evening, we had several delicious treats to eat and even a few "special" cookies set aside for Santa!

Ralae and I have known each other since junior high, and were good friends all through high school (Go KNIGHTS!) We were in several musicals and plays together and sang in all the high school choirs together. After we both got married, I kind of lost track of her. Imagine my surprise when on my first sunday in Cleveland, I saw Ralae and her family sitting a few rows behind us at church! What a comfort it was to have a friendly familiar face there - like a little piece of home! Ralae has truly been one of those "Tender Mercies" that the Lord sent to help comfort me in a strange new place!

Ralae Rampton and Summer Thompson (9th grade - aren't we cute!)

Since then, we have had the pleasure of doing many fun things with the Noorlanders and getting to know Ralae's husband, Jared, and their two beautiful children, Eric and Shalee. They are such a joy to be around! Eric is so sweet, smart, and polite, and Shalee is the most adorable little firecracker with ten tons of personality!

Today, a moving van will be taking them to a great new job and a beautiful new home in Nebraska! Andrew said, "I wish they didn't have to move! They're our friends!" We are sure going to miss them, but we are so excited for all the new adventures awaiting them! We wish you all the best, Noorlanders!

Christmas Tree Stars and Primary Teachers

A few days before Christmas, Andrew came to me and asked why our tree didn't have a star at the top. I told him that I always put a big pretty bow on the top of the tree instead. He looked at me like that was the dumbest thing he'd ever heard and said, "A BOW?! That's not how you're supposed to do it, Mom! You're supposed to put a STAR on the top to remind you of the star when Jesus was born!" I felt a little sheepish, being reminded of an important symbol of Christmas by my five-year-old!

I believe the credit for this goes to my friend, Kimberly, who is our ward Primary President. I've been told that she did a great Sharing Time about the symbols of Christmas a couple of weeks ago. It obvoiusly left quite an impression on Andrew!

This got me thinking about all the wonderful people who touch my childrens' life for good and how grateful I am for their positive example and influence in their lives! THANKS to all those who serve in the Primary... for Dane and Natalie, Andrew's Primary teachers, and Kolby and Alison, Logan's Nursery leaders. Thanks so much!

And as you can see, we found a STAR for the top of our tree! Thanks, Kimberly! Ü

My handsome little men on the sunday before Christmas

Fudge for President

Okay, so there's a long story behind it... but the short of it is that Summer and I had a big long arguement (oh, excuse me... Summer's correcting me saying that it wasn't an "arguement" but rather a "discussion" - even if it did almost come to blows) about whether people would prefer receiving fudge or some other Christmas treat. She made the statement that "not EVERYONE likes fudge." I, on the other hand, think "how could you not like fudge?" It's like concentrated happiness in a little block of chocolate. Anyway, we decided to settle the disagreement by posting a poll on our blog - it's over in the right column. As for me, I say vote up if you like fudge. If, on the other hand, you prefer misery and sadness, go ahead and click on the other option. Anyway, we'll tally the votes at the end of the week.

By the way, I do actually realize that not EVERYONE loves fudge, but I would guess that the vast majority would vote for the fudge. Anyway, merry Christmas, and we (well, actually I)hope you get lots of fudge in your stockings - Summer hopes everyone gets cookies!

Blaine's Sealing

Yesterday was a very special day for the Thompson family! Baby Blaine was sealed to my sister, Jenny, and her husband, Tyson, in the Ogden Temple. Blaine came to them in June, after years of waiting for a child. I can't think of two more deserving people! Jenny and Tyson love Blaine with all their hearts and are wonderful parents!

I am so grateful to Blaine's birthmother, Katie, for making this day possible! I admire her very much for her love and faith!

Logan.com

Okay, another funny Logan quote! This morning, I walked into the living room to see Logan playing with my cell phone. He was typing all sorts of letters into the "new contacts" screen. When I asked him what he was doing, he said, "I'm typing 'dot com' for you, Mommy! That's nice, huh?" Maybe we spend a little too much time on the Internet at our house.

Apple Juice!

Yesterday at my OB visit, Logan went with me into the restroom for my urine sample. When I finished and placed the cup on the sink he pointed at it and shouted, "Apple Juice!" Between giggles I tried to explain that it was definitely NOT apple juice, but he looked pretty unconvinced. He insisted, "It's a drink, Mommy!"

Quality Family Time

Bryan had this whole weekend off, so on Saturday we got to spend some quality Christmas time together as a family! First, we hit the Mentor Mall to visit Santa (yes, I know there are closer places to visit Santa Claus, but this way I also got to go to the Disney Store! :) We had to wait in line 25 minutes to see The Big Guy, but it was worth it! I wondered if Logan would be shy or scared, but he was thrilled to walk right up to him and was fascinated by his suit and beard. Andrew asked for a Shake 'N Go Crash Speedway, a Power Wheels Jeep Hurricane (yes, the $400 one! - a guy's gotta dream, I guess), and a remote control car. Logan didn't know that he was supposed to ask for anything, so Andrew took the liberty of requesting Elmo and Little People toys for him! (Gosh, Andrew sounds like a walking Fisher-Price ad!)

When we'd had enough of the mall and the crowds, we headed out to the Nativity Display at the Kirtland Visitors Center. Each Christmastime, members in the area are asked to share their personal nativity sets for the display. The result is a fantastic collection of over 600 sets together in one place to enjoy! Wow! I am so glad we went! You can't imagine the huge variety of sizes and styles and materials used! They were all so beautiful! My very favorite part was the international display of nativities from all over the world! It was fascinating to see the unique ways each country portrayed the birth of our Savior! There was also a children's room with more kid-friendly nativities and costumes to dress up in! Andrew and Logan really enjoyed this part of the visit!

Our little "Angel"...


...and "Wise Guy."

Logan's favorite nativity by far was the Little People set!

What was most remarkable to me, was the incredible feeling of peace and reverence that prevailed throughout the display. It was such a huge contrast from the noise, bustle, stress, and commercialism of the mall we had just left. I would have loved to stay at least another hour and just soak it in (if only our Angel and Wise Guy would have allowed it!) I am so grateful to have had this sweet reminder of the gift and miracle of Jesus' birth.

No visit to Kirtland is complete without eating at RJ's, so we stopped in for a late lunch/early dinner - YUM! I highly recommend the Famous BBQ Pork Sandwich with a big basket of fries...and fry sauce of course! (Obviously many Utahans have eaten there! The Deseret News even featured an article about RJ's last year.) I was introduced to RJ's last summer by some friends (thanks, Miriam and Carissa!) and have craved it ever since!

Later that night, Bryan and I attendended the Holiday Party for the Anesthesia Deptartment (made possible by the Noorlanders, who so graciously agreed to watch our kiddos) which was held at the Museum of Natural History. Last year, the party was very formal, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, which was very nice. But this was a really fun and unique setting for a party! It was kind of a progressive-style dinner, beginning with drinks and appetizers, then moving to another part of the museum for the salad, and ending in the Hall of Prehistoric Life for the main course and dessert (chocolate fountains - the highlight of the night!). I'll tell you, there's nothing like fine dining and dancing under the skeleton of a 72-foot-long Haplocanthosaurus delfsi!

This is about where the dance floor was. They even had the dinos decked out in their Santa hats! Now I wish I would have taken some pictures! It was so nice just to have a night out with Bryan! We need to get out more! --Summer

Christmas Cards

Well, I finally got my Christmas cards in the mail to family and friends who live far away! It's always a bigger job than I think it's going to be because I never keep all the mailing addresses in one safe location. SO, every year I end up writing a million emails and making a ton of phone calls begging for addresses that I begged for last year. I guess this is what an address book is for? Back in my Palm Pilot days, I always had every address at my fingertips... but I've never been the same since I dropped it in a sink full of water!

A BIG thanks to my friend, Alison, for the fantastic pictures of the boys! She did a big photo shoot this fall with my boys, Nana, and their little cousin, Blaine. They all turned out so cute! We decided to feature just the kids on the card this year...that's who everyone wants to see anyway, right? --Summer

Preggi Bellies

Okay, I have a lot of friends that are pregnant right now, so I thought I would plug this excellent pregnancy video that I just love! It's called Preggi Bellies - funny name, but great workout! It includes arobics sections that aren't afraid to make you sweat and toning sections for your whole body - all done on an exercise ball! The instructors are Austrailian, so I never get tired of listening to their voices! I'm a sucker for a good accent! :) I feel so good on the days that I do it...I really should do it more!

Collage Video has the best price that I have seen for this video. I also found a good, inexpensive exercise ball at Target. Just make sure you get a ball that's the big enough for your height (I went for the 75 cm ball and it was the perfect size for me, even though it says it's for people 5' 11" and taller) and that it's fully inflated. Otherwise, the a lot of the exercises will not be as comfortable or work as well.

Now, I don't want anyone to think that I'm claiming to be perfect at exercising!!! On the contrary, I'm actually pretty pathetic at keeping a regular exercise schedule! In fact, I'm hoping that I'll feel more obligated to exercise regularly now that I've posted this! After Hannah is born, I'm really hoping to get back into shape in time for the Kirtland musical next summer! :) Everything revolves around Kirtland, right Carissa?! --Summer

Frosty the Smowman

This year, Logan discovered one of my favorite childhood Chirstmas movies, Frosty the Snowman. He asks for it several times a day and even calls it, "his show." Of course, it's Frosty the "SMOWman" to him (since he can't pronounce the "N" very well)!

This morning, I heard Logan and Andrew singing their own version of "Frosty the Snowman." Together, they have put quite a unique twist on this classic song (even though they think this is really how the song goes):

Logan:

"Frosty the SMOW-man,"

Andrew:
"was a jolly, happy SNOW.

with a KUNG PAO pipe

and a PUPPY NOSE

and two eyes made out of COLD."

--Summer

Andrew's LOST tooth - PART II

Just a little update... The Tooth Fairy did come after all! We woke up yesterday to find that she had left a dollar for Andrew in place of his note. A DOLLAR! I don't think I ever got more than a quarter for my teeth! It's inflation, Bryan says.

When we went to Costco last week, we asked Andrew what he would do if the Tooth Fairy left him a dollar. He answered immediately that he would buy a churro at the Costco snack bar. A little bit later he said, "I thought I wanted to buy a churro, but now that I see all the things that I could buy, I don't know what to get!" then he sighed, "Ugh! I guess that's just the way life is!" I had to giggle a little bit at that - How true that is!!! --Summer

Andrew's LOST tooth

About a week ago, Andrew announced that he had his first loose tooth. It surprised me how proud and excited I was about it! (I guess it's a Mommy thing!) So he's been working hard on it everyday, trying to wiggle that tooth out! When we offered to help pull it out, he said, "I think it's better to let it come out on it's own!"

Then, this morning at breakfast, I noticed Andrew had a new little "window!" I said, "ANDREW! Where's your tooth!?" He looked at me like I was kinda crazy and said, "It's in my mouth, Mom." "Are you sure?" I asked. He ran to the mirror and came back with a look of pure horror on his face! We searched his bed, but no tooth! We finally came to the conclusion that he must have swallowed it during the night. Andrew, of course, was VERY concerned that the Tooth Fairy would not come and leave him a surprise. So we decided he'd better write a note to the Tooth Fairy, and maybe she would still come. (I helped a little with the spelling. Ü)

When we told Nana (my Mom) about what happened, she reminded me of when I was in Kindergarten and dropped my lost tooth in my 70's pink shag carpet in my bedroom. Now, this was the type of shag carpet that could eat small children, so of course, we never found my little tooth. She said I wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy and she came anyway. This comforted Andrew quite a bit! I guess we'll have to see! We'll keep you posted. --Summer

RIDICULOUS!

Today Bryan and I were talking in the kitchen while Logan was finishing his dinner. Somewhere in the conversation, Bryan said the word, "ridiculous." Logan must have thought it was a really funny word, 'cause he started saying it over and over and over. It sounds more like "uh-dic-a-wiss." So cute!!! What did we do for entertainment before we had kids?! --Summer