Nutcracker Ballet

Savannah loves to dance - she loves to mimick the dances she sees in movies and this Christmas she loves anything Nutcracker, Barbie Nutcracker, Care Bears Nutcracker, Mikhail Baryshnikov's version of the live ballet - it doesn't matter, as long as she can hear Tchaikovsky's music and see dancing then she's happy.

Nana loves Savannah and goes out of her way to find things to make her happy and today was the perfect example. We all got dressed up in our Christmas finest and attended the local production of the Nutcracker Suite. Nana also bought Savannah a ballerina figurine ornament before the show. Savannah wanted to hold her during the production and when the princess or the sugar plum fairy was dancing she would spin this ballerina. It was fun to experience her joy and to see her reactions to the dancers and the music. I was glad that this first exposure to ballet was one where it was perfectly acceptable for her to be whispering questions to me about what was happening. I'm constantly amazed at the generocity Mom exhibits especially when it comes to her grandchildren. What I explained to her is that today I got to be a little girl too for a little while - I have always wanted to see this ballet and echo Savannah's sentiments about the experience, "This is my dream."

A Visit With Santa

Procrastination should be my middle name - that being said we went yesterday to see Santa. Santa was expected at the mall from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. so we thought that we would try to get there early. We got up - got the kids dressed in beautiful Christmas outfits - made sure they had a meal just before we left and were right on schedule to be at the mall before 10:30. We pull into the mall parking lot and the next thing I know my son - all decked out in dress pants, white shirt, vest & tie - is producing his rendition of a geyser. Poor little guy got sick all over himself. I pulled into an empty area of the parking lot and try to clean as much of the lake he created in his car seat as possible and prepare to drive home for the requisite bath and nap after such an episode. As sympathetic as Savannah was for Christopher being sick she was very sad that the anticipation of her visit with Santa would be delayed until after naps. Listening to her pitiful whimpering because "Mommy, I'm sad," was just about my undoing.


We got home and I put Christopher, clothes and all, into the tub. Cleaned him up and put him down for a nap. After naps all around and a quick dinner we made another attempt. This time at 6:00 p.m. - I'm sure that this must be the worst time to go to the mall on a Friday night before Christmas and I'm not looking forward to the whining and fussing that I'm sure will ensue - and I'm not talking about the kids. :-)


What a pleasant surprise - Christopher took a second nap in the car on the way there so Savannah and I went in to brave the line for Santa while Lakin and Christopher stayed in the car to allow Christopher to nap for as long as possible. The line was not nearly as long as I feared and the people in line were pleasant. The end result, as you can see was a beautiful thing - I'm so proud of my little girl who is growing up and realizing that she doesn't have to be shy.

Ho Ho Ho!

Christmas Cookies

I've decided that I wanted to have more "old fashioned" Christmas cookies for my cookie offerings this year so I went searching in some of my oldest cookbooks. I found in my Grandmama's old Watkins Cookbook (copyright 1943) a couple of cookies that spoke to me of Christmas. One is orange drop cookies and the other is spice drop cookies. The orange drop cookies have been a hit for the last 2 years so I tried the spice drop cookies.

The recipe calls for citron - I'd like to see a show of hands of those who had ever heard of citron. Anyways - after internet research and my knowledge of useless things increasing I found out that it is one of the strange fruits found in fruitcake therefore my local Publix grocer had it with all of the unnaturally colored pineapple and cherries. The verdict is that I think it is a keeper recipe.

We will make gingerbread again this year and I think I will forgo the sugar cookies with the requisite decorating mess. Snickerdoodles and peanut blossoms will round out our Christmas cookie offering this year.

I enjoy baking - and I love sharing the bounties of my kitchen with others so what a great opportunity this time of year brings me.

I've decided to start a Christmas cookie book that I can pass on to Savannah - I've purchased a composition book that will contain my favorite cookies - it should have plenty of pages where Savannah can add to it before she hands it on to her daughter.

Merry Christmas and Happy Cookie Baking to all!!!

What a Blessing to be a Mama

Okay - I know that Savannah is not the perfect child, no matter how it may sound here sometimes, but I just have to record these sweet moments. Today, in answer to some prayers, I had a paying job for a bit. I went and helped a friend in her bakery decorating cookies and the like. I was out of the house by 6:15 a.m. (ouch) and didn't get home until about 4:30 p.m. Savannah called me a couple of times during the day to tell me she missed me and to tell me about her day. When I got home she came running down the steps and hugged me and kissed me and snuggled in my lap (until she was distracted by the icee I brought home.) Later tonight she was cuddled up with me on the couch and said, "I love you pretty Mommy, with all of my heart." I thought I was going to burst out in tears with the tenderness of the moment. Savannah is amazingly affectionate (another answer to prayers) and is quick to declare her love and devotion but never has she put it in such words, I am so blessed.

Christopher was not without his own sweet moments. He's been a pretty snuggly baby but since becoming mobile he hasn't wanted to take time from his play to really cuddle much, just a little hug here and there or he'll come lay his head on my knee for a head ruffle and pat on the back. Tonight when I got home he got all excited, climbed up in my arms and promptly laid his head on my shoulder for a good long snuggle, he lifted his head for some kisses and then laid it back down on my shoulder for more cuddles. Ahh, there's nothing like that feeling in all of the world, hugs and kisses freely given.

Sometimes I am so humbled by these children that Heavenly Father has blessed me with, such unconditional love and devotion, I know that I am not always worthy of it. They are so forgiving of my mistakes, of my "bad mommy" moments, of my lack of patience. They see me through the eyes of love with no judging of what the perfect mommy should be. I know that this won't last long, I know the time is soon coming when I will be the embarrassment, I know that eventually I will hear the words I dread most and prepare myself for daily, "you're not my REAL Mom." I know that this time will be fleeting, I pray that the stage where I'm the unintelligent embarrassment will be even more fleeting. I will just enjoy every minute of this time and treasure little arms around my neck, little heads nuzzled up against me and little kisses offered up. I truly am grateful to a Father in Heaven who knew how much my heart needed these little people in my life.

Canyata

I was talking with my brother last night - telling him about Savannah's missed "Canyata" and he had a great idea. Pooh's hunny pot will be a Christmas Canyata (not be confused with a Christmas Cantata *hee hee*) and the kids can have a great time then and Savannah will still get to have the fun of her Pinata. The funny thing is - she hasn't missed it - she hasn't mentioned it at all. Ahhhh - she really is such an easy child.

Mama

I love the relationship my Mama has with my children. This picture shows the sweet love she has with Christopher. Thank you Mama for all that you do.

My Beautiful Birthday Girl

Savannah is such a joy in our lives and it is hard to believe that she is 4 years old. I know that they say, "Time flies when you're having fun," but I would add, "especially when it's with the fun of a child."

Savannah's birthday always seems to come Thanksgiving weekend which is an awful time to try to have a friends party, on top of that Christopher's birthday is exactly a week earlier so it is even more difficult to arrange 2 parties around Thanksgiving (and I don't want them to have to share a party) so it is likely that Savannah's party will always be late. At 4 she doesn't mind at all, but I wonder what the future will bring - ah well I guess I'll worry about that when we get to it.


We had a great time with friends and family, Nana, Gramma, Uncle Dave, Aunt Chris, Dana, Carla, "Uncle Kam & Aunt CJ & The Boys," Constance, Sister Ritter and Savannah's self proclaimed future husband (Tristan insists that he is going to marry Savannah in the temple) were all there to share her day with her, along with (of course) Mommy, Daddy & Christopher.

Planning the party this year was a lot of fun, Savannah is old enough to have a say in what her party would be, she doesn't like cake, but she LOVES frosting so we decided on a giant cookie instead. She still wanted a Winnie the Pooh birthday so we got the cake topper to put on her cookie. OH MY GRACIOUS!!! She had wanted a Winnie the Pooh "Canyata" (otherwise known as a pinata) and I just realized it is still upstairs full of candy! Yikes! I forgot to get it out! Hmmm - so now what? We'll have to figure that out. Oh well, I guess it's a good thing I'm not a professional party planner - we would then starve.

I wish for you my dear sweet angel that this next year will bring you joy, love and growth. Keep your compassion and strength, keep your sense of self and more importantly keep your sense of spirit. I wish for you that you could continue as an example to Christopher and Mommy and Daddy and that we can be your strength. I love you sweet Savannah, Happy Birthday.

'Tis the Season

So, I have this pet peeve, Thanksgiving just gets lost in the "Holiday" season - we seem to go straight from Halloween to Christmas and Thanksgiving just becomes a big meal. In protest of that we do NOTHING Christmas until after Thanksgiving has been given its proper respect. That being said - woo hoo it's time to celebrate Christmas!!!

The day after Thanksgiving all of the Christmas movies get put at the front of the shelf - the binder of Christmas CDs is brought out and we all go around with Jingle Bells running through our heads. There is no telling how many times Savannah has watched "The Polar Express" in the last week. I've tried to make sure that Savannah knows that Christmas isn't all about Santa, I've had to remind her when the cute little movies say "Oh no!!! Santa is not going to be able to find us and there will be no Christmas!!!" that Christmas comes each year regardless of Santa because we're really celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Yesterday I was reminded about what the true spirit of Christmas is. A sweet friend whom I hadn't seen in a very long time called me up. She had read the post about Savannah's "Butterscotch" experience and knew that the housing market being what it is we probably didn't have an excess to devote to Christmas and offered to help us buy Butterscotch for her for Christmas. It brought tears to my eyes to know of such love and to know that the Christlike love that season should engender is alive and well. I chatted with this sweet friend for quite a while and explained that Savannah's wants for this Christmas are really very simple and have already been bought and put away for the festivities of the day.

This giving spirit is what I want my children to learn, the joy of serving, the joy of seeing others' joy. Thanks again, sweet friend, for the beautiful reminder of how to approach this time of year. My heart is full and I really am glad that we have this next month to celebrate the coming of our Savior, to rejoice in His birth and to be reminded of the examples of His life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is truly one of my favorite holidays. I love a day where we are constantly reminded of our blessings, a day for family and good food. I'm thankful for all of my wonderful friends who bless our lives, there are so many. I'm grateful for my family, my little family in my home and my extended family. I'm grateful for the chance to see my parents so often and for their graciousness and hospitality. I'm grateful for my children, Savannah & Christopher, for the joy they bring to my life, for the humor, the hugs, the challenges and of course the love. I'm so thankful for my sweet husband who is my partner in everything, who never pulls the "you're the woman, it's your job" card. I'm grateful that he is a righteous priesthood holder and that we have the blessings that come from that influence in our home. I'm grateful for the restored gospel that allows me the opportunity to have an eternal family. But mostly I'm grateful for my Savior, for the atonement that will allow me to return to live with my Father in Heaven again. For the opportunity to strive toward perfection and the forgiveness when I fall so short.

Happy Thanksgiving - may you have a beautiful day filled with family, friends & service.

Love, Kim

Cute Savannah Saying

We went to Toys-R-Us on Monday and after doing what needed to be done we allowed Savannah to browse a bit. She came across "Butterscotch" an animatronic horse. She had encountered Butterscotch before at Wal-Mart and was entranced then too. While she was feeding/petting/brushing an employee wandered by and asked Emily and me if we needed anything, we mumbled our "No, thank you"s and he had started away when Savannah pipes up, "Yes, excuse me sir." I rolled my eyes wondering what was going to be coming from that beautiful, precocious little mouth. "Excuse me, sir, this thing costs too many dollars." Ohhh my goodness!!!! I threw up my hands and said "I didn't tell her anything!" He looks back at Savannah and says "I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do about that. It's already marked down $20" I think that he was stunned by such grown up words coming from her, he just stood there waiting to see what she would say next. Savannah had expressed her point of view and proceeded to pet/brush/feed the pony.

You just never know what she's going to say next, makes me feel like just following her around with a voice recorder to capture all of the gems she scatters.

Christopher's First Birthday
- by Christopher

Whew! What a year! I can't believe I survived to one year old. Big sister Savannah is sweet and I love Mama & Daddy but this learning to be mobile is dangerous business, just look at the bruises I have to show for my efforts. I was beginning to wonder if this day would come.
We celebrated this day with family and friends. My party goers included Mommy, Daddy, Savannah, Nana, Gramma, Aunt Emily, Uncle Dave, Aunt Chris, Dana, Carla, Annette, Grammy, Aunt Debby, Aunt CJ, Sidney, Charlie, Joseph, Sister Bohling, James, Rachel, Hannah, Brother & Sister Ritter, Ariel, Leia, Tristan, Mr. Erik, Miss Rachel, Amelia and Emma.

Gramma brought me a special present from Papa - my own Rock-Rock. Sister had one and now so do I. Cool!!!!

I don't know what Mommy was thinking scheduling my party during nap time - I wasn't sure I was going to make it - it's a good thing that Sister helped me open my presents.

I was so sleepy that by the time that Mommy put me in my high chair I was about to collapse but of course they had other plans.

Everybody started singing and looking at me, then Mommy brought out something on a plate - I wasn't quite sure what to do with it but she put it just out of my reach - it had this glowee thing on it - it was pretty and I was just about to reach out and touch it when Savannah came over and blew at it and it went out - What happened???? I kept looking at it but I knew better than to touch it - then, what's up with that? Mommy put my hand on it so I decided to pinch off a little piece and try it, hmmm that was pretty good, I think I'll try a little more.

Then Grammy decided to put it up by my face - I guess that means that I can dispense with formalities and just face plant it. Mmmmmm - this is really yummy! Then Aunt Emily took over as Royal Cake holder and I had a feast.

And of course I had to follow it up with a cup of milk. Ahhhhh.

I guess that Mommy thought that I was too messy because she decided I needed to get wet - that's okay - I love to play in the water.

All of my friends left ***yawn*** what a morning, friends, family, presents, cake, playing, bath, now a good long nap. Thanks to everyone who was a part of my big day and we missed those of you who could not make it.

Life is Rosy here

I really struggled on what to name our blog. I wanted something that fit our family and yet I didn't want the dreaded "identifying information" out there for the world to see. So here we are, with our Rosi-er point of view. Life truly is rosy here for us, we have a beautiful family, as you can see was made beautiful by our children, and a great deal of love. We hope you enjoy this journey with us and the best thing about a blog is you can just quit reading.