What does Jesus Say?

Will is VERY into what things "say"... animals, vehicles, etc. He is even starting to "tease" us and say things like, "Lions say 'meow.' No! Lions say 'roar!!'" He could do this for hours.

So, the other day he asked me, "What does Jesus say?"

I said, "I don't know. What does Jesus say?"

He looked thoughtful for just a second and then said, "Jesus say, 'I love you too!'"

It reminded me of Matthew 18:

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Painting

On Saturday, my dear, dear, wonderful, wonderful friend Bobbi came to help me paint Will and Katie's room and the kid's bathroom. Those rooms had just been sprayed an off-white color when we moved in and I had scrubbed off all the paint when washing walls. It was literally down to the primer. It was quite the process and I am so glad it is done. Thankfully, the kids spent most of the day at my mom's because when they were home they were very interested in helping. I was very interested in keeping the carpet free of paint spills.

The paint turned out cute and I am looking forward to adding some cute decorations to the bathroom and bedroom.

Happy Birthday Matthew and Kathryn!!

Well, Matthew and Katie proclaimed this year to be their "best birthday ever!!" I am starting to notice a theme with this proclamations. :) Anyway... one of the things they loved was their birthday celebration seemed to keep going and going and going and going.

Their birthday celebration kick off was a trip to the movies... complete with popcorn, candy and lemonade. We all loved Bedtime Rhymes... seriously, Ashton and Matthew were almost embarrassing they were laughing so loud... and it was pretty cool to see an Usborne Science Encyclopedia in the movie. Then, to their sheer delight, the kids got to have a sleepover with Stacie at Grandma Craguns.

The next day, their actual birthday, we opened presents, did quickly did chores, and then read many chapters in Book 1 of of the Chronicles of Narnia: The Magicians Nephew. The kids were so engrossed we ended up reading for 2 1/2 hours. That night Grandpa and Grandma Cragun prepared a special birthday dinner of favorite foods: Mac N Cheese (for Matthew) and Funeral Potatoes (for Kate). But the fun didn't end there... oh no... then we darted to the bowling alley for some real live (not wii) bowling. Jer and Will (teammates) were the winners. Will actually did a great job of kicking the ball down the lane. He got 8 or 9 pins everytime. Grandma and Grandma Cox met us at the bowling alley and then treated the kids to ice cream at Pollies.

They got wonderful presents and were thrilled with their special day!!

On Saturday, Bobbi came to visit (subject of another post) and brought more presents and on Sunday, all the children at Church sang them a birthday song and they got to go to the Bishop's office for a treat and a handshake. On Monday, they were the special birthday kids at school. They each got a crown and Matthew's classmates all made his a birthday card. They enjoyed showing their classmates pictures of them as babies and toddlers and sharing a treat with their friends.

We can't believe how old they are getting and are so proud of them!! They are such considerate kids and truly are best friends.

Happy Birthday Matthew and Katie!! We love you so much!

Happy New Year!!

We celebrated the New Year by going to a New Year's Eve party at Grandpa and Grandma Coxes. It was very delicious. Then, we came home and the kids went to sleep. Jer and I stayed up until mid-night playing Mario Cart against people across the country. That was pretty fun.

The next day, we had planned to go to Chuck E. Cheese for the kid's birthday, but we managed to convince them to go to a movie and bowling. Jer, Will and I ended up going to Provo anyway to exchange some things we'd received for Christmas and take advantage of the after Christmas sales. We found some amazing deals and had a wonderful time. It was the closest thing to a date we have had in quite awhile. We even at lunch at one of my favorite restaurants... Los Hermanos. Will had quite the audience at the lunch... he was chowing down the chips and salsa so fast that our fellow diners were laughing and pointing. I think they were surprised to see a toddler scarfing down not too mild salsa. It was a great day!!

On Sunday, for family home evening we set personal goals and one big family goal.
Matthew wanted to reach a certain reading level by next year. Katie wants to finish an entire piano level. Ashton wants to learn all the alphabet (not just the letters in his and his friends names :) ). I decided I wanted to attend the temple a certain number of times this year and I can't remember Jer's goal. (It is on the fridge, but I am too lazy to get up and see what it is.) Our family goal is to not miss a day of scripture study. We were doing pretty good before, but would sometimes just send the kids to bed if it was getting late. Not this year!! ... so far, we've kept our resolution... of course it has only been about a week.

On Monday, while Jer was at work I took some time to reflect on my Usborne Books business, how the last year went, and set goals for the upcoming year.

I really do love this time of reflection, evaluating, and looking forward. There is so much hope in a New Year.

Happy New Year!

Cooking ONCE a MONTH!!!

I am SUPER busy right now and don't have time to upload New Years and birthday pictures... but I will sometime this week. :) But I just wanted to share something that has really, really made me SO happy... in case it will help someone else.

Let me start by confessing something: I DO NOT LIKE TO COOK. But, I also dislike TV dinners, frozen pizza, etc. ... So it was dilemma. BUT I found something that has REALLY helped us save money on groceries (as well as helping us eat healthier)... I've chosen 10 main courses and then prepared double amounts of those main courses (so 20 meals in all) in one day. I shop the day before... so it is a big trip. I also try to get all the things like laundry detergent, dish soap, toilet paper that we will need that month. Because I am spending so much at once (and because a big, huge shopping trip with four kids in tow is pretty miserable) I am focused on getting in and out and make it through without any extras.

Since we started doing this we've really been able to take advantage of "economies of scale;" we haven't had to buy things like frozen pizza, pot pies, etc.; we've pretty much stopped eating out... except for VERY special occasions; and most importantly we have saved $100-200 a month on food.

I learned a system from a book I purchased from my booth neighbor at a craft fair. Their website is http://www.30mealsinoneday.com/ or http://www.dinnerisready.com/. They have recipes which I used the first time. (Now I that I know how to be efficient I use some of theirs and some of my own.) They also have software, which I wish I would have purchased, but couldn't afford at the time. They have books about lunches (which are for 1-2 people) as well.

I enlist Katie as my helper and that makes it go quicker (I think). The first time, I cooked 20+ meals in one day Katie said, "Wow Mom!! You are on fire!" I only do 20 instead of 30 because I pretty much have to quit at 2 pm when Ashton gets home from preschool.

I highly recommend their systems!!!

Papa Johns

Today I realized how pervasive advertising is and how it can even reach seemingly sheltered little kids. My realization came after Ashton said something funny. The kids were playing with the play-doh set we received for Christmas and one of the tools looks like a pepper mill, but shoots out little confetti looking pieces. Matthew put white play-doh in it and said, "I am making Parmesean cheese to go on my spaghetti." Katie said, "I need some Parmesean." And then Ashton started screaming, "Papa Johns! Papa Johns! I need some Papa Johns!" Matthew and Katie kept trying to tell him it was Parmesean, but he kept insisting that he was making "Papa Johns." He even called the Parmesean cheese in our fridge "Papa Johns."

At first, I kept giggling anytime he talked about "Papa Johns." Then, I wondered... how does he even know about Papa Johns? We live at least an hour away from a Papa Johns and haven't been since we lived in Wymount seven years ago... long before Ashton was born. We don't get TV channels. Matthew said he thinks Ashton saw the commercials at my mom's house. But still, that's not a lot of TV time. Whenever I go grocery shopping I am amazed at my kids' knowledge about different uses and "benefits" of products. (Again, we don't have TV so they only watch it at my mom's... only a couple of times/week.) So, the advertisers are definitely doing something right. It makes me think... and hope I am instilling values in my little ones at least as effectively as the advertising companies.

A Barbie by Any Other Name...

This morning Jeremy had to help Katie pop the seat back into the Barbie car Kellie gave her for Christmas. Matthew had apparently accidentally knocked it out. The car is fine, but Jeremy overheard this conversation between Matthew and Katie.

K: You broke my Barbie car so you have to play Barbies with me now.
M: (Looking very put out... like he was going to have to stick his hand in the toilet or something) Uh... I don't want to play Barbies. I don't like Barbies there aren't any boys.
K: (not missing a beat) Yes there are! There's that boy Barbie.
M: Ken
K: Yeah that's it.
M: Okay... but can I PLEASE call him an action figure?

The Best Christmas EVER!

Matthew and Katie have officially declared this to be the "best Christmas ever!" It truly has been wonderful... so great that I'm not ready to see it go. The Cragun family has a tradition of reading the "Forgotten Carols" by Michael McClean each year and one of the carols is "I Cry the Day I Take the Tree Down." Well, I think that is how everyone in our house will feel this year.


Our Christmas started early with the Cox Christmas party on the 20th. There were 20 HYPER kids at Grandma and Grandpas... all very ready for festivities. The adults enjoyed a "White Christmas" by spending the morning in the temple while the kids played with their cousins. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate about the true reason behind Christmas... our Saviour Jesus Christ and doing something for someone that they can't do for themselves. Later, we had a Christmas dinner and gift exchange. The kids were thrilled with the gifts their cousins gave them. Matthew ended up with a Fantastic Four movie in Grandma's white elephant exchange. He watched that movie once a day until Christmas.



Something very significant... that was the last day of binkies!! Jeremy told Ash and Will, "the binkies are going bye-bye boys" and they did! Today is the first day, Will has taken a nap since then, but he has be going to bed without one all week. Finally!!


The next day we received a wonderful surprise when two of Santa's helpers dropped off two garbage sacks full of gifts on our porch. They wouldn't tell us where they came from. It made Christmas so special this year... to have someone think of our kids and want to share.


The kids and I had a great time while they didn't have school. We made home-made wrapping paper, read Christmas stories and the kids loved helping Ashton with his pirate treasure kid kit. Jer had raised funds from local businesses to get all of the kids at Head Start a fun kid kit for Christmas. (Usborne matched the donations 50% and I threw in my commission to stretch the funds he raised.) During our reading the kids and I learned about the origins of many Christmas symbols and traditions and how Christmas was celebrated around the world. The kids were especially interested in the hearing once again, the story of Baby Jesus; as well as the story of St. Nicholas.

Jer and I stayed up late one night to make Pan de Jamon. A traditional Venezuelan Christmas bread. A friend gave us the recipe (and some bread) our first Christmas together and we've made it and shared with friends and family ever year since.On Christmas Eve I woke up with a stomach bug. Will and I have actually been battling this stomach bug off and on for a month. Just when I think I am better he will get sick again, and then a day or two later I will. But, it was still a great day!

We enjoyed our traditional Cragun brunch with sausage, bacon, and most importantly Ebelskiever and rice pudding... a Christmas tradition passed down by our Danish great-grandmother.

Then we had the Cragun family Christmas program. I will try and upload some videos later, but Katie recited her Alaska poem, Matthew sang a song and Will and Ashton were Will and Ashton.

Then, we ate an early supper with the Parrishes, Frames, Smiths, and the missionaries. This our 20th year of enjoying a Christmas Eve dinner with those families. Jenny (in the picture below) and I were in third grade when the tradition started. After dinner "Jenny the Elf" told the kids wonderful stories about the NORTH POLE and the kids enjoyed a game of Don't Eat Pete. It is Katie's turn in the picture.

Then, we went to Manti to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Coxes. After a delicious dinner, the kids acted out the Nativity. I did record it, but I'm not sure what file it is. I'll see if Jer can figure it out. The recording will be kind of interesting... 10 minutes of organized chaos designed to remind kids about the true meaning of Christmas. No matter how crazy it seems to us adults, it's getting through to them right?

Then next morning we woke the kids up at 7 am (after Jer and I had stayed up until 3 am finishing Christmas blankets for them) to open some presents at my moms. Steve had just gotten off work and needed to go to sleep. We had a great time. Will and Ashton were especially thrilled with their gifts... farm sets.

The video below shows our kids running downstairs to see their presents. (I thought this was the nativity when I added it. The same chaos prevailed.)

We spent Christmas playing the Wii we got our kids, napping and watching them enjoy their gifts. The next afternoon (when Jer was done with morning chores) we went to visit my Grandma Cragun. The kids enjoyed listening to her stories about when Grandpa was little. Then we went to my Grandpa and Grandma Heslops for the Heslop party. We all had a great time with our cousins and the kids got even more presents which they loved!!

It was a wonderful Christmas... we made amazing memories, enjoyed great time with our family, had time to reflect on the birth, life, and atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, shared meaningful gifts... does it get any better than that!?!

Jesus is my Favorite

Something cute Ashton said today... His teacher at church gave him some candy as a Christmas present and he offered to share some with Stacie. Stacie said, "Thanks, Ash you are such a good boy." Ashton replied, "I always try to be good... for Jesus." Then, he said very seriously, "Jesus is my favorite."

Hopefully He will always be Ashton's favorite.

Where has the last month gone?

Between the Holiday Gift Boutique, Jeremy starting an evening job, a typical fall (read: BUSY) Usborne schedule, and regular holiday and school activities we have hardly had a moment to breathe let alone blog. So... read on for a disjointed and incomplete (but hopefully informative) history of the last few weeks.

Side note... As I looked back on what I chose to document I realized what is really important. Not the things that are pressing and occupying our minds... like that the boutique sales were up $1000+ this year (yeah) or that we got up at 4:30 am again to go Christmas shopping or that my Usborne business has been flourishing in this bad economy and I even just promoted out two supervisors (YEAH... again!) or even that Jer is very sleep deprived because he is working 60+ hours every week and doesn't get home until after 1 pm three nights awake (although I am grateful for his sacrifices).

Anyway... the things I chose to really focus on are pretty much everyday things and traditions that will hopefully live on in our kids memories. And if they don't at least we've got the written record here... right?

So... hopefully I'll post again soon, but if I don't manage to post before Christmas... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Grandparents Day

Jumping back to November...

The day before Thanksgiving is the annual Grandparents Day. Kathryn Jan had both of her grandmothers go with her to school where she and her classmates performed several musical numbers. When Katie's class was over she and Grandma Cox went to McDonalds for a special lunch and Grandma Cragun joined Matthew and Grandpa Cragun. Later, the kids perfomed a song or two for Mom and Dad.

Party, Party, Party

Tis the season... of peace, goodwill, and parties. Last week we had our ward party on Tuesday and on Saturday we had both the Head Start party (which Jeremy was in charge of) and an Usborne Christmas party/training (which I was presenting at). It was a crazy day!

The kids had the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap TWICE in one week and were consistent in what they asked for:

Matthew: a sy kit and electronics (Santa know what kind of electronic games he would like best)

Kathryn: a wiggle car

Ashton: a monster with arms coming out of its back and head (what!?!?!)

William: CANDY!!

Light up the Lights!

Last night was the Elementary School Christmas Program and the theme was "Light up the Lights." The kids all did a great job... especially the kindergartners and first-graders. :) The grand finale was especially... well... grand!

Grandma and Grandpa Cox, Grandma Cragun, and Steve all came to watch the program.

We celebrated afterward with Hot Fudge sundaes... yummy!

The kids looked beautiful in their new Christmas outfits. Thanks Grandma!

WOW...Our Poet

Early in December, I picked Katie up from school and she was wearing a gold medal. We were thrilled to learn that Katie won the Literature Reflections contest at her school in the K-2 group. The theme was "WOW" and she wrote a poem about Alaska. She was ecstatic too but was surprised that her poem (which she didn't think was that great) won, but her picture (which she thought was wonderful) did not win.

Some fun quotes from that day:

• "I was just so happy when the principal called my name and said I won." - Katie


• "I just knew that poem would win!" -Grandma Cragun (when we read it to her before she turned it in, my mom predicted that would be the winning poem)


• "The teachers and kids around me gave me dirty looks and told me to 'shhh'. We were supposed to hold our applause until the end, but I stood up and started cheering. I couldn't help it. I was just so happy for her!" - Matthew, when asked what he thought when they called Katie's name at the Reflections award assembly.

That night, Katie was thrilled to ride in a horse-drawn carriage on the Ephraim City Council float with Grandpa Cragun. (The boys rode on the Holiday Gift Boutique... which won honorable mention BTW.) She also had her picture in the newspaper. Here is her award winning poem.

Alaska

We sailed on a ship for seven days.
We stayed in a cabin for seven days.
It was a long ways!
When we got there we walked all day.

We saw a bear. It had black hair.
We saw it over the river there.
We saw a person building totem poles.
The stories of the totem poles
I liked them well.

The whales we saw on the boat ride
And the sea lions we also saw there
Made me feel cool inside.
Alaska makes me feel WOW!!

Decorating the Tree

Our kids enjoyed decorating the tree... they also loved decorating themselves.