Am I a hypocrite?

Well, maybe a little.... I told my sister Dayna that catching up in the blogging world is just a waste of time and energy. I said, "Don't do it! Just start at what is currently going on...." Famous last words. I was looking through the last couple of months as I am feeling very lame about keeping up with our life and I MISSED SOME THINGS! And darn it, I just can't let them be forgotten or rather, not captured in my little bloggie world. So, I am going to do it, just not now. Forgive me Payna (yes, I wrote that with a P and not a D... you know the deal sister! lol!!) Let me focus on the "current goings on".

We switched to 9:00am church on Sundays and my life is BLISS!!! I am so lame.... After lunch I patiently wait until 1:30, put Finn down knowing that he probably WON'T take a nap and I crash. I mean, I really CRASH!!! I hit my bed (yes, we are friends, not best friends but good friends) and I fall asleep in 10 seconds or less. I sleep so hard that I SNORE. Here is the naughty part, I sleep for 2 plus hours and I have no idea what my kids are doing and I secretly don't care. I am sooooo happy to be napping that that is all I can focus on. Shame on me. I can still hear the chaos in my sleep, but I manage to stay asleep and push it all out of my mind. Poor Eric. He is injured and needs peace and quiet, but I selfishly push that aside as well. I should be beaten! lol!!!

Last Sunday was no exception. I woke up to find boxes and children everywhere. I made myself get out of bed around 3:30, but I could have stayed in for another hour. Hey, I am catching up. To think that about a year ago all I did was sleep and now I am back to cherishing it and wishing for more naps. I am seriously nicer after a good nap. I should take more!! (o;

Tate and Gabe are currently playing basketball. I bought a new ball for them and Finn found the box. That commercial about a box being "priceless", true!! Kids love boxes. I managed to snap a few pics while Finn was still playing with the box. Now why does he only have one shoe on....? Don't know (I was asleep), but it is cute.

On a side note, Coleman is playing tennis and enjoying himself as well. Scouts has been taking up a lot of time for Coleman and Tate. Gabe is doing well in school. Finn loves My Gym and MDO. The boys are happy and not so busy. It is nice and that is our "current goings on". I guess stay tuned for the hypocritical "catch up". I promise not to call it that.....

Life is good!!

Wise words

I am 41 years old and just figuring this out. I wonder why it took me so long..... Life sure is funny! (and good) (AND BUSY....!!)

The Power of Peace

Tate sang in a 4th and 5th grade Chorus Concert on Monday night. The theme was Peace. It was very well done. Tate took a speaking part last minute and did a great job. My camera was out of batteries (where is my head......?), so no "live concert" shots, but this is him at home.... looking cuter than ever. He has a little peace button on and his hair screams the 60's!! Lol!! I can't believe Tate is almost a 5th grader. Where does the time go? He is still our best cuddler and so sweet. He has the nicest personality and is really growing up to be an amazing, sensitive, funny young man. We love you Tate Alexander!

Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This was Tate's speaking part. Ralph Waldo Emerson has so many important, insightful, powerful poems, quotes etc. He was a smart, inspired man.

Wise words

I really love....

Our Christmas tree angel.

This, of course, is not it, but is a nice representation of the Angel Moroni atop some sacred temple. Eric bought the Angel Moroni for our Christmas tree many years ago and we all just love it. It makes our tree special and it is not complete without it.

The ghosts of Christmas past (part two)

Let's see.. the ghosts of Christmas past....We will try to visit them, but our pics are somewhat either lacking or SOMEONE named Mom turned the flash off and therefore some if not most of the pics are simply yuck. Oh well, can't win them all.


We did get a tree, but some of us were just not that happy.

We were able to visit the Pooles Store Santa. We adore him and have been visiting with him annually for 11 years. He is a real gem and so is his wife.

Cute, little shy Finny.

Happy, handsome Gabriel

Darling Tate and Mr. Claus looked like they just shared a funny joke.

Santa always remembers Coleman the most. I think that is one of the endearing qualities of this special gentleman. Coleman looks so grown up. I sure adore that boy, oops my tween!!

This is our country store, Pooles Store. A historic place and one that we love. They are closing and we are so sad about it. It will be a real loss in this area. I hate change.

On December 17th, Eric was in a serious ski accident and broke his neck. He had surgery in Utah and managed to get home before Christmas. What a blessing.


BEFORE (taken the night we decorated the tree)

AFTER (taken Christmas morning. Not a happy camper!)

Christmas jammies courtesy of the Christmas Plum Pavuk Family. We sure love love love them!

Christmas eve Buche de Noel cake. Yum!! (I see someone flicking someone else.... Watch out for that naughty list!!)

Christmas morning loot and beauty

Finally, the long awaited pogo stick!!

Our stockings are always a highlight. Santa is so wise and thoughtful!!

Are you kidding me?!? An i-Touch for a sweet boy. Gabe said this was the best Christmas ever. And it should be.... Geez! Nice! He takes it everywhere with him. A good gift indeed!!

A handy pocketknife for a handy boy!

Magic mania and a very nice telescope was under the tree for Master Coleman.

Finny needs some Playmobile for his room. Can't go wrong with Playmobile. (I should do a commercial.)

Gabe made Eric and I an awesome and creative turtle. We love it!

Christmas Day treasure/present hunt.... what could be waiting for the Martinis boys?

A go-cart!!!

Trying it on for size. He might need an assistant driver for a while!

Christmas day dinner and program with our best friends and their families.

Jen read a sweet story about a lamb to the families. Each family was given the story and a lamb to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Eric and friends.

Happy girls at Jesus' birthday party. Someone even brought a cute baby Jesus for the table.

Jesus birthday cake. Remember a present is something you buy, but a gift is something you give of yourself. What will YOU give Jesus this year?

If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down AND....

SMILE that frown away!!

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

We have certainly experienced an outpouring of love this season. It has brought us great peace and happiness. Blessed is the season.

The ghosts of Christmas past (part one)

I feel like Christmas was a hundred years ago. I was sick and tired... Eric was injured. It was very cold outside. The boys had been banished to the house.... Out of sight, out of mind. I have wanted to sit down and write about the month of December, but I haven't found a minute to do so. I am starting this warm morning of 1/1/11, but know that it will have to be short lived. I have lots of things to do and a Christmas explosion waiting to be put away since the 26th (yes, I took down the tree etc the day after Christmas.... I'm bad.)

Our month started with Savior of the World. Busy for Eric, spiritually blissful for Coleman and I. I WILL get to that, but I feel it needs a separate post and a quieter house. I want to peacefully reflect. After the play, the month went on without a hitch until Eric broke his neck. It seems since then that my mind and thoughts have been a blur and I am sure that I missed out on something, but I am also sure I probably won't remember so..... it all works out. I had a virus for almost two weeks too so that really didn't help with any kind of normal clarity. Darn it. Fortunately, I haven't felt rushed or overwhelmed. A "side effect" left over from the play and a gift from a sweet priesthood blessing. I haven't felt spiritually void, but do feel like I could have done more to promote the true meaning of Christmas in our home.

We got a new mattress. For the first week (and while I was sick) it was like getting used to a torture session mixed in with a WWE wrestling match. I woke up tired, sore and for the first time IN MY LIFE, not looking forward to getting into bed. I love to sleep and this was a huge contributor to the blur.... We have since added a new pillow and that is helping. I worry about Eric and his comfort. I wake up a lot and study him. Why? Not sure. Maybe I think staring at him will make him sleep better, harder, and more comfortably.... I am a freak.

The boys had a nice Christmas and loved their gifts. I am so glad. I know that Santa works hard to ensure a pleasant, satisfying Christmas and this year was definitely a good one. Thank you Santa.

Eric is slowly doing better, but the curse of that is when you feel better you start to do more and that is when your body says NO! He is definitely having a NO day. Healing takes time and patience. I know this from experience. Today I may have to tie him to his chair. With that, I will end. I can hear the boys screaming and I am sure Eric can feel no peace with shrieking children and slamming doors.... Darn kids. Darn Christmas explosion. Until later..., and part two (pics included.)

Happy New Year!