Family Time

Kirk took time off work between Christmas and New Years.  It was great having him home.  He took the kids sledding a couple of times. 

That is Tyler headed right for that girl.  Luckily she got out of the way in time:)

We also spent a lot of time playing Band Hero.  What a great game!  My little David is quite the singer and Ethan loves those drums.  

And you should hear Kirk sing, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," it's classic.

Too bad he had to go back to work and the kids to school.  It was fun while it lasted.

Christmas 2009

We enjoyed a really special Christmas Eve with our family tradition, according to my kids, of watching Nacho Libre.  At least he knows about the gospel:)

Christmas morning, waiting to go down the stairs, in their new pajamas, which they have also informed me is a Christmas tradition.  My kids taught me a lot this year:)

Santa was very good to us, we had a wonderful Christmas.  We even managed to pull it off (barely, I forgot our stockings and a few presents) out of town.  My Christmas wish was for a surprise.  And I was surprised with diamond earrings.  Christmas was really good. 

Christmas Dinner With My Grandmas...

This year we ventured out with both of my grandmas.  Neither one of them can drive, so we thought it might be fun to take them out.  My brother and his family picked up one grandma and we brought the other.  We met downtown and went to dinner.  It was a fun little outing.  I always like being downtown (or at least seeing it) during Christmas.  

My Grandma B was all dressed up, I think she looks so pretty.

My Grandma D ordered a salad.  It was almost as big as she is.  

Fiery Darts and Cub Scouts

Our sweet neighbors invited us over for Family Home Evening.  They prepared a great lesson on the Armor of God.  But first they had the kids talk about some of the "fiery darts" that might threaten them.  For some reason our son David had gambling on the mind and immediately brought it up.  We all laughed.  The lesson went well and we discussed things they encounter like cheating at school and so on.  They we talked about the Armor of God.  It was great. 

Yesterday I was driving the kids home from school.  It was snowing and lots of people were out shoveling.  As we passed a neighbors house, David unrolled his window and yelled out to him, "Hey!  You owe me $5!"  I was a little embarrassed, but luckily, I don't think he heard David.  I asked what that was about and apparently David had bet him $5.  David had to pay him if Utah won and he owed David if BYU won.  BYU won and David wanted his $5.  As he told me this story, Jacob, his twin brother says, "Uh-oh David, you just did a fiery dart."  Those boys keep me laughing!  

Last week we had pack meeting.  It was awesome.  One of the leaders invited his friend who teaches ceramics at a near by high school.  He brought a spinning table and made pots right before our eyes, I was thoroughly entertained.  Along with being very talented, he was great with the kids.  He talked to them about how when they make something with their hands, it is unique and there is not another one in the world just like it, and that is why hand made is so special.  He gave each of the kids some clay and let them play with it/make something with it.  It was such a nice night.  At the end, they handed out the kits for the pinewood derby.  The boys were all so excited.  When we got home, Jacob said, "Even if my car doesn't win the pinewood derby, it will still be really special because I made it."  I was so pleased he was able to make that connection, what a great kid!

Merry Chrismtas 2009

Merry Christmas!

This is what has been going on at our home...

David and Jacob got baptized earlier this year.  They also played tackle football for the first time and LOVED it!  They are now avid football fans and know more about the NFL than their mom.

Ethan is loosing all of his teeth.  He looks forward to being baptized next year as long as it doesn't interfere with the 4th of July race in Richfield.  (His birthday is July 1st)

Tyler learned to ride his bike without training wheels.  He just turned 5 years old and can't wait to go to kindergarten next year.  

Kirk has traveled to Japan and England this year for work.  He enjoyed visiting some of his mission and reuniting with old companions and members in Japan.  Lara was lucky enough to go with him and hopes she gets to go to London again!

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

*I ended up making Christmas cards this year, so much for the Costco ones.  It is a lot of work, but I really enjoy it.  They might get to you before Christmas, but they might not.  If I don't have your address and you want one, send me an email laradlangston@gmail.com

Things to Love This Time of Year

Writing letters has become a lost art and I think it is so sad.  There is something so wonderful about getting a letter in the mail, addressed to you, that is hand written.  Nothing can quite replace that.  Emails and texts are so quick and convenient, but letters got lost along the way.  Even though most Christmas cards don't really count as letters, I LOVE getting them in the mail this time of year.  It is so fun to see pictures of friends and family, even if they are from those of you I see often.  I love Christmas cards and I really hope they don't get replaced with emails, blogs, etc.  By the way, my Costco Christmas cards didn't turn out so good.  Maybe I will pull it together and do something else...my Christmas cards might turn into New Years cards this year, oh well.  

Getting Ready For Christmas

I usually enjoy making my own Christmas cards.  This year however, I sort of ran out of time.  I guess I will go ahead and blame it on Thanksgiving being so late.  So I went online, used an old picture, and ordered Christmas cards from Costco.  It almost killed me (I think they are so unoriginal).  Until I realized how easy it was to cross Christmas cards off of my list!  Now I am on to the next thing.  I don't know how my parents ever did Christmas with 7 kids!

Eggs

I don't really like eggs.  I know that they are good for me and once in awhile I will eat some if they are accompanied by something else.  Tyler likes eggs.  He likes to eat them, especially "flat eggs".  Flat eggs are simply fried eggs, not really fried, just not over easy, cooked all the way through, those are his favorite.  Somewhere he got the idea that babies come from eggs.  Although that is somewhat true, he thinks they come from chicken eggs.  Saturday we went out as a family and he asked how come girls eat eggs and have babies, but boys don't.  I can't remember his other comments, but Kirk and I were both laughing, he had some funny questions.  This morning he was watching a little Christmas cartoon.  Pluto ran away and it upset Tyler.  He had red watery eyes and a shaky voice.  I reassured him that Pluto was coming back.  I also picked him up and cuddled him, he is a big boy.  I told him that.  Then he said, "Why don't you lay another egg?"  

Needless to say, I will not be laying another egg or adding to my family at this point.   

I Must Have Been Hungry....

My husband has been in Japan for over a week.  I have missed him lots and am soooo glad that he is home!  While he was away, he ate a lot of interesting Japanese food, and by interesting, I mean disgusting.  He is a good sport and will say that some of it was good, but I went with him once and other than rice, I am not sure which part he is talking about.  So in honor of his return, we went to In N Out tonight for burgers.  I thought it was kind of hilarious that the California chain was covered in snow, but anyway, we got cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes, pretty much everything on their whole menu.  I have been to In N Out a couple of different times.  It is always good, but the way people talked about it, I honestly expected more.  However, tonight it was amazing!  Maybe the ones in Utah are better, or maybe I was just really happy to have my husband home, I am not sure, but boy was that a great burger.  Ice cream is not my favorite treat, so I didn't order a shake because I don't really like them, but when I sampled Kirk's, I had to do it again and again because it was so darn good.  I don't know what made everything so good tonight, but I will have to restrain myself from going there often.  

Look Who's Sporting a Hoodie

Reggie is ready for the snow!

My Favorite Christmas Smell

I love this stuff!  The counter top cleaner and dish soap make my kitchen smell heavenly!  And they actually clean really good too.  Now the house smells ready for Christmas as well:)

Early Gift

This is just about the cutest Christmas toy I have seen.  Tyler has been playing "Santa's Workshop" all afternoon.  The sleigh is loaded with presents that you can open and inside are toys!  I am not sure if it is available to buy anymore and that is too bad.  Tyler has had fun delivering presents to his toys, but only the good ones.  And then he is quick to add that "Jesus loves everyone, even the bad guys."  Thanks to our friends for giving us such a fun toy!

Love Notes

This morning I was packing lunches for my boys and I finished by writing them a little "love note."  And that is just a little note telling them that I love them and to have a great day.  As I wrote this morning and then signed it "Mom" I was overwhelmed that I was actually their mom.  All growing up, I looked forward to being a mom and now that I am, I love it.  It seems so easy to become side-tracked with friends, self-improvement, work, social things, etc. that sometimes I actually forget that I am a Mom to four boys.  It is the most important thing I do, so I guess I had better work on it!

We Are Ready!

Our stockings are hung

The tree is already

Tyler got to see Santa

We are ready for Christmas!  It is my FAVORITE time of year!

Life Is Good

My friend gave me this wonderful idea, we have been writing down things that we are grateful for on post-it notes and then sticking them on the back door.  It has been so much fun to see what the kids come up with and even better to see them every time we go through the door.  Tyler has even done a great job at writing.  I think we may have to make this a tradition!  We have so much to be grateful for.  

Piano Recital

Does anyone else have this problem?  My boys obviously don't know how to smile.  Mostly just the twins, but with Ethan's missing teeth, he is just as goofy.  This is just painful.  

Saturday my boys played in their piano recital.  It was sooo much fun to watch them.  All of the kids who participated are friends and neighbors and nearly all were boys!  We live in such a great neighborhood.  I am grateful for all of the wonderful friends and neighbors that we are surrounded by.  

After viewing the first picture, this was our second try, not sure if it was much better.

 Afterwards, we were treated to yummy food and the boys couldn't keep their hands off of the piano.  Love this picture!  

The Big 5

Tyler turned 5 years old and has been entertaining himself with his new toys ever since.  The only downside is that he doesn't get to start kindergarten today.  It will be here before we know it.  He is such a joy to have in our family.  He is full of love that helps bring us all together.  This afternoon he told me he would miss me when I get old.  I guess I just won't be the same.  I will miss him a lot when he actually does start kindergarten!

Random Stuff Continues

Whenever I work out I sweat buckets!  And sometimes I just sweat when I am not working out.  It drives me crazy and can even be a little embarrassing, but I have learned to live with it.  A couple of weeks ago, I purchased some of that prescription strength deodorant that you can pick up at the grocery store.  It has changed my life.  I still sweat buckets when I work out, but I no longer get sweaty at night or during the day.  It is good stuff! 

Today we are going to a football game.  Tyler has been a trooper going to all of his brother's soccer games and football games.  Lucky for him he can usually find a sibling of another player, a park, or a dog to entertain himself.  Today's game will be in a stadium.  This morning we were discussing the possibility of going, the older boys are all excited and want to go.  Tyler's response was, "Does it have a park?"  Poor little guy.  Just not that much fun for him.

My window displays some vinyl letters that read, No Soliciting.  Why doesn't anybody notice this?  Maybe I need to make the letters florescent or add a little vinyl family to go with it.  How do you keep solicitors away?  I did get my carpet cleaned by the Kirby people while I made dinner.  It was great multi-tasking:)  I informed them before they entered that I would not be buying anything, but they cleaned anyways. 

Time For A New Post...(warning, this is very random)

First of all I will start with something post-worthy.  And a picture.  Last weekend, my mom, sister, sister in laws, and grandma went to Park City.  We only spent one night (you might think otherwise because of the picture) and it was great fun.  My mom loves to make cards and tags and lots of crafty things.  So we set up in the living room and went to work making all kinds of Christmas tags, listening to Andre Bocelli's new Christmas CD (the one from Costco and it is really good).  Since we were celebrating my mom's birthday, we did something she loves, it was fun and I think we all loved it too:)  The next morning we got up and headed for the outlets.  It was definitely a good shopping trip with too many things to buy and not enough time and money.  

Eventually we had to come home.  I went straight the twins' play-off game.  They lost.  But I never would have predicted their reaction, tears, tears, and more tears that lasted a LONG time.  The tears were not so much for the loss as the official end of the football season.  I NEVER would have guessed they would have loved it so much.  But they did.  And we will be doing again next year, with 3 boys.  I dread the practices.....

So the flu is all over the place.  And so is talk about the vaccinations.  Who picks which strand of flu that they will vaccinate against?  Is is like a lottery and they just pick a strand out of a hat?  I have written in the past about my mixed feelings regarding flu shots in general, and they haven't changed.  But add to the mess the H1N1 business and I think it is crazy!  In the beginning I heard the H1N1 was so dangerous because of it's mutation.  If that is the case, how do you vaccinate for it?  I never know what to believe anymore.  This year I will not be in line for shots.  I think I am about the only person.  So tell me why, why do you get flu shots?  I really want to know.

Early this week the kids had a late night and invited over a few friends.  Kirk was running to the store, so I asked him to pick up some popcorn and licorice.  I should have been more specific.  What I ended up with was a box of snack size popcorn packages and cherry flavored red vines that tasted like cough syrup.  I didn't even know they made such a thing!  I was beside myself that he could mess up a request that I thought was so simple.  We laughed about it, he told me at least I would have something to blog about.  I wasn't planning on writing about it, but I decided to include it because despite him being unable to buy groceries, he is an amazing husband.  Last night he let me buy a little something for our house that I am so excited about!  Maybe when it arrives I will tell you about it.  I can't wait, I hope it lives up to my expectations.

The kids have been off track and so have I.  I forget about everything when they are home with me all day.  I forgot preschool, piano lessons, play groups, all kinds of things.  I am really looking forward to them going back, because I need to get back on track, I am driving myself crazy....

Halloween 2009

Shopping With Myself and St. Paul's

This is St. Paul's cathedral. I actually took this picture on the day I visited the Tate Modern Museum.  It is an amazing cathedral.  Inside they have stairs that lead all the way to the top where you can get out and see the city.  You can walk around the base of the dome and then walk up even higher to the top of the dome.  It was a lot of stairs and a little bit scary on top for me, but it was beautiful and totally worth it.  I would do it again. 

The view from inside the dome.

The front of the building.

Kirk at the top.  

After we toured the cathedral, Kirk had to leave for some meetings so I spent the second half of the day shopping.  There wasn't enough time to see all the stores.  I had so much fun.  Unfortunately Kirk took the camera with him, so I didn't get any pictures.  Some of my favorites were wondering through Esprit and United Colors of Benneton.  They are pretty much extinct over here, but not over there, it was fun.  The Anthropology store over there was heavenly.  I have never been in a prettier one.  Zara was another store I quite liked.  I don't think they have them here, at least not that I know of, but it reminded me a little of Banana Republic.  H & M was on every corner and I had a blast shopping there, wish we had those in Utah.  The stores just went on and on and there were people everywhere!  London had started hanging all of their street Christmas decorations, I bet it is beautiful lit up.  Most of the shopping I did was on Oxford and Regent Street.  Later that night we had some fish and chips and as we walked back to catch the tube we found a little Belgium waffle place on Oxford.  We got one for dessert and it was amazing!  I had heard about "real" Belgium Waffles and everything I heard is true.  They are soooo yummy!  I have got to figure out how to make them.  It was by far the best thing I ate all week!  It was a great way to end the trip.  The next morning we woke up early and made our way to the airport.  Kirk had to go to Canada on his way home, so we were on separate flights.  I just used frequent flyer miles which left me with a 5 hour lay-over in Houston.  But is was the best lay-over I have ever had.  One of my best friends from college picked me up and we got to have dinner and hang out for a little while.  I owe a special thanks to her and her husband for making that possible.  It was a fun time! 

And that is the end of my London trip.  Of course it would be a dream to go back.  There are so many things I didn't get to see, just not enough time.  And an even bigger dream would be to take my kids with me.  That would be the best!

Last Sunday

Last Sunday in London, we went to the Hyde Park Ward for church and it was a neat experience.  I love visiting different wards.  It is amazing how different the world is and how the church is the same where ever you go.  The people were so friendly and we were greeted by several members.  It was a sweet ward and a very diverse ward, which wasn't too surprising.  After being in London for just a few hours, you get an idea for just how diverse the city itself really is.  There were lots of Americans and lots of missionaries.  It was fast and testimony meeting, so it was neat to hear from a variety of members.

The church building is next door and right across the street from several museums, so we slipped back into the V & A and had lunch in their cafeteria.  I thought is was so pretty and such a fun idea to have a cafeteria/deli in a museum.

Then we headed over to the London Tower.  It is an old fortress.  At one time it even had a mote.  It had an amazing display of armour from King Henry VIII and it is also where they keep the crown jewels, which were out of this world!  I can't believe England still has a monarchy and carries out coronation ceremonies and crowns royalties.  It is both fascinating and weird.

The London Bridge in the background, just outside of the Tower of London.

We did a tour of the tower with a Beefeater (that is the tour guy dressed is red and blue and no one knows why they are called Beefeaters, but they are).  It is an elite status to be a Beefeater, this guy actually lives in the tower.

The view as we entered from the outside.

The view as we came up from the tube.

We did get a chance to ride a double decker bus, too.  It was a lot of fun, they are all over in London.

He was guarding the building that housed the crown jewels.  I expected to see this type of guard while we were at Buckingham Palace, but we didn't.  Are they normally there, anyone know?