Monday, December 20, 2004
With the arrival of everyone's Christmas cards and letters I've found myself wondering, What did we do with our year? You have all accomplished so much. We have a friend that has three small children, who returned to school this year and is opening up a real estate business with her husband. Another friend read a book a week this year--that's 52 books! I haven't read a book since before Noah was born and that was because it was Harry Potter and I just had to know what happened. Harry Potter volume 5 is still waiting, in my nightstand, to be read. Mark has a friend who packed up his family of four and moved to Memphis, Tennessee to follow his dreams of becoming a successful songwriter. My sister graduated from Nursing school and has made her way to the top of the nursing chain in a matter of months. But we. . . well, here's what we did with our year.
Hunter turned five.
We visited my parents in Kansas and fell in love with it.
Denver was hospitalized for dehydration brought on by stomach flu.
I started blogging (online journaling.)
Noah turned three.
We got Noah potty trained.
Hunter got glasses.
Mark got hired on with GE Real Estate.
We got a raise.
I earned the title of “serious blogger” after 4 months of blogging.
Mark turned 32.
Hunter took his first swimming lesson and advanced about three levels in two weeks.
I lost twenty pounds.
We picked strawberries and made strawberry jam and (my favorite) strawberry pudding.
We saw the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
We went to Reid Ranch in Utah for Henrichsen Family Reunion.
I turned 29.
We practically had Lake Compounce Amusement Park to ourselves.
Denver turned 2.
We picked blueberries and made blueberry pie.
I added card making to my hobby list.
Noah started preschool with Miss Melody.
Hunter started Kindergarten.
His teacher is considering retirement.
Hunter lost 2 teeth.
Hunter's A1C reached normal.
We picked pumpkins and made jack-o-lanterns.
Mark took a voiceover class but still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. (Peter Pan?)
I still conduct the music in Primary.
Mark is still the Primary Pianist.
We had a successful Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation.
Hunter sang his first solo and made the women cry.
We performed in our first Ward Talent Night and stole the show.
We saw the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City.
I had my first jury-duty, which lasted all of three hours (with no trial).
We attended the Stake Temple Trip in Boston and visited the Boston Children's Museum.
We saw the Polar Express in 3D on an IMAX screen. (WOW!)
Mark successfully completed SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley).
We got Noah to sleep through the night.
Noah was pulled out of preschool.
I started doing preschool with Noah and Denver.
We celebrated our eighth anniversary and can honestly say we've loved every minute of it.
We made several new, and very dear friends
We gave away a few copies of the Book of Mormon.
We visited with a few old friends like we'd never been apart.
Noah got hooked on Nintendo.
Hunter got hooked on Transformers.
Denver got hooked on trucks.
And. . .Mark is still hooked on GIJoes.
Mark directed the Ward Choir for the Christmas Sacrament Meeting program and did a fabulous job.
I learned to sew some pretty great fleece hats and made at least 30 of them.
We successfully completed our first year of "Twelve Days of Christmas" and although I'm exhausted, Hunter wants to keep delivering treats. How about "Ninety Days of Christmas" next year?
We shoveled several snowstorms, mowed the lawn numerous times, pulled some weeds, planted some flowers, and raked 2700 gallons of leaves. We watched a few sunsets, wished on a couple of stars, caught a couple of lightning bugs, had a couple of fights, and spanked our kids once or twice (on their birthdays of course, what kind of parents do you think we are?). We cried a little, laughed a lot, and consider ourselves richly blessed. May you also feel the richness of His blessings this Christmas season and throughout the coming year and find joy in all the little things that matter a lot. Merry Christmas!
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Tuesday, December 07, 2004
A few nights ago I had a really bad dream. When I woke up I went to check on the boys and then returned to bed. I listened to all the popping, cracking, squeaking noises the house makes until I really freaked myself out. Finally, when I couldn't stand it anymore, I snuggled up to Mark and woke him up. "Mark," I said. "I'm really scared."
Mark: "Do you want me to check on the kids?"
Shana: "No, I already did."
Mark: "Do you want me to check Hunter's blood?"
Shana: "No."
Mark: "Sorry you're scared."
Then, Mark rolled over to his side of the bed, which in a King is quite a ways away, and started snoring really loud. Hmmph! At least he drowned out the popping and squeaking noises for me. The next morning, Hunter meandered in and cuddled up next to me in bed. When Mark woke up I told him about my bad dream and how he had reacted. Mark didn't remember any of it--which explains why he didn't snug me and make me feel safer during the night--he was still asleep.
So. . . today Mark left for a little business trip and left me to sleep alone for a couple of nights. Of course, whimp that I am, I invited Kathy to come spend the night and keep me safe. Anyway, as I tucked the boys in tonight, Hunter grabbed my hand and complained that it was really cold. I explained that that's what happened when Daddy went away because Daddy is the one that keeps me warm and when he's gone I get all cold and shivery. "But," I said, "Don't worry. Maybe I'll just climb up in bed with you tonight and you can keep me warm." Hunter then said, "Yeah and then I'll roll over and start snoring really loud." Ha! Ha! Ha!
First off, Hunter made a funny and that means he's really growing up and developing that smartie pants humor that is so much like his Daddy's. Second, in his head he was thinking that was just the way he'd make me feel at home, way up there in his top bunk. He laughed and laughed about his little joke until I climbed up in bed with him. He snuggled right up to me and then said, "I was just joking about the snoring part, Mommy." And that means he loves me! And I love him! What a little man he's growing up to be.
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Monday, December 06, 2004
It snowed today. Nothing much, but snow none-the-less. And it made me want something warm and cozy for dinner. And what's more cozy than soup? I tried out a new recipe tonight and it was quick (less than 30 minutes from start to finish) and delicious and perfect for a cold winter night, which we should be having plenty of the next little while. So, here's to the number one comfort food and staying warm and snug this winter season!
Tomato and Beef Soup
2 cans (14-1/2 ounce each)of beef broth
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (46 ounces) V8 juice
1 can (14-1/2 ounces)Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounce) Italian tomato paste
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cubed cooked beef (I just used a pound of ground beef)
2 cups shell pasta, cooked and drained
In a Dutch oven (I just used a regular old pot), combine the broth, celery, carrots, onion and garlic; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the next nine ingredients. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add beef and pasta, heat through. (15 servings)
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