Hardy Reindeer Ranch

The weekend of Thanksgiving Ed and Cindy helped us jump-start the Christmas season with a trip to the Hardy's Reindeer Ranch. Family owned and operated this little gem is only a few minutes from where we live.

The main building that you see above is also a shop. The boys played a nice game of chess and we all had a good time looking around at the very unique things for sale. Such cool things! Have you ever seen a snowshoe wall sconce? I have. They also had a selection of vintage Christmas pictures and buckets that were to die for. They had the chess set, an old wood burning heater (like Grandma and PaPa had in their old house), lots of decorated trees and the like. Such a fun store to poke around in. I took a picture looking up to the second floor because the boys had fun watching the train that went along the track up there.

While we waited for our reindeer tour to start we played in the sand pits and in the yard.

Reindeer tire swing=coolest tire swing I ever saw. Jack is really proud of his hanging abilites by the by. Doesn't do anything but hang there, but he's really proud of it.

Keep Scrolling... this is a multi-post post :)

Can you feel the cool, fresh air on your face as you look at that picture? Jack was having so much fun trouncing around on the big hay-rolls (there's probably a more technical term for what those are) that I had to join him. We took off and started running until we hit the Christmas Tree forest... I thought of how "deliciously rural," (Shayla's description of our new home) it all was.

Then it was our turn to go meet the reindeer.

Facts:

The Hardy's have 17 reindeer and 8 were born this year. (don't quote me on the baby #- but I know the total # is correct)

Reindeer grow new sets of horns each year! Can you imagine doing that? Weird.

Reindeer make a clicking sound when they walk. Something to do with a tendon at their heels.

I can't remember the dogs name... but he belongs to the Ranch. Isn't he a perfect ranch dog? He so totally belongs there.

This is the momma reindeer. Actually I think it was more like the teenage boy reindeer, but if you ask Alaster about reindeers he says this:

"Aaaster yike baby reindeers. Uh-uh yike momma reindeers." as in "Alaster likes the baby reindeers that look adorable sitting in the grass coming no where near me. I don't like the momma reindeer who thought I smelled delicious and kept trying to nuzzle at me no matter how many times I shyed away. She did not get the hint."

He seriously loved him. It was so funny.

Very fun tour and reindeer meet n' greet. Then it was back to the yard for more playtime:

keep a scrollin'

Then it was time to go check out the Klondike Cafe. Right out front was an old fashioned water pump:

Oh he's trying so hard! :

Gotta love the signs. Right around the corner from the cafe was where you could buy Christmas trees. I really liked that sign especially.

The cafe was pretty cute. I thought it was cool that they made and sold gingerbread cookies just like that. Some cute teenage girl... probably a Hardy cousin... standing there decorating. Not just some cookie out of a box. Of course I don't think she painted those reindeer cookies... but that's beside the point.

Can you picture us rocking in these same chairs 70 years from now?

I can.

Hopefully by then I will have learned how to be photogenic. This is the best picture of me in a long time. Pretty pathetic huh?

We didn't do the corn maze but the boys wanted to climb the watch tower anyhow so we did it on our way out.

Goodbye Reindeers! Good luck tomorrow night! We'll be thinking of you!

Not My Proudest Moment

I bristled past her small, hostile, elderly frame as I angrily whisked up my obstinate toddler.

On my way I hollered right at her "Have a nice day!!!" as loudly and sarcastically as the moment called for. I really wanted to tack a nasty name or two on at the end but I was enough relieved having said what I did in order to gain control and move on. All other shoppers cleared the path for us as my entire persona pulsed out the message: "Don't mess with me... I'm a mommy on the edge!"

I wish I could say I am sorry for what I said, and that I feel bad for rattling the old woman, but I don't.

I honestly don't.

Do you think less of me?

You should.

I do.

I still don't feel guilty, but I certainly feel guilty for not feeling guilty.

Know what I mean?

I suppose this moment was bound to happen. There is a different attitude in this city towards children than what I am accustomed to (a small, generous few excepted)... and I am really not a fan. As I told my tale to Corey this evening I ended with "You know it was like the other shoppers used to be on my side when this kind of thing happened. We all rooted for each other. They were in the same boat as me, or they themselves remember what it was like. I used to get comments like 'don't worry about it honey... we've all been there,' or people who would kindly avert their eyes to save me a shred of dignity... but here they just glare with a 'why can't you control your horrible children,' look on their faces."

It's miserable.

Up to this point I have been a very good girl. I just do what I need to do and not pay an ounce of attention to them... but today the stars were against me. I suppose the real story starts as of last night when our neighbors... who despise us... reduced me to tears and calling the management office/non-emergency police to mediate. They don't like our kids. How could you not like my kids?!? I'll spare you the particulars except to say that they acted completely immaturely, and that both the management company and the police were on my side in a big way. I hope this cools them off for a while... nevertheless I woke up still upset about it.

Then there was the fact that I was supposed to be spending all of today and tomorrow with Corey all no-work-footloose-and-fancy-free style. Oh how I have been looking forward to it! Today didn't happen because Corey's sickness took a turn for the worse and he was on total bed rest closed up in our room (not blaming you darling... just missed you!), and tomorrow won't happen because it turns out I do need to go to the office.

All things considered I think the woman got off pretty easy.

Don't worry... when I pray tonight I'll remember the truth that Heavenly Father loves her too... and the right kind of guilt will come.

Right now though... I'm going to go eat a cookie.

Merry Christmas From Jack and Alaster

We took these pictures before church this morning.

Highlights from the weekend include:

When Jack asked Corey and I "Who is the king of the juice? Is it Jesus? I'm the king of something too. I'm the king of the Vampire Loch."

Keeping a straight face through 3 rounds of "Jack go to your room if you're not going to participate in devotional today." (aka Jack is singing the song in a hilariously inappropriate voice and I have to stop him) just to finally get control of the situation, and glance over to see a sedate Alaster with a vacant expression on his face, looking out into the beyond, and absentmindedly licking his hand... over and over again... I lost it. Devotional suspended until further notice.

When Corey told me I looked cute in my jeans and hoodie mintues after I had been feeling guilty for not being cuter for him that day. He was particularly complimentary and love-ey this weekend even though he was so sick... that's right... sick. Not with the same stomachy thing we had, but still... pretty bad. I've been trying to be a good wifey though as promised.

Getting Christmas Cards from Family and Friends and getting prepared to send out the very first edition of the "Burtonian Post."

Look for it in your mailbox soon :)

Pukey and Thanksgiving

Alaster wakes me each morning by tiptoeing out of his bed and making the climb up our gargantuan mattress for an early morning snuggle. He puts his hands under his belly and lays on me face down. When he's ready he whispers "wake mommy... wake." If I'm having a slow starting day he puts his hands on my cheeks and says it again until I am roused. He is maybe the best alarm clock ever.

2 days ago the morning started much the same. In my sleepy state I felt him climb up and snuggle on in. He was getting particularly cozy and I was thinking "What a sweet baby!" when the puking began. I hope it was comforting to him to squeeze me so tight as he puked on my stomach. That would make all the laundry worth it.

Alaster was mostly pukey just in the car for the rest of the day, and then just once more yesterday. Then the baton was handed to Jack...

Corey and I were right in the middle of... well what we were doing is not so much the point... when it started for him last night. The kid puked six times through the night! A record for him. He hates puking poor darling. Not nearly as much as my cousin Alise though so we managed. Then the baton was handed to me...

About noon today I was struck. My boss made me go home at 3:30.

At this point I would like to give my husband a big-gold-star for outstanding husbandry. I came home and he sent me to bed. He played with the boys. He did dishes. He did laundry. He made them the healthy meal that I had planned even though I wouldn't have minded Peanut Butter and Jelly. He went to the store and bought me peppermints and picked out some cookies for Jack's School Christmas party tomorrow. He put the boys in bed. He gave me a blessing. He told me he didn't mind not getting a nap before work. When I complained that this wasn't a very girly-wilty-weak-pretty kind of sickness (Dora in David Copperfield style) and that it's embarassing to burp in front of him he just laughed and told me I was silly. I tell ya...

Corey is a keeper. I seriously hope that there's no more baton-handing happening, but if there is I will take good care of my man... you mark my words.

Anyway... that has nothing to do with Thanksgiving what-so-ever... so on to the main point of this post:

(Ed and Cindy's living room mantle)

I really like the Burton's home, and their formal dining room is my favorite. The table is to die for... a gorgeous woody affair that she inherited from a dear older lady friend. It has a painting that her parents got in New Orleans, a cool old hutch, an old fashioned writing desk, her mothers fine china, her Gram's silver, and that window lets in the softest most beautiful sunshine through the dainty lace that adorns it. I was so excited that we got to eat on the table in my favorite room.

A picture from both sides of the room was important I thought.

When we arrived in the mid-morning the Grandparents were ready. They gave Jack and Alaster Buzz and Woody which kept them entertained for a long time. Hee-Haw was also very helpful with stickers and drawing and rounds of go-fish.

Cindy made lunch for us... some tasty tortilla roll ups (of which I ate WAY too many considering the meal that was up ahead) and a variety of cheeses. Yummm!

Corey has been looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family SO much, and even though the poor guy only got a couple hours of sleep before we went over he had tons of fun hanging out with Travis and Tyler.

The Chefs.

And might I say that we did a good job?!? Yes. We did. It was fun to cook with Cindy all day and very rewarding as always.

Here's the whole gang enjoying the meal on the china (do you not love that pattern?!?) and silver which Cindy keeps special for Thanksgiving Dinner only. The boys were the only ones who ate Dessert that night I think. They had massive chocolate cupcakes covered in frosting and topped with mini M and M's. We also had (for our little gathering of 8) Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, my families Pumpkin Cake Squares, Cindy's famous Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, AND 2 different types of Ice Cream. We know how to do Thanksgiving right.

All in all it was a wonderful day. The only funny thing I can remember to report was when Jack put on his new Woody's hat and tipped it to say a gentlemanly "Good Day." It made us laugh and so Alaster started saying it too... and he had us going for a long time... he's just so rowdy that to hear him say it was hilarious. About a week later we were visiting again and he extended it to an even more hilarious joke (he was so proud of himself for thinking up this hysterical joke that he couldn't stop laughing at how funny he was) First he said "Good Day." Then you say "Good Day." back. Now the punch line... in a very, very loud and gruffly voice: "BAD DAY!" Ha ha ha ha ha!

We hope you had a marvelous Thanksgiving too!

The Big Boy

Okay... so I haven't done a proper update on Jack in months. Dang it! This means that I had to sort through piles of stickies, small handwritten notes on the edges of my planner, my current thoughts and feelings about what is going on in his little world etc. and there is just too much to post it all! Alas. You cannot record everything. This is just another reason to make sure that I live and love every moment of it.

Jack is getting so big. He's taking on more responsibilities around the house, talking older, asking way more deep questions etc.

He reads Doppler radars for Pete's sake! Yeah that's right... Doppler radars! While at Ed and Cindy's he got up early with them in the mornings. Cindy had a "no-cartoon before such and such hour." rule and so he watched the Weather Channel with her. One day I'm sitting on the couch with him and he turns to me and nonchalantly says "Huh. Looks like we're getting some rain." That's right! He knew where Champaign was on the Illinois state map, which color indicated rain, and everything. His assessment was 100% correct. I was like "Whaaat?!?"

Corey and I are so very, very proud of the boy he is becoming. He tries very hard to do the right things. One day at Ed and Cindy's Corey drew a picture on his arm. This is a theological point on which Corey and I disagree... but that's not the point of the story. Anyway he showed his "fake tatoo," to me and waited for a response. I told him I didn't like it. Ed found Jack a while later in his office rubbing and rubbing at his arm. He asked what he was doing and he said he was trying to take the tattoo off "Mom doesn't like it." Ed took him to the bathroom and helped him wash it off, and told me about it a while later. I wanted to cry I thought it was so sweet.

Our world would just not be right without our Jack in it. Jack to lead the games, Jack to make us laugh, Jack to keep us on our toes in every way. He's just so very JACK. What else can I say?!? We love you, love you, love you Jack!

Without further preamble, I give you the very LONG updates - all Helter-Skelter Fashion since it's been so long! (PS--It makes me feel SO good to know that there are at least a few people who are going to read this WHOLE DANG THING. If you are not in that category promise I won't be offended. It's LONG!):

One of Jack's new responsibilities is getting the mail. I can't tell you how fun it is that I can send him through the halls and downstairs by himself and totally trust that he will just do what he is supposed to do and come back. I still watch him from our balcony of course... but it's just fun to know I can trust him with small things like this now. (Did you notice what he's wearing in the picture?!?--Halloween update: We CANNOT seem to stop talking about it still. By we I mean Jack and Aly. Costumes have been confiscated... Christmas is up and in full swing... but Halloween lingers on...Photo taken prior to the confiscation.)

One morning I was feeling sad about Jack getting so big. He was at the table practicing writing his letters. All the sudden though I noticed his little legs and feet dangling at the chair and I remembered all the things that still make him little. I'm so glad the growing up thing doesn't happen overnight. Gradual is much better... and much more entertaining. Don't you think?

Jack and Grampa. What a pair.

Have you seen the movie "UP?" It's fantastic no?!? But that's beside the point. In the movie one of the characters has an "Adventure Book." and she writes on one of the pages "Stuff I'm Going to Do." and saves all the rest of the pages for the adventures that she will have in "Paradise Lost." We were watching that movie when Jack turned to me and said "In my book, I'm going to write - Stuff I'm going to do with Grampa." When I told Ed about it I think I saw tears in his eyes.

Jack has had some special Jack and Grampa bonding moments this fall. He went over twice to help Grampa work in the yard- oh the stories he came home with! Maybe the grumpiest I have ever seen Jack in his life was when I picked him up the first time and tried to take him home. The kid was heartbroken. He would hardly even look at Ed and Cindy. It was a nearly impossible task to get his jacket and shoes on... all a testament to his love for them (and maybe a bit for the huge shears he got to use to cut branches).

***This is a multi-post post-- keep scrolling :)***

One day driving in the car Jack and Aly got into an argument. Alaster knew he was wrong but he really likes to get under Jack's skin. When this happens we let him egg him on for a bit but then we usually intervene. At that point I said "Aly, Jack is right." which made Aly stop and from the front seat we heard Jack say "and everybody else is wrong."

Jack's already vivid imagination has gone hog wild lately.

I would love to watch whatever it is he sees in his head as he starts the phrase "What if...." and he goes off. It usually takes a funny theme: "What if I did ___ or ____ to you." kind of thing. But he also does a lot of "what-if," scenarios with bad guys, animals, and other everyday kind of things. Sometimes I just have to shake my head and wonder where he comes up with it like the day that he said "What if I was watching a movie... and the people in the movie were watching a movie... and THEY were watching a movie too... and the people in that movie were watching a movie TOO?!?" I said "Like a movie, inside of a movie, inside of a movie, inside of a movie, forever and ever?!?" and he said "yeah like that..." with this kind of "I just blew my own mind." kind of look on his face.

Speaking of things he thinks about-- this kid seriously keeps me on my toes. He frequently requires me to simplify church doctrine to a level he can understand...The movie UP started some doozies about growing old...death...living again etc. One day he caught me completely off guard when he said "Mom. I know that I was in your tummy... but how did I get out of there?" at which point I made a snap decision to tell the truth but not the whole truth... so help me Pete... and I responded "Through Birth. Let's go get a treat shall we?"

So many times Corey and I think Jack is really just JACK. So very HIMSELF... not a lot of things that he does reminds us of either of his parents. Such a strong little personality. You know? But lately he has started to do something that reminds me of myself trying to tell people a certain hilarious story involving flammable powdered sugar... and stories about Dan Black... and stories about Katie throwing kitties off of a bed... etc. Jack starts to tell a joke or a funny story and it goes a little something like this (perhaps you too will see the similarities):

"Okay. (deep breath) I'm going to tell you something funny." (stifled giggle giggle) "It's going to be SO funny." (Hand goes over his mouth to physically help keep the laughter in) "It's gonna make you laugh." (giggle giggle, another deep breath) "Here I go." ... at this point the story (or sometimes the WORD -- poop-- or something equally funny) bursts out of him and he then looses himself to the laughter he has been so desperately trying to keep in. He is my son afterall!

Jack has also taken to talking about himself in the third person when he feels the need to say something he's not happy about. It's always something like this "Someone doesn't want to eat that for lunch." "Someone doesn't like this decision." etc. Me and Corey's favorite one was when he said to Alaster (who had obviously been intentionally messing with his mind again) "Someone is NOT a koala bear... it's ME!"

I think it's really cute how kids think their parents can do anything. My mom used to always talk about this one time when Calvin was little and they were driving around running errands or something. The sun was in Calvin's eyes and bothering him so he asked her to move it. She always said that it made her so happy to think that Cal thought she could "move the sun," for him. Jack said something one day that made me think of this. He was talking about wanting to swim with sharks and he said "When I'm with my Dad I'm NOT even scared... When I'm by myself I AM!!!" My mom could move the sun... Corey can tame the sharks.

Okay this next story is mostly just for me and Corey. I don't think it will be entertaining to anyone who wasn't there. So we were at Ed and Cindy's and the boys were playing with these toys where you shoot a ball out of a cone thing and then try and catch it back in the cone. You know that game right? Anyway we had been clapping for Alaster a lot then Ed said "Oh! Jack is doing it good too!" and the next time he did it we all clapped for Jack. He had the absolutely CUTEST reaction I have ever seen in my whole life. An adorable-surprised-closed lipped-smile slowly spread across his innocent face and his shoulders and hands raised with palms upturned... and when we kept clapping because we could see what it was doing to him his hands balled up into fists and shifted their way to his hips and his chest started puffing out very proudly. I tell ya... wow... it's a mental picture I will never forget. It makes me laugh every time I think of it. SO adorable.

Katie-ma-Lady recently posted about doing morning devotionals at their house and it was an idea we quickly stole. Click HERE for Kate's stupendous post. (is it okay that I did that Kate?!?-- I'll take it off if you want!)

Jack is a huge fan of morning devotional. At night we still read the boys their scripture story but for morning devotional we sing a song, say family prayer, and then read one actual scripture. Just one. We go through it and explain the words they don't understand and then the meaning of the whole verse. (the hope is that at night they will get familiar with the stories and the morning will get them used to scripture language for when they start studying on their own). Anyway...

Jack has had a longstanding love-affair with words so he has quite enjoyed this. Also I let him hold my scriptures which he thinks is very cool since they are usually off limits. He is so very careful with them and likes to sit on the couch afterwards with them and look for the ones I have highlighted etc. Cute.

Jack's favorite word he has learned thus far is MIGHTY!!! He says it with great gusto! His other favorites include: Diligent, Joy, Lord, Record and Contention. We read the scripture about how the Devil is the Father of Contention and later that day when he was arguing with Alaster I gave him a very knowing look and he clapped his hands to his mouth and with an intake of breath exclaimed "The Devil!" He knew who he was following at that moment. Pretty funny.

Another time...I can't remember what scripture it was... but at some point we were discussing how we can't see Heavenly Father but he sees us. Jack got a kick out of that and hasn't stopped thinking or talking about it. At random times he'll say it (another thing he has to seriously smother the giggles to be able to spit out) "Mom... we can't see Heavenly Father...giggle giggle... but HE CAN SEE US!"

(Above picture taken before his first primary program at church. In case you are wondering his hair is so dang long because we had been carefully growing it out in order to obtain the perfect slicked-back vampire hair look for Halloween... long story of why that didn't end up happening.)

Since we are talking about spiritual things hows about a few funny prayer quotes:

"Dear Heavenly Father... thank you for this day... and uuuumm... thank you for our spirits... and uuuumm... please bless us to obey... and uuuumm... do the right things... and uuuumm... thank you for our sensibilities and uuuumm... please bless us to have a good day... and uuuumm... please bless us to have a good day... and uuuumm... and help me to be a good boy... in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

"Bless mommy to be delicious."

"Please excuse our chances."

So Jack still uses a lot of words incorrectly... our favorite (which we absolutely refuse to correct him about) is "Beseen" he only uses it when coupled with the word "Before," as in "Have you beseen this before?!?" "I have never beseen that before!"

But honestly we find lately that it's even funnier when he uses words correctly. It's so funny to hear a four year old say "Yes mom. That is correct." or "I would also like some of that." or "Wow! You threw that quite high!" or "I drank some of that and it began to hurt my mouth." or "I suppose so."

Sometimes it's in the inflection and tone. I asked him one day if he wanted a PB and J for lunch or a Grilled Cheese. He chose PB and J. I went in to the kitchen and he put his hands up and politely explained in his adultly-proper and apologetic voice: "Actually, I change my mind... I'm so sorry... I would like a grilled cheese." The ... 'I'm so sorry' part was the best. You'd have to hear my impression to get it fully.

But to be fair here's some of the words or phrases that he still hasn't quite figured out yet:

Strange

Expensive

Concentrate "I'm going to concentrate this piece of wood."

Reporter (he may actually think this is a word for a super-hero powered belt buckle)

Suggest

Man it feels like there should be more in this section about language. He is just so funny.

Before I end I just want to say again how much we love this boy and are so proud of him. I think he's destined to big things in his life... Such a big spirit in such a skinny little body. We love you Jack!

Jack Re-do

If you saw that "post," about Jack I am so sorry. I had been working on it and I thought I had it saved as a draft. Apparently I posted it. Oops! Please come back and read the REAL thing when it is completed. It will be good... promise.

Tom Turkey Spills His Guts

***Aly's contributions will be noted as "squiggle." Jack's will be followed by a (J)***

Libraries--Easily Excitable Kids--Squiggle Squiggle

Loving grandparents for the Boys on Earth and in Heaven--The Forgiving Nature of Children

Alaster's Unfailingly Happy Spirit--Jack My Wisenheimer Big Boy-- The Smell of Clean Boys

Two Boys who make sure that I am Awake and Alert--The Ability to Change--Corey's Selfless Attitude in our Marriage and the Service he Gives Me

The Joys of Motherhood--The Priesthood--Squiggle

Gospel (J)--To have Thanksgiving with Mom, Dad, Travis, Tyler, and Casey, I wish Jared could be here--The Adorable Mistakes Kids make when Learning to Talk

A Wife who Loves Being Kissed as Much as I Love to Kiss Her--Squiggle Squiggle (he said Mommy with that one)--Affectionate Children

Jack's Interest in and Love of the Gospel--People who Really Care--Body (J)

Mom (J)--Snuggles--An Unselfish Husband

Prophets and Apostles--Squiggle (He Said "Crackers," with that one)--An Artistic Husband

A Warm Home--Cell Phones and Whitney--A Wife who is Supportive and Understanding through all of our Changes

Squiggle Squiggle Squiggle--People who Share their Good Ideas--Small Affirmations of God's Love for Me

Books, So Many Books--Weekends with Ashlee and the Boys--That the Boys want Me for Comfort

Squiggle Squiggle--The Savior's Power to Forgive and Heal--Body (J)...yes again

A Crisp, Sunny Autumn Day and Totally Free Parks--Squiggle--School (J)

Two Completely Pure and Innocent People in our Home--Good Inspiring Music--How when you Make any Effort to do Something Good the Spirit Magnifies and Blesses that Effort

Dad (J)--A Good Boss--Corey's Forgiving, Give me the Benefit of the Doubt, Non-Judgemental Attitude Towards Me

Squiggle--Modern Medicine--A Husband with Strong Arms and a Perfect, Safe Hug

Corey's Great Taste in Music--Traditions and Love--Costumes (J)

Alaster (J)--Healthy Food to Feed the Boys--My Ability to Gain Knowledge and Grow

The Blessed Ward I Grew up In--Tom Turkey and the Joy He's Brought to Our Home

From Jack:

Some of Alaster's squiggles were larger, but Corey and I liked this little guy:

Tom Turkey was good for me... really good for me. I am too, too frequently guilty of the sin of ingratitude. I find myself always thinking the "I wish I had..." "I wish I was better at..." "I can't wait until..." "Why can't I have ___ too?!?" type of thoughts. I wish I wasn't that way, but I am... I AM!!!

Focussing on our blessings has been wonderful. I hope it's been an excercise that really has helped me change my thought patterns. I wish I could say I'm completely cured... nope... but a step has been taken in the right direction so that's good right?!? I am committed to doing better because seriously... we have so much to be grateful for.

Johnny and my Mommy

Thanksgiving Eve is upon me.

I'm going to put on Johnny Mathis and think of my mom while I make my family's traditional Pumpkin Cake Squares.

I'm going to cry.

I might be doing a little bit of that already.

Thanksgiving Eve was magical for me and my Mom.

I genuinely, genuinely looked forward to spending that night with her all year round.

I knew we would sing along with Johnny, cut onions until we cried... which would of course make us laugh... then hurry and put some bread in the toaster to try and hide the smell from my dad, and just generally enjoy the holiday splendor and being with each other.

I remember how she would always tell me how much she loved cooking with me and how I was her "best girlfriend." When I was younger I would ask back "Even better than Lynn?!?" and when she would say "Yes." I believed her even though the thought was unbelievable.

So dear mom... if you are reading this... tonight I'm going to sing extra loud during "Sleigh Ride." and I'm going to hear you singing it too.