Our Christmas was wonderful. We started celebrating on Sunday. After an excellent day at church, we got to go to my sister-in-laws to call Todd's brother Tyson, who is on a mission in Argentina. It was so good to hear his voice and know that he is doing well. I can't believe he has been gone as long as he has, he only has about 9 months left!
That evening my parents made us a yummy dinner of tostadas. Then we met up with Shane and Robin Bevell and their family at the Temple. It was so good to see our good friends from Las Vegas. Robin is doing very well. (you may remember me blogging earlier about her lenghty hospital stay) After looking at the lights, all of us came back to our house to visit. We ate lots of junk food, the kids played, we got to talk, and I got to hold and feed their little baby, Logan. He is so sweet, it makes me almost want to start thinking about maybe having another baby - in the distant future!!
Christmas Eve had the annual Hallock festivities at Nana and Papa's house. It is so fun to be so close to family. I love to spend time with all of my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Todd's parents called us on our cell during the party. It was really interesting to hear what Christmas is like in Hong Kong. It is always great to talk to them too.
Christmas morning was so exciting. Harrison was so ready to run into the living room but I stopped him. I ran in front of him and said that I wanted to see the kids faces as they walked into the room to see what Santa brought them. So, I ran into the living room first and got a big surprise...Santa brought me a bike! I started screaming and in the midst of my excitement, kind've forgot to look and see the kids' first look at their stuff! We had a lot of gifts, it almost seems too much. Alyssa was so cute, she would squeal at every single present she got - even a toothbrush! Harrison got his drum set that he wanted....ahhhh! Anyways, we then went to my parents to open more gifts. Then we had breakfast and waited for Brennan to call from Spain. Finally he called and we talked as long as we could with him. He sounds great. He is doing really well on his mission. Later that day we went to my sister-in-laws for Christmas dinner. Mike and Janis surprised us by calling again, on skype, so my kids got to see them. They look so happy. Lyssa loved looking at her grandparents on the computer!
We had such a wonderful Christmas. I hope all of you did too.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Lyssa's boo boo
I, Jennifer Smith, vow to never, ever, no matter how desperate the situation, got to the store with both children, alone, while they are pretty much young and helpless, for as long as I live.
BECAUSE - look what happens! I am so devastated. Lyssa and Harrison were running around and she tripped and fell. I picked her up and tried to keep my cool when I saw her beautiful face bleeding. I quickly left my cart, full of stuff, walked out of the store, drove to Stephanie's, used her phone to call our doctor, drove to the doctor, (who we adore) and she got fixed up. Wow - can you say run on sentence? Anyways, I hate seeing my kids hurt, I so wish it were me with the cut, instead of her. The doctor said she probably have a little scar. I know that I shouldn't be upset, but I am. At least she can wear eye shadow some day. Thank you Stephanie for reminding me of that and helping me, even though you can't stand the sight of blood. You are the best.
Putting her hand in her mouth is her latest thing. She is a late teether and I guess it helps her teeth. By the way, that orange stuff by the tape is iodine. You know, even with the Rocky Balboa look she is sporting, she is still the most beautiful little thing.
BECAUSE - look what happens! I am so devastated. Lyssa and Harrison were running around and she tripped and fell. I picked her up and tried to keep my cool when I saw her beautiful face bleeding. I quickly left my cart, full of stuff, walked out of the store, drove to Stephanie's, used her phone to call our doctor, drove to the doctor, (who we adore) and she got fixed up. Wow - can you say run on sentence? Anyways, I hate seeing my kids hurt, I so wish it were me with the cut, instead of her. The doctor said she probably have a little scar. I know that I shouldn't be upset, but I am. At least she can wear eye shadow some day. Thank you Stephanie for reminding me of that and helping me, even though you can't stand the sight of blood. You are the best.
Putting her hand in her mouth is her latest thing. She is a late teether and I guess it helps her teeth. By the way, that orange stuff by the tape is iodine. You know, even with the Rocky Balboa look she is sporting, she is still the most beautiful little thing.
Smith Family Home Evening
This year my sister-in-law and I decided to start a new family tradition, FHE the first Sunday of the month for the extended family. This month, being December, was the Christmas lesson. The kids dressed up and acted out Luke II. Harrison got to be Joseph. His cousin, Janalee, was Mary. Alyssa was the angel. The other kids were all shephards and wise men. The youngest was a sheep! They all looked so sweet.
Before the reenactment, my SIL asked all of the kids to draw a picture of their favorite part of Christmas. Can I tell you how happy I was when Harrison drew, according to him, "snow on top of grass"? He told me that it would be so fun to play with us and his friends in the snow during Christmas Break. So, maybe it is a little strange since this kid has never really experienced snow, BUT he didn't draw Santa or presents. He knows that the best part of Christmas is being with your family and friends and feeling the spirit of Christ. I am such a lucky mother to have two of the greatest kids ever.
Harrison as Joseph
Janalee and Harrison - best "cousins"
Look at this little angel
I have never seen a more beautiful angel
Before the reenactment, my SIL asked all of the kids to draw a picture of their favorite part of Christmas. Can I tell you how happy I was when Harrison drew, according to him, "snow on top of grass"? He told me that it would be so fun to play with us and his friends in the snow during Christmas Break. So, maybe it is a little strange since this kid has never really experienced snow, BUT he didn't draw Santa or presents. He knows that the best part of Christmas is being with your family and friends and feeling the spirit of Christ. I am such a lucky mother to have two of the greatest kids ever.
Harrison as Joseph
Janalee and Harrison - best "cousins"
Look at this little angel
I have never seen a more beautiful angel
Sunday, December 16, 2007
"The Book Thief"
I have just finished reading a fabulous book, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Knowing that it is set in Nazi Germany, I took my time before I opened this gem of a book. You see, I didn't want to get bogged down in the sadness this genre usually renders during this, the happiest time of the year. Happily, for me, I couldn't resist the beckoning of the book and dove right in.
Yes, it deals with death, war, and sadness. Yes, it made me scared, anxious, and sorrowful. However, after reading it, I was left feeling hopeful. Plus, I think that it had a happier ending than one would expect from a Holocaust book.
This book is rich in voice, characters, and feeling. It is full of beautiful words and images. To me, it was full of questions for myself - mainly being "what would I do if I were in this situation?"
So, if you like a good read, and cry, pick up a copy of "The Book Thief".
Yes, it deals with death, war, and sadness. Yes, it made me scared, anxious, and sorrowful. However, after reading it, I was left feeling hopeful. Plus, I think that it had a happier ending than one would expect from a Holocaust book.
This book is rich in voice, characters, and feeling. It is full of beautiful words and images. To me, it was full of questions for myself - mainly being "what would I do if I were in this situation?"
So, if you like a good read, and cry, pick up a copy of "The Book Thief".
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
That's so Random
So Lauren tagged me to list 6 random facts about myself. I was tagged for this and did it awhile back, but I thought I would do it again....
1. I have a huge fear of trees. I am mostly afraid of tall pine trees. This phobia was particularly bad because the places we usually went to for vacation when I was little had an abundance of these types of trees - Utah, Pine Top, South Carolina. One time when we went to our family's cabin I would not get out of the car because I was so scared. My Mom had to carry me in. I was about 11 years old at the time! It is a good thing I live in the desert, huh?
By the way, as I have gotten older, the phobia has lessened in it's intensity. In fact, when I ran the marathon in Prescott, I was not afraid at all. And let me tell you, there were many, many tall pine trees on the race trail! I think my physical pain overtook my mental weakness there.
2. Between my two kiddos, I have had two very different pregnancies.
Harrison was diagnosed with gastroschisis while I was 4 months pregnant. Gastroschisis is a congenital birth defect where the intestines protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall. So, needless to say, I was at high risk. My regular OB sent me to a group of perinatologists - high risk OBs. I had to go to the doctors all the time to be monitored and all sorts of other fun stuff. Although the doctors were "cautiously optimistic" that Harrison would be fine, we were told that he would have to have surgery soon after birth, to repair the hole in the abdomen and to put the intestines in the abdominal cavity. Also, we were warned that he would stay in the NICU for up to 6 months. I WAS TERRIFIED! However, after the initial shock, that pregnancy was one of the sweetest times of my life. I really learned to rely on my Savior a whole lot more than I already did. Plus, my faith grew, and I knew Harrison would be fine. And he was. Born five and half weeks early - normal for gastroschisis babies - he was 5 pounds 15 oz and 19 inches long. He had surgery hours after birth and the surgery was a success! In fact, he came home 12 DAYS later. What a miracle.
My pregnancy with Alyssa was way different. Everything was perfectly normal, except for the fact that I was riddled with anxiety that something would go wrong - like with Harrison. One minor thing appeared in our routine ultrasound that made my OB send me to a perinatologist for a more indepth ultrasound. It turns out that she had three cists in or near her brain. The perinatologist said that they weren't a problem and that a lot of us probably have them and don't even know it. So, the rest of the pregnancy was normal, until...my due date came and went! Alyssa was born 5 days late and came ou weighing 9 pounds 2 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. All I have to say about this is AHHHHHH! But, I really think that bigger babies are very attractive - or maybe that is just my little Lyssa. Plus, it was good she was "sturdy" she had a three year old brother that "loved" her a little to hard sometimes!
3. I am a quarter Japanese. Do I look like it? My Mom is half and her biological mother is full, her biological father was Irish (is that where Lyssa's red, curly hair comes from?). My Mom's favorite thing to say is, "Don't my grandkids look just like me?" Wouldn't it be cool, if we have another child, that he or she could look Japanese? I have a very pretty Japanese girl name all picked out!
4. Like I mentioned before, my Mom is adopted. So is my grandma (Dad's mom) and so are two of Todd's cousins. I really like the idea of adoption and Todd and I are interested in exploring some options down the road. We don't know if it is "ok" for people who can get pregnant to adopt though. However, I think that with all the children out there that need a family, it would be ok. I was sickened when I heard that the man who shot the people at the Omaha mall last week was "no longer in the (foster) system anymore" - meaning that he turned 18 and was out on his own. I can't help but wonder what a stable family could have done for him. It might have spared his victims' lives.
5. I want to go back to school and get my Post-Bac degree as a reading specialist. This way I can teach Special Reading and this job offers flexible hours. I have no idea when this is going to happen though!
6. I don't like eating meat. I am compleatly convinced that NOT eating meat is very heathful. Furthermore, I know that when I eat a diet that is free of meat, I feel way better. No, I am not a vegan or vegetarian. Both Todd and I have been vegetarians before, in fact it was about this time last year that we full-time veggies. Why the change? Many reasons:
1. I have a huge fear of trees. I am mostly afraid of tall pine trees. This phobia was particularly bad because the places we usually went to for vacation when I was little had an abundance of these types of trees - Utah, Pine Top, South Carolina. One time when we went to our family's cabin I would not get out of the car because I was so scared. My Mom had to carry me in. I was about 11 years old at the time! It is a good thing I live in the desert, huh?
By the way, as I have gotten older, the phobia has lessened in it's intensity. In fact, when I ran the marathon in Prescott, I was not afraid at all. And let me tell you, there were many, many tall pine trees on the race trail! I think my physical pain overtook my mental weakness there.
2. Between my two kiddos, I have had two very different pregnancies.
Harrison was diagnosed with gastroschisis while I was 4 months pregnant. Gastroschisis is a congenital birth defect where the intestines protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall. So, needless to say, I was at high risk. My regular OB sent me to a group of perinatologists - high risk OBs. I had to go to the doctors all the time to be monitored and all sorts of other fun stuff. Although the doctors were "cautiously optimistic" that Harrison would be fine, we were told that he would have to have surgery soon after birth, to repair the hole in the abdomen and to put the intestines in the abdominal cavity. Also, we were warned that he would stay in the NICU for up to 6 months. I WAS TERRIFIED! However, after the initial shock, that pregnancy was one of the sweetest times of my life. I really learned to rely on my Savior a whole lot more than I already did. Plus, my faith grew, and I knew Harrison would be fine. And he was. Born five and half weeks early - normal for gastroschisis babies - he was 5 pounds 15 oz and 19 inches long. He had surgery hours after birth and the surgery was a success! In fact, he came home 12 DAYS later. What a miracle.
My pregnancy with Alyssa was way different. Everything was perfectly normal, except for the fact that I was riddled with anxiety that something would go wrong - like with Harrison. One minor thing appeared in our routine ultrasound that made my OB send me to a perinatologist for a more indepth ultrasound. It turns out that she had three cists in or near her brain. The perinatologist said that they weren't a problem and that a lot of us probably have them and don't even know it. So, the rest of the pregnancy was normal, until...my due date came and went! Alyssa was born 5 days late and came ou weighing 9 pounds 2 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. All I have to say about this is AHHHHHH! But, I really think that bigger babies are very attractive - or maybe that is just my little Lyssa. Plus, it was good she was "sturdy" she had a three year old brother that "loved" her a little to hard sometimes!
3. I am a quarter Japanese. Do I look like it? My Mom is half and her biological mother is full, her biological father was Irish (is that where Lyssa's red, curly hair comes from?). My Mom's favorite thing to say is, "Don't my grandkids look just like me?" Wouldn't it be cool, if we have another child, that he or she could look Japanese? I have a very pretty Japanese girl name all picked out!
4. Like I mentioned before, my Mom is adopted. So is my grandma (Dad's mom) and so are two of Todd's cousins. I really like the idea of adoption and Todd and I are interested in exploring some options down the road. We don't know if it is "ok" for people who can get pregnant to adopt though. However, I think that with all the children out there that need a family, it would be ok. I was sickened when I heard that the man who shot the people at the Omaha mall last week was "no longer in the (foster) system anymore" - meaning that he turned 18 and was out on his own. I can't help but wonder what a stable family could have done for him. It might have spared his victims' lives.
5. I want to go back to school and get my Post-Bac degree as a reading specialist. This way I can teach Special Reading and this job offers flexible hours. I have no idea when this is going to happen though!
6. I don't like eating meat. I am compleatly convinced that NOT eating meat is very heathful. Furthermore, I know that when I eat a diet that is free of meat, I feel way better. No, I am not a vegan or vegetarian. Both Todd and I have been vegetarians before, in fact it was about this time last year that we full-time veggies. Why the change? Many reasons:
- Laziness. Sometimes it is just easier to make a "traditional" meal than a pure vegetarian one.
- Dinner parties. I am not the type of person that will make a host change their menu just for me. It is rude!
- Sometimes meat just tastes good.
I could go on and on, but I don't want to be provocative. Let me just add that scientific evidence has shown that people who don't drink and smoke (think Word of Wisdom here) live 10 years longer than those that do. Furthermore, adding lots of fruits and veggies and limiting a lot of meat intake make those 10 extra years healthier and can even add more years to your life. A lot of the prophets and apostles attribute(d) their longevity to the fact that they don't/didn't eat meat.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
You know it is Christmas time in Arizona when...
Oranges are absolutely delicious!
I started peeling an orange and that wonderful smell hit me. I love oranges here in the winter! That smell equals Christmas to me. It especially reminds me of the time I visited my parents, when I lived in Vegas, for weeks around this time of year. Every morning, after his run, my Dad would have an orange with his breakfast. While eating, he made me play gin with him. He usually won. That just goes to show you the power of oranges - you can win gin rummy! Love you Dad.
Other things that signify Christmas around here - (to me)
Mesa Temple Lights
Christmas Idea House - it was fabulous this year
Tamales and salsa - yummy
The railroad park's Christmas Lights
It is almost cold enough that your toes get cold in your flip flops
Beautiful winter grass (we decided not to do it this year, sad for me, good for the environment)
This last one doesn't apply to me anymore, and maybe I am sick, but I kinda miss it -
the craziness of finals and then the euphoria of knowing that you are off for a one month break
What are some of the things that mean Christmas to you?
I started peeling an orange and that wonderful smell hit me. I love oranges here in the winter! That smell equals Christmas to me. It especially reminds me of the time I visited my parents, when I lived in Vegas, for weeks around this time of year. Every morning, after his run, my Dad would have an orange with his breakfast. While eating, he made me play gin with him. He usually won. That just goes to show you the power of oranges - you can win gin rummy! Love you Dad.
Other things that signify Christmas around here - (to me)
Mesa Temple Lights
Christmas Idea House - it was fabulous this year
Tamales and salsa - yummy
The railroad park's Christmas Lights
It is almost cold enough that your toes get cold in your flip flops
Beautiful winter grass (we decided not to do it this year, sad for me, good for the environment)
This last one doesn't apply to me anymore, and maybe I am sick, but I kinda miss it -
the craziness of finals and then the euphoria of knowing that you are off for a one month break
What are some of the things that mean Christmas to you?
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