Christmas Morning

If Christmas morning had to be summed up in one picture, this would be it.

Christmas at the Dixon home was good.

...and this crazy mess is why I tell Steve every Christmas that we need more kids.  I don't ever want this Christmas disaster zone to dwindle.  The wrapping paper-be careful or you will lose your gifts-mess is what I live for.  

I love the excitement...the new pj's...the torture of making them sleep until 7:30...the try and make them open one gift at time...the sugar cereal....the try and get them to eat waffles after they have had five bowls of sugar cereal...the sit around in your pajamas and talking about cleaning up the mess...I love all of it!

Here are some highlights of the craziness.

 The best gift ever!

Yep...Steve helped Santa with this one.

..and this one too!

I helped with this one!

I had a good Christmas.

A VERY good Christmas.

Steve...not so much.

Just kidding.  

But Andrew did pay for this himself.

And in my defense, Steve got three new shirts from REI, a Sherpa hoodie from Eddie Bauer and a Settlers of Catan game.  

Santa also brought him and his boys a flight simulator for the computer.

The Easy Cheese was just the "icing" on the Ritz cracker.

My parents spent the morning with us and brought gifts for eachother.

We laughed pretty hard after both long skinny boxes were open.

(I love my parents!)

...next year I'm asking for a pellet gun.

Christmas Eve

Dear Santa,

We're ready.

We ate our Christmas Eve dinner at Uncle Michael's house.

We read the Christmas story.

We sang Jingle Bells about a hundred times...with alternate lyrics.

"Dashing through the snow,  On a pair of broken skis,

Crashing through the trees, Broken both my knees.

The snow is turning red,  I think I'm almost dead...

All I want for Christmas is a hospital bed!"

We opened and put on our Christmas Eve pajamas from Grandma Walker.

We have new Star Wars pillow cases on our pillows.

We left you gingerbread cookies and the reindeer carrots.

We've been very "good" this year.

Please leave us lots and lots of good stuff.

Love, the Dixon kiddos.

Tomorrow is the day before the....

Carter came to me this morning and said, "Mom!  Tomorrow is the day before the day before Christmas!"  

It's getting close and the kids are excited!

If only they were acting like kids in story books do the week before Christmas.  I thought kids were supposed to be on their best behavior.  

Hopefully a few knock-down-drag-outs and shouting fights won't keep Santa away.

...but it might. (me)

...no it won't. (Steve)

Even with all the excitement, things are still nice and slow around here.

The kids are out of school, the house is a mess and we're listening to Christmas music.

What more could you want?

Oh?  Some pictures and happening from the last few days?

Here you go.

 Saylor Girl has cut here fifth tooth this week.

She has been grum-py.

And she started running a fever yesterday- poor little girl.

We all look forward to Steve coming home at night because he is her favorite and can always make her happy.

She says "Da", but not "Ma"

...but she also says "hello" and "slug bug"- both are long stories.

 My darling friend Alysia sent our family Star Wars pancake molds for Christmas.

They have been well used already- but I still need a more practice.

If you can't make out who these figures are...you are NOT a Star Wars fan!

Thanks Alysia!  These have been SO fun!

(Yes these the storm trooper and Yoda look like they have been horribly scarred.  But when you have to butter the pancake mold to keep the batter from sticking, browning happens.)

 My Christmas dream came true...Carter lost his other front tooth two days ago.

Perfect timing.

He still refuses to sing the song.  Dang Him.

Colby discovered a great hiding place to sneak treats; under the bar in the far corner.

I was cleaning out my pantry and noticed a box was missing.  

I found it- and the sneaky culprit.

He was pretty surprised when I didn't get mad, but just got out the camera.

No surprise he wasn't hungry for lunch.

 Andrew and Carter are doing the dishes while they are out of school.  They need to work to keep them out of trouble.

They informed me that taking your shirt off makes it easier to do the dishes because it keeps your clothes dry. 

This is a trick I will not be trying.

(thank goodness)

I made gingerbread cookies like I do every year. 

Do my piping skills improve from year to year?  Apparently not.

Here we have a normal gingerbread "person" (it's gender is in question according to Colby), Santa and a missionary.

But these crude excuses for decorated cookies did not satisfy my boys.

For some reason, they are not happy until I make Ramses and Nacho.

It's just not Christmas without them.

...even if Ramses has a gimpy leg.

tidbits

Non-verbal communication:

I usually have a good attitude about my husband's calling.  Being the ward clerk has tied up most of his Sundays, and now that tithing settlement is in full swing, twelve hours of him being gone is not uncommon.  I try to remember that I'm not the only woman in the world that is alone on Sunday- all Sunday.  Today however, my eyes flashed to the clock all afternoon in hopes that my husband would be home at a decent hour.  He walked through the door around 5 pm and asked if it was alright if he went to the Stake Mens Choir practice.  It think the full out thrashing on the floor-feet kicking-arms pounding by yours truly painted the perfect picture of how I felt.  A temper tantrum is worth a thousand words.

Reverse Psychology:

Our kids were not pleased with dinner tonight- what else in new?  As they gagged down their fried rice, (heaven forbid I feed them vegetables) I asked them what they thought were the most disgusting meals I have ever served.  Andrew could read my mind and smartly tried to pull one over on me.  He wickedly smiled and replied, "Pizza Mom.  Your pizza is disgusting!"   ...don't throw me in the brier patch, Brare Fox, don't throw me int he brier patch!


Fulfilment:

I think all my hopes and dreams in life have come true.  Tonight, Saylor picked up her baby doll out of it's stroller, promptly kissed it on the face, and put it back.  I think I could die from the overload of cuteness.

Exclusion:

While cleaning up after dinner, Steve and Carter simultaneously let out what could only be described as dueling belches.  Burps would not quite cover what came out of their mouths.  I looked at them both in disgust and Steve retorted, "Hey...you can't get mad, were not at the dinner table anymore."  Silly me for thinking otherwise.


Inappropriateness:

We drove around with the kids tonight and looked at Christmas lights.  We made a game out of it and counted lighted reindeer in people yards.  We counted 47.  Steve and I discussed how we love to have these reindeer in our yard at Christmas time, but we never could due to the fact that we would most likely put them in "compromising positions."  We have for years wanted to do that to someone else's lawn deer, but didn't want to be arrested for destruction of property and/or lewd behavior.


Expectations:

I have been hinting for weeks now about what I want for Christmas.  Granted, all my holiday wishes have already come true...ie the table and other things I won't admit purchasing.   However, I read recently that men, generally speaking, want woman to tell them what they really want.  So Steve, this is for you.  I really want presents.  Good ones.  Fabulously wrapped presents under the tree that I can open Christmas morning.  And to help you out here is my list, Santa Baby.

1.  Ann Taylor Loft, Striped Lounge Pant Sleep Set, size small.  As of today they were 40% off.

2.  Dillard's, Nurture "Danah" Boot, brown, size 8 1/2.
                                  or
                   Nurture "Drake" Pump, red, size 8 1/2.
                                  or
                   Nurture "Gem" Loafer, tan, size 8 1/2.
                                  or
                   All Three

3.  Pottery Barn Kids, Star Wars Flannel Sheets, Twin, three sets please.  (this is for the boys...I'm being   unselfish here)

4.  Gold- dangle, but not goddy, earrings with matching bracelets- bangle like, but please remember I need ones that clasp open and close or that are stretchy.

my own personal comedian

Colby lately is honestly the funniest thing I have ever experienced.

I wish I had a tape recorder to capture his every deep thought and opinion on life.

Such as...

Last night he had a 15 minute monologue on how after he marries his one true love Sydney, he wants to dance with her.  And in order to dance, he has to buy a "dancing sweater." And this dancing sweater is blue but then magically turns red...and on and on an on.

"Mom, will you buy me a dancing sweater after I marry Sydney?'

You bet Colby.  I'm sure I can pick that up anywhere.  Maybe it can be found next to the "Mr. Rodgers Singing Sweaters" at our local JC Penny.

And then this morning, he borrowed my huge flashlight and took it downstairs.

Seriously, the flashlight has to be half his body weight.  I don't know how he made it downstairs without killing himself.

He came up later and told me all about the monster shadow he saw and how it was super scary and how the monster was going to stomp our entire house.

Give me my flashlight back Colby, so the monster won't have a shadow at all.  That should solve the problem.

Next, there was the conversation while I was flat ironing my hair and he was using my facilities.

"Mom, I'm really sorry, I've got diarrhea in my stomach."

No Colby...I'm the sorry one.  I'm the one that has to wash you.

The best of all however, is how he tries so hard to do what he knows is right, and tells everyone else in the house to follow suit.

"Mom, it is VERY import-tent that we read our scriptures EVERY DAY.  Heavenly Father wants us to read them EVERY DAY."

Priceless.

But this thirst for righteousness also has a sneaky side with an alterior motive.
"Mom, Jesus doesn't like it when we yell.  And and he doesn't like it when you yell at me.  It makes him very sad."

Guess what Mr. Goody Tooshoes?
   Jesus doesn't like it when you don't do what I ask the first clear through the fifth time I ask it.
Maybe...if you did what I asked the first time, I wouldn't have to yell.
And maybe...if you don't quit trying to manipulate me, I'm going to put you in the basement with the shadow monster.  I've heard he likes the taste of cute little boys especially when they wear magic dancing sweaters.

High above Twin Falls

The Dixon family had a sweet opportunity yesterday.

One of the nicest men I have ever known, Glenn Arrington, invited us for a ride in his helicopter.

YAHOO!

(that needed to be added)

I had the pleasure of knowing the Arrington family well when I was a freshman and sophomore in college.  They were wonderful then and they are wonderful now. 

Obviously.

Originally, the invite was for Andrew and two guests.  Andrew invited his best buddy in the whole world, Walker, and his dad.  JaNae and her kids drove down from Poky for this crazy fun opportunity. 

 Who wouldn't really???

The younger Dixon and Johnson crew had strict parental instructions that only Walker and Andrew would be going up, but they could come and see the helicopter.

However, because Glenn nears sainthood, he took ALL OF US up for trips around Twin Falls.

It was an absolute blast.

Better than Disney Land.

The entire Crew

Restrained Jubilation

Not So Restrained Jubilation

My Steve wishing his helicopters were real...

and not just remote control.

Oh yeah, and Saylor Girl.

This was my FAVORITE shot of the entire evening.

Glenn was giving the kids safety instructions.  I loved his expressions and how the kids were still like statues listening to him.

I think I might invite Glenn over to my house when I'm having parental difficulties.

I'm happy to report that everyone was on their best behavior and neither JaNae or I have to die from embarrassment because of something our kids said or did.

...this time.

However, after seeing my son's hair in this picture I am shaking my head a little.

Carter, I know you want to be Ron Weasly more than anything, but you really really need a hair cut.

It's getting ridiculous.

 The beautiful Whitney.

We waved to Moroni.

The best part, other than flying into the Snake River Canyon and over Shoshone Falls (which by the way was AMAZING.  I sat with my mouth hanging open in awe, not able to say anything...and I forgot to take pictures), was flying behind my parent's home.  If you look really close, you can see my parents, Colby and Wes waving to us from the back porch.

Thank you so much Glenn for the ride of a lifetime!

My kids talked for HOURS after their ride about what was their favorite part.

Santa will be in trouble this year.  He will never be able to top yesterday night!

Favorite, some not so reverant, pictures taken at Grandma's funeral. She had a great sense of humor so I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Best Cousins

We never have pictures taken together...never.  So we tried.  Now I realize why we never have pictures taken together.  We both look drugged.

In tribute to my Grandma, we all drank Diet Coke.

Carter's new favorite face.  I'm "so" proud.

I'm thinking....uh...that is the biggest gum smile I have ever seen.

Love this Dixon girl...and love the hint of snaggle tooth visible.

Grandma's Funeral

Wednesday was my Grandmother Walker's funeral.

She was laid to rest next to my grandfather in the Lewisville Idaho cemetery.

I was overwhelmed with how wonderful the day was.

I think Grandma would have been happy.

It was beautiful, heartfelt and simple.

JaNae, Jonathan, Jared, Dad and I.

Jolyn, we missed you and wish circumstances would have allowed you to come.

Mom...we would have loved you in the picture, but thank you for taking this one.

At the funeral, JaNae gave my grandmother's life sketch.  She asked for help, so I wrote a small tribute to my grandmother.  I'm going to copy it onto here so I  won't lose it. 

As a granddaughter I would describe Elma as "The Norman Rockwell"  picture perfect grandmother, but with a lot more sass.  Memories of her and how I felt in her home are beautiful detailed flashbacks made up of smells and images.  You felt at home the minute you entered her home..literally.  The delicious smell of dinner cooking in the oven mixed with the sweet smell of Downy and bleach, hit you as you walked through the door.  It was a fabulous smell to be greeted by, only better trumped with a smile and a hug.  And that dinner cooking you could smell, you knew it was from scratch.  Whether it be her rolls, pies, pancakes or candy; it was always from scratch.  "Mix" was a dirty word in her home.  My favorite treat that she made was her English toffee.  She kept it in a large glass jar with a heavy lid.  We grand kids would sneak down into her food storage room, open that heavy lid and try to pick out the biggest piece with the most chocolate, all the while thinking we were pulling one over on Grandma.

Also down in her storage room was a giant closet full of her old clothing.  Because of her tiny frame, her hand me downs made perfect dress up clothes for us growing kids.  We spent hours dressing up and playing our favorite self named game of "decent ladies."  I remember how sad I felt when her many pairs high heeled size 5 shoes no longer fit me.  I was crushed, but it was a right of passage.  As was passing up Grandma in height...and then a year later passing up her hair in height.

As I think back to my childhood there are so many images that could be remembered as My Favorite from Grandma's house. There was the perfectly decorated flocked Christmas tree with the fancy glass ornaments I would secretly touch when no one was looking.  And under that tree loved I loved rummaging to find the beautifully wrapped present with my name on it.  There was the stash of multicolored gum balls hidden under her bed.  There was her doll cabinet with what seemed like hundreds to a small girl of exquisitely dressed Madame Alexander dolls staring and smiling back at me.  My sisters and girl cousins would spend hours claiming which one was our favorite and hence belonged to us.  There was the table full of rising donuts that I admitted to Grandma that I wanted to stick my finger in each of them just to see them fall.  I was lovingly scolded and told, "Don't you dare!"  There are her beautifully hand stitched quilts.  To this day I can pick out which stitches are my grandfathers on the quilt that she gave me- his stitches are tighter and not as even as hers.  There was also her many leather purses, each one of them always smelling the exact same- like cinnamon gum and Este Lauder lip stick.  There were the oh so speedy car rides to Idaho falls when I wondered how anyone could drive so fast with just the tip of their high heel touching the gas pedal.  And a road rage rant that will always be close to my heart was heard on one of these trips to town.  "Drive it or Park it Lady"  will be phrase heard by my children and grandchildren along with the phrase, "You'll howl at the moon," that was meant to discourage us grand kids from stealing sips of her diet coke, but she always let us anyway.   And I will never ever forget how when it was time to leave her wonderful home, she would stand on the back porch, still wearing her apron,  and wave goodbye until we couldn’t see her any longer.

Grandma make each of us grand kids feel special and unique.  Whether it was taking me to get my ears pierced when I was eight- I thought I was getting away with something as far as my mother was concerned, but Grandma had full parental permission, or whether it was driving all the way to Shelly in bad weather to pick up a free kitten for my brother Jon, or whether it was giving my older sister driving lessons and suffering whiplash for her efforts, we all knew Grandma loved us because she took the time to be with us. 

A few short paragraphs can’t contain the memories and love I feel for my grandmother.  I love her beyond expression.  She was the perfect example of love, service, grace, style, compassion, and selflessness.  I honestly cannot remember her ever saying an unkind word about anyone. She always brought out the positive in every situation.  I think the best compliment in the world I could give anyone would be to say they were like my grandmother.  I want to be like her.  I want to be with her again someday.  I’m grateful for eternal families so that one day I can.

Sunday

6:45 am:  Got out of bed in hopes of being on time for church.  2 hours and 15 minutes is enough to get four kids and myself ready for church isn't it?   ISN'T IT?

9:00 am:  Yelled at my kids to get in the car and threatened to give their DS systems to the DI.  (Some parent is going to find a real score for Christmas at my children's expense.)  2 hours and 15  minutes is NOT enough time.

11:30 am:  Threw in the towel and came home early so Saylor could sleep.  Spending an hour in the foyer during sacrament meeting with a screaming baby is so much fun.  Lately I liken her to a greased pig.  She is wiggly, squealy and can throw her arms in the air at such and angle that she will slip right out of my hands.  ( Her hillbilly single front tooth just adds to the entire WT- pig chase analogy.  She's looking pretty Billy-Bob.  I can't wait for that second tooth to cut.)

1:00 pm:  Threatened my children with dismemberment if they woke me up from my much needed nap.   There is something sacred about a Sunday afternoon nap.  As teenagers growing up my siblings and I were always in charge of Sunday dishes while my parents slept.  We would joke that they were up to something...wink wink.   As an adult, I fully realize they were just sleeping.  Passed out is actually a better way to describe it.

3:45 pm:  Feeling sick over the mass quantities of candy consumed after the Sunday afternoon pass out session.

4:00 pm:  After wrestling with what to make for dinner, copted out and consented to fulfill the kids wildest dreams by letting them have cold cereal.  I did however tell them they couldn't have soda with it.  #2 child spent some time in the corner over this one.  His "No Soda" tantrum was legendary.


4:30 pm:  Make plans to deliver Christmas candy to friends and neighbors so,  #1. I will stop eating the candy and  #2.  I can clear the bags off my counter.  The clutter is driving me crazy.

As for the rest of the evening....hoping to spend some time with Steve's parents, get the kids in bed early and maybe watch a movie with my darling spouse.   All of this is to mask thoughts of the upcoming week and it's responsibilities.


Addendum-

5:15 pm:  Had a slight heart attack when Carter's blood sugar was over 450.  HOLY HIGH BLOOD SUGAR BATMAN!   Have no idea how that one happened, but now understand why he had the massive tantrum.  Sorry about the shot in the arm and the infusion set prick in the rump little man.

5:45 pm:  Children all in car watching a not so Christmasy movie while we drove around delivering gifts.  Realized we missed the Christmas devotional and pretty much every door we knocked on we were interrupting someone watching it.  Nice.

6:30 pm:  Biffed it on friend's icy front step.  Had flash backs from Ricks college.

7:30 pm:  Had wonderful time at Steve's parents.  Love that family.

8:30 pm:  Made my eldest son walk barefoot in the snow out to the car because he chose to fill Carter's shoes with snow as a joke.  Carter wore Andrew's shoes to the car while Andrew carried Carter's.  I am a mean mean mom.

11:00 pm:  Wondering why in the world I am not in bed instead of writing this post and watching Harry Potter 5 at the same time.

Elma Annie Walker

Elma Annie Wright Walker, age 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away Friday, December 03, 2010, at the Rigby Homestead Assisted Living Center of natural causes. Elma was born July 6, 1924 in Freedom, Wyoming, a daughter of Charles Melvin and Hilda Victoria Erickson Wright. She attended schools in Lewisville graduating from Midway High School. She then attended Ricks College graduating with an associates degree in business. She married Paul Dean Walker Jr. June 3, 1947 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They farmed in Annis for the first few years of their marriage, and then moved to Monteview in 1954, where they farmed for over forty years. They resided in Menan and Idaho Falls following their retirement. Elma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed serving her fellow members. Paul and Elma served together as missionaries in the San Diego, California Mission at the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s center and at the San Diego Temple. She enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her four sons, Gary Walker (Ardith) of Twin Falls, Keith Walker (Jan) of St. Anthony, Ron Walker (Cindy) of Rexburg and Robert Walker (Becky) of Idaho Falls, seven sisters, LueDean Williams of Blackfoot, LaRene (Craig) Keele of Buhl, Idaho, Janet Purser of Rigby, LaNae (Hal) Olsen of Ogden, Utah, Carol Toomer of Rigby, Jackie (Calvin) Pabst of Dalton Gardens, Idaho and Peggy (Cliff) Edwards of Rigby, three brothers, Don (Donna) Wright of Richardson, Texas, Bob (Beverly) Wright of Pocatello and Carl (Julie) Wright of Swan Valley, Idaho, 16 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Paul. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rigby East Stake Center 4021 East 300 North, Rigby. The family will visit with friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Lewisville Cemetery.

Pictures From Thanksgiving Week...and This Morning

Last week can pretty much be summed up in one picture...

 Yep, that is reading 4 degrees.

It was stinking cold!!

 Carter lost his top front tooth.

His smile is cracking me up.  His other front tooth is loose at the moment, and I'm trying my hardest to teach him the words to "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth."  He's not going for it.

 Two of my nieces, who will remain nameless, went after a few of my nephews with permanent marker.  They were only trying to express their Thanksgiving Indian war paint creativity.

However...after two good scrubbings with soap and one with rubbing alcohol, the braves' faces didn't come clean.  I keep forgetting to ask my sister if they are paint free yet.

Our Thanksgiving meal was spectacular as always.

But by looking and Colby's plate you would never know it.

I've have categorized Colby's dietary habits into what could be considered medieval prison.

Bread and water- thats it.

...but it was really easy to wash his plate. 

 Seriously, how can one meal make this much clean up?

It was worth it.

Along with the 4 degree temperatures, there has been lots of snow and even more wind.

Because we have empty fields all around us, there was a two foot drift in front of our driveway this morning.  If it wasn't for Steve's 4 wheel drive, we would have been snowed in.  

Luckily, someone complained to the city and this awesome snowplow cleared out the road around 9:30 this morning. 

I'm liking the city today.

...and yes, I am just that lame and bored apparently because I have nothing better to do on a Monday morning than to take pictures of a snow plow in the front yard...while still wearing my pjs.

If only I would have been eating a chocolate chip cookie at the same time.

Maybe tomorrow.

Walker Thanksgiving Bowl-o-rama

It's tradition.

When we Walkers get together for the holidays it almost always involves a trip to Ceder Lanes for bowling and pizza.

...and it's Dad and Uncle Jareds' treat.  (awesome)

Mom and Dad

Jared and crew.  

Aunt Cara was Black Friday shopping...she's brave.

Um...I wonder what football team they like?

It's so hard to guess sometimes.

The Johnsons.

We were so sad to see them leave.

We can NEVER get enough time with this family!

Us

 The Muscle Men.

 The Say Say

Mom, Dad and Jared, thank you so much for such a wonderful time.

Steve smoked me two games in a row.  We will definitely never forget this bowling trip!

Snow Day, Second Birthday Cake and Chocolate

I only remember one or two snow days in my entire childhood education here in Twin Falls.

For there to be a snow day declared, there has to be the perfect amount of snow and wind...and the planets have to align...and pigs have to fly...and you get the idea.

Snow days in Twin are RARE.

And we had one today.

It's been great.

It has practically been a blizzard most of the day and there is no way any of us are going to leave the house.  Except for Steve because after all his patients canceled for the day, he came home and took Andrew to the doctor for a raging case of croup.  Fun Fun.

So if we weren't sick (again) and if it wasn't so blasted cold and windy, I firmly believe the boys would be outside participating in the ultimate WT sledding extravaganza like they did Saturday.

Here are pictures to prove it.

The field behind our house makes the perfect sledding course.

Colby was smart and stayed in the warm truck.

 And Saylor didn't miss out either.

(I hesitate to even post this picture because it proves what delinquent parents we are.  In our defense, it's not like Steve was driving on any roads or over five miles an hour.)

Check our the matching expressions on father and daughter.

Nuts!  My daughter is going to want to drive this vehicle.

And for my sisters, here are the pictures I promised of Saylor's official birthday party.

The color is off...but you get the idea.  

Her rainbow cake actually worked out!

s

 There was no hesitation, Saylor knew exactly what to do.

Two cakes?  I have set the standard for her birthdays way too high.

Last but not least, I've had questions about the kind of chocolate I use at Christmas time to make candy.

This is it- all 10 pounds of it.

It's worth every penny. 

Trust me.

It can be found at Swensens here in Twin and I know Orson Gigi sells it in Salt Lake.

Now that I have mine already, feel free to go pick some up!